Press Conference

TOPEKA, Kan. — Minnesota Duluth saw its postseason run come to an end Tuesday night, falling 80-76 to second-seeded Oklahoma Baptist in the NCAA Division II Central Region championship.

Minnesota Duluth (23-12) trailed by as many as 23 in the first half but cut the deficit to two in the closing minute before Oklahoma Baptist (30-3) sealed the game at the free-throw line.

The Bulldogs were led by Caleb Siwek, who scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-21 shooting while adding five rebounds and four assists. Jackson Fowlkes chipped in 13 points, and Kole Hanson added 10 points, going 6 of 8 at the free-throw line.

Kole Hanson and Caleb Siwek were selected to the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament team after colossal efforts across the three rounds.

Minnesota Duluth shot 41% from the field (26 of 63) and 7 of 29 from 3-point range, while converting 17 of 22 free throws. The Bulldogs also held a slight rebounding edge, 37-36.

Oklahoma Baptist used an efficient first half to build its advantage, shooting 58% (18 of 31) before the break to take a 44-31 lead into halftime.

The Bison were paced by Terry Coner Jr., who finished with 24 points, while Austin Coner added nine points and four assists. Oklahoma Baptist capitalized on turnovers, scoring 16 points off giveaways and committing just six turnovers in the game.

Minnesota Duluth rallied in the second half, outscoring Oklahoma Baptist 45-36 after the break and trimming the deficit to 78-76 with under 10 seconds to play. However, the Bison converted two late free throws to secure the victory.

Oklahoma Baptist shot 46% from the field (26 of 57) and went 23 of 32 from the free-throw line, including several key makes down the stretch.

The Bulldogs conclude the 2025-26 season with a 23-12 record, a NSIC North Division title, a NSIC Tournament Champion title, and two upset wins in the NCAA Tournament Central Region.

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