UMD Men’s Hoops to Tip-Off Playoffs at Home Against Augustana

UMD will look to go 3-0 on the season against Augustana.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may not be March just yet but the madness will officially begin on Wednesday as the UMD men’s basketball team will host Augustana in the first round of the NSIC tournament.

It’s the 3rd meeting between the Vikings and the Bulldogs this season. So far, UMD holds a 2-0 record over Augie, winning by 9 points in a meeting in December and then again in February by 10 points.

Head Coach Justin Wieck says his team is no stranger when it comes to the postseason but that means nothing if you don’t put in the work.

“What I talked to them about earlier this week is yes we have experience. But that’s doesn’t guarentee anything. We have to use that experience in a really positive way, have to know how important every possession is and also just have that hunger to keep your season going. We have guys that have been there, been in this position, we hosted a first round game a couple of years ago against Mankato. So, we’ve been here. I think we’ll have a really good crowd. This time of the year you need to play well and need to take advantage of your opportunities,” said Wieck.

For sophomore guard Nick Katona, he says this postseason run is different than year’s past.

“I feel like this year is just a little bit extra special to me, especially with my brother this being his last run. Playoff time is something you get to forget about everything that happened in the regular season, everything that’s kind of going on, wrong in your life or right. You just get to go out there, compete with your brothers and just leave everything you have out there and finish every game win or lose knowing that you gave it everything you had,” added Katona.

Tip-off between the Vikings and the Bulldogs is set for 6 PM on Wednesday at Romano Gymnasium.