The University of Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team secured an 80-75 victory over Concordia University, St. Paul to begin their season, UMD Athletics reported.
Testing momentum against Emporia State and Missouri Western
UMD now travels to St. Joseph, Missouri, for the Hillyard Classic to face two distinct challenges. The Bulldogs play the Emporia State Hornets on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and the Missouri Western Griffons on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
The matchup against Emporia State carries historical weight. UMD has played the Hornets only three times, holding a 2-1 lead in the all-time series. The most recent meeting occurred on March 12, 2023, when the Bulldogs won 84-79 to reach the Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament.
Emporia State enters the game as a fresh opponent, marking their season opener. While the Hornets finished the 2025-26 season with a 9-19 record, they previously secured a notable 77-61 win over St. Cloud State. The Hornets’ roster features junior forward Chris Harris, who averaged 12.3 points and 28.3 minutes per game last season, alongside returning players Olafur Styrmisson and Treyvon Taylor.
Defensively, the Hornets remain a formidable force on the glass. Last season, they maintained one of the highest defensive rebound percentages in the nation at 75.3%.
The coaching matchup features a familiar face for the Bulldogs. Emporia State head coach Tom Billeter previously led the Augustana Vikings from 2003 to 2024. During his tenure there, Billeter won the 2016 NCAA Division-II National Championship and held a 17-16 record against UMD.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs face the Missouri Western Griffons for the first time in program history. The Griffons are projected to be a top contender in the MIAA, having been selected third in the conference preseason poll.
Missouri Western finished the 2025-26 season with a 21-12 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Their offensive efficiency was a standout metric, posting a rating of 114.6, which ranked among the best in Division-II.
The Griffons will rely on players such as Bode Goodman, Crew Gibson, and the returning William Kiburis. Head coach Brooks McKeown, now in his second season with the program, enters the matchup with a 7-5 career record against UMD.
| Team | 2025-26 Record | MIAA Preseason Projection | Key Metric/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State | 9-19 | 12th | 75.3% defensive rebound rate |
| Missouri Western | 21-12 | 3rd | 114.6 offensive rating |
Both contests will be available for viewers via the MIAA Network.
To repeat their success, the Bulldogs must maintain their intensity on the boards and improve their shooting percentages. The upcoming weekend presents a test of whether the momentum from their opening win can withstand high-level MIAA competition.
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