Newman’s 21 Points Lead UMD to 78-65 Win

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Feb 12

Northland Sports Online

One thing is for certain – the University of Minnesota women’s basketball starting five know how to score. Senior forward Kelsey Hewitt collected a double-double and four starters racked up double digit points for the Bulldogs, as UMD used a big second-half push at the University of Minnesota, Crookston to top the Golden Eagles, 78-65.

The Bulldogs (12-10 overall, 10-8 Northern Sun) scored 74 of their 78 points with their starting five, using a .491 field goal percentage from the starters to outscore Crookston 29-15 in the final nine minutes of the game.

Hewitt scored 12 of her 19 points in the first half, but used her size and quickness to grab 11 rebounds, including five big boards in the second half. Freshman forward Katrina Newman lit it up in the second half, shooting 60 percent from the floor for UMD down the stretch and dropping 13 of her 21 points in the final 20 minutes. The 21 points tied a career high for the freshman.

The Golden Eagles (11-11, 8-10) fought back to retake a one-point lead after trailing by 11 in the first half, using a quick start to the second half, and forcing turnovers defensively to lead to quick baskets. But a jumper by Newman and a pair of deep three-pointers from sophomore guard Courtney Doucette sent the momentum swinging back in the Bulldogs’ direction for good halfway through the period, and UMD was able to work the clock and ice the win.

Junior guard Lindsay Miller quietly had a very strong night, scoring 17 points while notching eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. Doucette finished with 10 points, while senior forward Shelly Stemper posted seven points and 10 rebounds. Hannah Rutten was the only other Bulldog to score, contributing four points off the bench. UMD out-rebounded the Golden Eagles 47-33, and scored 18 points off of turnovers while Crookston converted only 10 points.

With the win, the Bulldogs remain alone in sixth place in the conference, at 10-8 with four games remaining. MSU-Moorhead sits in seventh place with a 9-9 conference record, while U-Mary, St. Cloud State, MSU-Mankato and Crookston are tied for the eighth slot, with a record of 8-10.

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