(Crookston, Minn.)- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced today that Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, JR, Northfield, Minn.) has been named the NSIC Women's Basketball Player of the Week. Zabel earned the recognition for her conference play in two outstanding victories for the Golden Eagles on January 2 and 3. Minnesota, Crookston defeated defending National Champions and #11 ranked Minnesota State 88-74 on January 2 and followed that performance up with a 76-72 victory over Southwest Minnesota State on January 3. The Golden Eagles are now 6-6 overall and tied for third in the Northern Sun at 4-2.
 
Zabel scored 17 points against the Mavericks and went 7-13 from the field, grabbed seven rebounds and dished four assists. Against the Mustangs, Zabel put the contest away with 13 seconds left when she hit two free-throws to close out the contest 76-72. Zabel led all scorers with 23 points in the game. She was 5-11 from the field and a staggering 11-12 from the free-throw line. On the weekend Zabel averaged 20 points/game on 12-24 (.500) shooting. She was 3-8 from long range and 13-16 from the free-throw line. She was second on the team in rebounds with 13 (6.5 rebounds/game), assists (8) and tied for the team lead with two steals. On the season, Zabel leads the Golden Eagles in scoring averaging 15.8 points/game and is first on the team in rebounding with 69 (5.8 rebounds/game).
 
The team hits the road next weekend as they travel to Wayne State and Augustana on Friday, January 8 and Saturday, January 9. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.  
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Photos: (Top): Bri Zabel (Bottom): Zabel drives the lane against St. Cloud State University.