#18 Bulldogs stifle Huskies at home 67-50
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#18 Minnesota Duluth (2-1,0-0 NSIC) | 19 | 11 | 17 | 20 | 67 |
|
Michigan Tech (3-1,0-0 GLIAC) | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 50 |
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Ending a three-game win streak to start the year, Michigan Tech women's basketball fell 67-50 to No. 18 University of Minnesota Duluth Saturday night at SDC Gymnasium. Brooke Olson totaled 17 points, a majority of which came in the paint and the Bulldogs limited the Huskies to under 33-percent shooting on their home court.
"They're a phenomenal team that is well coached," head coach Sam Clayton said of the Bulldogs. "Their defensive urgency was really good and forced us to make tough shots all night. Shots weren't falling for us either, which didn't help but they (UMD) also have some tremendous offensive threats, guards who can shoot, and posts that can get inside so we need to execute better if we want to win against a team like that. I think there is a ton to take from this game and learn from to get better as we move forward."
The Huskies committed eight turnovers in the first half and also were held off the free throw line in the opening 20 minutes. Conversely, Minnesota Duluth balanced their attack to take a 30-24 lead and shot 44-percent (12-27), including 31-percent (4-13) from 3-point range.
Katelyn Meister collected eight points in the first half for the Huskies. Tech shot 38-percent (11-28) from the field but struggled from the 3-point arc (2-8).
The Bulldogs extended their lead in the second half. After trading baskets, UMD pulled away for a 47-37 advantage at the end of the third quarter, two points shy of their largest lead of the game to that point.
Michigan Tech turned to a full court press and successfully caused a pair of turnovers on back-to-back Bulldog possessions, but ultimately succumbed 67-50.
Ellie Mackay led the Huskies with 10 points. Sara Dax added eight rebounds and Katelyn Meister passed three assists on the night. The Huskies struggled shooting and finished 21-for-64 (32.8-percent) and 4-for-15 (26.7-percent) from 3-point range. The Bulldogs also limited personal fouls as Tech converted 4-4 total free throws.
In addition to Olson, Maesyn Thiesen made it to double figures for UMD with 14 points (3-4 from long range). Madelyn Granica pulled down six rebounds while Payton Kahl had five. Overall, the Bulldogs shot 51-percent (26-for-51) with 6 of 18 three point tries (33.3-percent) falling. UMD also downed 9 of 10 throws.
"I thought we did an okay job taking away touches from Olson inside through the first three quarters with the double-team and our weak side rotation but we still need to be sharper and more consistent, which we'll continue to work on it," Clayton said. "Moving forward, I want us to be able to be poised and controlled offensively, while at the same time keeping the defensive urgency and rotation that gives us our identity."
Michigan Tech (3-1, 0-0 GLIAC) plays next in the Northern State Tournament, with games against MSU-Moorhead and Northern State Friday and Saturday of next week. No. 18 Minnesota Duluth continues with St. Cloud State on Tuesday, November 23.
