(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team continued Northern Sun play tonight as they hosted the Upper Iowa University Peacocks. The lead changed hands seven times in the first half but after the first 20 minutes of play, the Golden Eagles only allowed the Peacocks to tie the score two more times before going on to the 70-69 victory.

The give and take first half saw the Golden Eagles lead the Peacocks 37-32 as the teams headed to their locker rooms. Leading the way for the Golden Eagles in the first half was Brittani Wiese (G, 5-7, FR, Albertville, Minn.) who tallied a half-high 12 points on 5 of 8 shooting. Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, Rosemount, Minn.) recorded six total points and six total rebounds including four offensive boards. Minnesota, Crookston dominated the paint with an impressive 12 offensive rebounds and 11 defensive rebounds while the UMC defense caused 13 Upper Iowa turnovers. Leading the Peacocks in the first half was Karina Berinobis with nine points and Kenya Howard with seven points and eight rebounds.

The Golden Eagles we led in the game by Brittani Wiese who was 8 of 13 from the field, 1 of 1 from deep, and 1 of 1 from the free-throw line for a total of 18 points. Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, JR, Northfield, Minn.) finished the game with 16 points with 11 of her points coming from the line and 14 coming in the second half. Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, JR, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) added 12 points and Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, FR, Rosemount, Minn.) played the best 33 minutes of her career tying a career-high with 10 points, setting a career-high with 13 rebounds and securing the first double-double of her career.

Upper Iowa was led by Kenya Howard who was 7 of 14 from the field and 5 of 7 from the free-throw line for a total of 19 points. She led the team in rebounds with a game-high 17 boards. The Peacocks also got offensive productivity out of Karina Berinobis who had 15 points, and Cassandra Deiters who put up 12 point in the contest.

The Golden Eagles advance to 7-9 overall and 5-5 in Northern Sun play. The Peacocks fall to 1-16 overall and 0-11 in conference play. Minnesota, Crookston returns to the court tomorrow to host Winona State University. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. for the women and 6:00 p.m. for the men.

Photo: Laurie Tyson

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).