(Mankato, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team traveled to Minnesota State in Mankato, Minn. today to take on the Mavericks. Minnesota State took a 38-32 lead into halftime and led by as much as nine through the first 20 minutes. UMC tied the score for the third time on a Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, So, Rosemount, Minn.) jumper and went on a 11-4 run to take a 55-48 lead. The Mavericks responded and took the lead back and extended it to seven points with 3:16 remaining. The Golden Eagles made a run late and with 54 seconds remaining UMC cut the lead to 67-65 on a three-pointer by Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, Sr, Northfield, Minn.). After a missed Golden Eagle layup, the team was forced to foul and Minnesota State sank both free-throw shots before giving up an uncontested UMC score with five seconds remaining to take the 69-67 victory.

The Golden Eagles were led offensively by Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) who scored a game-high 17 points. She was 8-15 from the field and tied a team-high with seven rebounds. Brittani Wiese (G, 5-7, So, Albertville, Minn.) followed Zelinsky with 16 points. Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, Sr, Northfield, Minn.) and Megan Eul (F, 5-10, Jr, Rosemount, Minn.) closed out the top UMC scorers with 12 and 10 points respectively. Both grabbed six rebounds and Zabel dished a team-high five assists.

Minnesota State was led by Laura Weber's 14 points. She was followed Ali Hoefer and Ali Wilkenson who knocked down 12 and 11 points respectively. Wilkinson also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds for the only double-double of the game.

Minnesota, Crookston moves to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in conference play. Minnesota State improves to 6-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play. The Golden Eagles return to the court this Saturday and Sunday when they play host to Northern State and the University of Mary. Tip-off on both days is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Lysaker Gymnasium.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.   

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an 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).

Photo: Jamie Zelinsky

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