UMD Men's Basketball Falls Short in Historic NSIC Opener, Losing 71-70
The University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team suffered a narrow defeat in their inaugural Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) game against the University of Jamestown, losing 71-70 with two time-expiring free throws. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulldogs couldn't secure the win, but they showed promise in their first historic matchup.
Noah Paulson led the scoring charge with a career-high 28 points, showcasing his versatility with 61.5% shooting from the field (8-13), 91.7% free throw accuracy (11-12), and a successful three-point shot. He also contributed one assist, one block, and seven rebounds, making it a well-rounded performance. Kole Hanson followed with 13 points, providing valuable support.
The first half was a tight affair, with both teams trading baskets for the opening four minutes. Mattie Thompson's free throw ignited a 5-0 run, giving UMD a 5-point lead. However, Jamestown responded with an 11-4 run, taking the lead for the first time at the 10-minute mark. They extended their advantage in the final ten minutes, building a double-digit lead with a 24-13 run. The Bulldogs' struggles in the first half were evident in their three-point shooting, making only one of 12 attempts (8.3%).
The second half saw a determined UMD comeback. Paulson, Jackson Fowlkes, Mattie Thompson, and Nick Katona combined for a 14-5 run, narrowing the gap to three points at 43-40. The Bulldogs then took control, outscoring Jamestown 27-24 in the final quarter, tying the game with under two minutes to play. With a minute remaining, Hanson's three-pointer seemed to seal the deal, but a crucial foul by Peyton Rogers in the final seconds set up Ford Okehi for the game-winning free throws, which he calmly sank with time expired.
Statistically, the team shot 37.7% from the field (23-61), 29.4% beyond the arc (5-17), and 79.2% from the free throw line (19-24). The first half's poor three-point shooting (1-12) was a significant factor in their performance. Despite this, the Bulldogs earned 35 rebounds to Jamestown's 37, with Paulson and Katona each grabbing seven.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will return to Romano Gymnasium on Thursday to host Minot State University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for the team to bounce back and showcase their resilience in their next NSIC matchup.
