News

CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL HANDS UMD FIRST HOME LOSS OF 2012-13

Friday, January 18, 2013

Courtney Doucette put up 12 points and dished out four assists Friday night.

The University of Minnesota Duluth remained unbeaten at home for the initial two-plus months of the season, but Concordia University-St. Paul put an end to that Friday night. The Golden Bears owned the boards, creating second-chance opportunities and earning a combined 29 trips to the free throw line as a result to deal the Bulldogs their first loss at Romano Gymnasium this winter (7-1).

Both teams fought through offensive struggles during a physical first half that featured several hard fouls. UMD got behind the eight-ball early as Concordia started the game on a 7-2 run, but the Bulldogs would quickly erase that minor deficit and pull ahead 9-7 on a 3-pointer by junior forward Katrina Newman. Shooting struggles prevented the Bulldogs from remaining ahead for long, however, and Concordia-St. Paul took a 25-21 lead into the half. UMD moved the ball well, but shot just 26 percent from the field despite creating plenty of open shot opportunities. 

Gritty, physical play continued both ways on the other side of the break with the two teams combining for 21 fouls. The Bulldogs were forced to adjust with Katrina Newman in foul trouble for the majority of the second half, which certainly did UMD no favors in terms of the rebounding battle. The Golden Bears grabbed a collective 26 rebounds over the final 20 minutes and made it to the free throw line a staggering 21 times, cashing in 18 of those tries to keep things out of reach down the stretch. Trips to the line proved to be the difference in the contest as UMD attempted just four free throws in the second half and five for the game.

The Bulldogs (10-5 overall and 7-4 in the NSIC) won the turnover battle, but suffered the setback despite forcing Concordia-St. Paul into 24 giveaways. The Golden Bears (10-5; 8-3) came away with nine blocked shots on defense to help combat the mounting turnovers. Katrina Newman led the Bulldogs with 13 points, while senior guard Courtney Doucette came away with 12 points, two steals and a team-leading four assists.

The Bulldogs return to action tomorrow night when they play host to nationally ranked Minnesota State University-Mankato. 

Box Score

Return to all news.