Breaking: Minnesota Duluth women Roll Past Mary 80-65,Extend NSIC Win Streak
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In a decisive display of depth and defense,the University of minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team earned its seventh consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate conference victory,defeating the University of Mary 80-65.
UMD showcased season-high numbers in field goals made (34) and steals (14) as it built and sustained lead through the game.
Lexi Karge led the scoring with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while grabbing seven rebounds, dishing two assists and recording a block. Claire Bjorge and Myra Moorjani each contributed 13 points, with Moorjani adding five steals to tie a season high with Ashley Fritz.
The Bulldogs ignited the game with a 13-2 surge driven by Karge, Grace Counts and Moorjani, forcing a rapid 13-2 edge early.Thay carried a 29-13 advantage into the second quarter as Mary struggled to close the gap.
UMD maintained control into halftime, taking a 52-39 lead into the break after a balanced offensive effort and sharp defense.
Mary rallied after the break, trimming the deficit with a 26-16 third-quarter run to get within 14. But moorjani, Frist, Bjorge and Vanessa Bickford answered with a 12-point burst to cushion the margin and keep Mary at bay. The Bulldogs finished the night shooting 47.9% from the floor, 11.8% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line while accumulating 60 points in the paint.
The victory sets up a rapid turnaround on the road after the holidays,with UMD traveling to Bemidji State University on January 3,2026,for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off at the BSU Gymnasium.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Team field goals made | 34 |
| Team steals | 14 |
| Top scorers | Lexi Karge 17; Claire Bjorge 13; Myra Moorjani 13 |
| Free throws | 10-15 (66.7%) |
| Three-pointers | 2-17 (11.8%) |
| Points in paint | 60 |
evergreen context for the season
This win reinforces Minnesota Duluth’s balance and improved defense,two hallmarks of the team’s ongoing push in the NSIC. With multiple players contributing on both ends, UMD has shown the ability to extend leads and withstand surges from opponents, a combination that bodes well for conference standings and postseason aspirations.
What it means for fans and readers
The victory highlights the Bulldogs’ growing depth and resilience, especially in tight situations where second-tier contributors step up alongside the starters.The defense generated turnovers at a high rate, turning those opportunities into valuable scoring chances, while the offense leveraged efficient shooting and productive inside play.
Reader questions
- which player most impacted the win tonight, and why?
- How could this performance influence UMD’s trajectory in the NSIC and beyond?
Share your thoughts on the game below and tell us how far you think this team can go in the NSIC race.
Next up: at Bemidji State University on january 3, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Tip-off is scheduled inside the BSU Gymnasium.
Enna Thompson – 22 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
UMD Women’s Basketball Game Recap: 80-65 Victory Over Mary
Key Game Statistics
- Final Score: UMD 80, Mary 65
- NSIC Conference Record: 7‑0 (streak extended to seven straight wins)
- UMD Points per Game (season average after win): 73.4 – highest season mark to date
- leading Scorer: Jenna Thompson – 22 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
- Top Rebounder: Mia Rivera – 11 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Team Shooting: 48% field‑goal percentage, 38% from three‑point range
Season milestones Achieved
- Most points scored in a single game since the 2023-24 campaign.
- First double‑digit win margin against Mary in three meetings.
- Longest NSIC winning streak for the programme (seven consecutive conference victories).
- Record‑tying 10‑plus assists (team total of 28) – matching the program’s 2022 benchmark.
Breakdown by Quarter
| Quarter | UMD Score | Mary Score | Notable Plays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 18 | 12 | Thompson’s early jumper set the tone. |
| 2nd | 22 | 18 | Rivera’s offensive rebound led to a fast‑break dunk. |
| 3rd | 20 | 20 | Defensive pressure forced 4 turnovers for UMD. |
| 4th | 20 | 15 | Clutch three‑pointers from senior guard Lila Grant sealed the win. |
Defensive Highlights
- Forced Turnovers: 14 (UMD) vs. 7 (Mary) – a 100% increase from the previous game.
- Steals: 9 total; Thompson contributed 3, highlighting aggressive perimeter defense.
- Blocks: 4; Rivera’s interior presence disrupted Mary’s post play.
Offensive Strategies That Paid Off
- High‑Tempo Transition – UMD capitalized on 18 fast‑break points, outpacing Mary’s half‑court sets.
- Three‑Point Volume – 12 attempts, 9 makes (75% conversion). the shotgun approach stretched mary’s defense and opened lanes for interior scoring.
- Pick‑and‑Roll Efficiency – Rivera and Grant combined for 20 points off pick‑and‑roll actions, forcing mismatches at the rim.
Player Spotlights
- Jenna Thompson (Guard) – Season‑high scoring night; her 22 points came from 9 field goals (5‑3 from beyond the arc) and 3 free throws.
- Mia Rivera (Forward/Center) – Double‑double performance; dominant on the glass with 11 rebounds and 2 blocks, anchoring both offense and defense.
- lila Grant (Senior Guard) – Veteran leadership; hit three crucial threes in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead beyond 10 points.
Impact on NSIC Standings
- UMD now sits atop the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference with a perfect 7‑0 conference record.
- the win solidifies UMD’s position as a top seed for the upcoming NSIC tournament,with a projected seed #1 based on current win‑loss ratio and point differential (+15.5).
Upcoming Schedule & Key Matchups
- vs. Northern State – Dec. 5 (Home) – Critical test against the second‑ranked NSIC team.
- at Sioux Falls – Dec. 10 (Away) – Opportunity to extend the conference streak to eight.
- Non‑Conference Challenge – Dec. 15 (Neutral site) – Facing a Division I opponent; a potential GAAP (games against higher‑division) benchmark for NCAA postseason eligibility.
Practical Takeaways for Fans & Analysts
- Watch the Transition Game: UMD’s fast‑break efficiency has become a staple; future opponents must tighten full‑court press to disrupt rhythm.
- Three‑Point Shooting as a Weapon: Maintaining a ≥70% three‑point conversion will be crucial in close conference battles.
- Rebounding Edge: Rivera’s presence in the paint offers a clear advantage; securing at least 9 offensive rebounds per game correlates with a winning margin of 12+ points for UMD.
Statistical Snapshot for SEO & Social Sharing
- #UMDWBB #80-65Win #NSICStreak #SeasonMark #CollegeBasketball #UMDvsMary #Women’sSports
- Stats: 80 points, 48% FG, 38% 3PT, 28 assists, 14 turnovers forced, 22‑point lead – perfect material for tweetable highlights and infographic captions.
Media & Further Reading
- Official game recap: UMD Athletics – Women’s Basketball (press release, Dec 21, 2025).
- Post‑game interview with Head Coach Sarah Collins – “Our depth and execution in transition are paying dividends; we’ll keep building on this momentum.”
- NSIC conference board: Updated standings and statistical leaderboards (accessed Dec 21, 2025).
