DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Duluth shot 62 percent from the field, overcoming 29 turnovers, to earn a 94-90 victory over Southwest Minnesota State on Friday night in Duluth, Minn. 

Ryan Rasmussen scored a game-high 30 points to lead UMD (11-5, 8-4 NSIC), which moved into a tie for fourth place along with SMSU (9-7, 8-4 NSIC) and Bemidji State (13-5, 8-4 NSIC).  SMSU will play at Bemidji State on Saturday night.

Nick Smith led SMSU with a career-high 25 points, making 11 of 15 shots from the field, including a 3-pointer and also grabbed a game-high seven rebounds.

Jordan Miller added 19 points for the Mustangs, while Matt Zager chipped in with 13 points. 

The Bulldogs, ranking ninth in the country in free throw shooting, were strong from the strip on Friday night, connecting on 26 of 31 free throws and held a 39-28 rebound advantage.

SMSU finished the game shooting 45 percent from the field, but was just 4 of 15 from 3-point range and 18 of 27 from the free throw line. 

The teams combined for high-scoring first half with SMSU holding a slim 47-45 halftime lead.  UMD shot 66.7 percent in the opening half, while SMSU shot 56.7 percent from the field.  Turnovers were the story in the first half with UMD committing 16 turnovers, while SMSU finished with 10.

SMSU opened the second half building a 54-49 lead on a pair of free throws by Tramel Barnes with 17 minutes and 16 seconds left in the game, but UMD answered with a 7-1 run to regain the lead at 56-55.

UMD held the lead for much of the second half, including taking a 75-67 lead with seven minutes remaining.  SMSU continued to chip away and trimmed the deficit to 87-85 with 40 seconds left following two free throws by Zager, but the Bulldogs were able to make enough free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Southwest Minnesota State continues NSIC play tomorrow night at Bemidji State with tip-off slated for 6 p.m.