(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team came into today's NSIC contest looking for the season sweep of Winona State. The Golden Eagles defeated the Warriors 82-72 on January 14 in Winona, Minn. WSU led by as many as 11 points in the first half and took a six point lead into the break 30-24. Minnesota, Crookston exploded in the second half, outscoring Winona State 53-33 in part to outstanding free-throw shooting. The Golden Eagles were 18-19 (94.7%) from the line and hit the final 10 attempts to close out the game and take the 77-63 victory. UMC is now in the eighth and final spot for the NSIC Tournament with two games remaining in the season.
 
UMC's Brittani Wiese (G, 5-7, So., Albertville, Minn.) light up the scoreboard today knocking down a game-high 21 points and her second highest point total (24 vs. Mayville State) of the season. She was 4-11 from the field and a perfect 13-13 from the free-throw line to help the Golden Eagles dispose of the Warriors. Four other Golden Eagles earned double digits in scoring. Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) chipped in 16 points and dished four assists, Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, Sr., Northfield, Minn.) added 13 points and was 6-6 from the line, Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, So., Rosemount, Minn.) recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Carly Rothstein (F, 5-10, Fr., St. Michael, Minn.) added 10 points and dished a career and game-high five assists. As a team, the Golden Eagles were a sensational 28-31 from the free-throw line (90.3%) for the game.
 
Winona State was led by Natalie Gigler who scored 16 points on 7-14 shooting. Tessa Wells followed Gigler with 14 points and Michelle McDonald recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Minnesota, Crookston advances to 13-11 overall and 10-10 in the NSIC. Winona State falls to 16-8 overall and 12-8 in conference play. The Golden Eagles close out the regular season on the road on February 25-26. The team travels to Wayne, Neb. on Friday and Augustana College on Saturday. Game times are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively.
 
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).
 
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