Back Again: Bulldog men’s basketball discusses March Madness excitement

Last year the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) men’s basketball team earned their first NCAA tournament berth since 2003. Now they’re back for the second year in a row.

The Bulldogs boast a 23-9 record entering the tournament having won seven of their last eight games.

This mark’s the third season in four years Head Coach Justin Wieck has led the program to 20-plus win seasons.

Reigniting a dominant UMD legacy has fueled the team’s excitiement as they hunt for their first NCAA tournament win.

“Beauty of March Madness, we’re playing in March. To do it two years in a row for our program is huge, or these guys and for this season. I know we’re playing our best basketball, so we’re excited to go down there on that stage and kind of see where we are at,” Coach Wieck said.

“Experience helps us. Last year, we kind of got that taste in our mouth of what it’s like to play and see the intensity really ramp up another level, even from the other side of the tournament,” said Drew Blair, a redshirt senior guard.

Earning the sixth seed UMD (23-9) travels to Maryville, Missouri for their Central Regional tournament. They’ll tip-off against third seeded Central Oklahoma (26-5) Saturday at Noon.

For the full Division II Men’s Basketball Championship bracket, Click Here.