Wisconsin Beats Minnesota Duluth 3-2
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Sophomore forward Craig Smith continued his torrid scoring Saturday, getting a goal and an assist to help Wisconsin hold off Minnesota-Duluth 3-2.
The Badgers jumped out to a three-goal lead and survived two late goals by the Bulldogs.
Smith, who had a four-point game last week, overtook Minnesota-Duluth's Jack Connolly for the scoring lead in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Smith has 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points. Connolly was held to an assist in the series, giving him 32 points.
The Badgers (15-8-3, 7-7-2), who had their seven-game winning streak snapped in a 2-0 loss to the fifth-ranked Bulldogs (15-5-3, 10-4-2) on Friday, led 3-0 heading into the third period.
Justin Schultz and Podge Turnbull made it 2-0 after the first period and Smith added to the Badgers' lead less than a minute into the second. Schultz also had a goal and an assist.
Minnesota-Duluth rallied late in the third period, getting two quick goals against Badgers goalie Scott Gudmandson, who made 20 saves.
Joe Basaraba scored at 18:01 and Travis Oleksuk at 19:35.
Kenny Reiter made 23 saves and did not face a shot on goal in the third period.
The Bulldogs' win on Friday moved them into a first-place tie with North Dakota for the WCHA lead. Saturday's loss, combined with wins by North Dakota and Denver, dropped Minnesota-Duluth to third place.
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