Box Score (Crookston, Minn.) The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team returned to Lysaker Gymnasium today to take on NSIC rival MSU Moorhead. The Golden Eagles entered today's game with a conference record of 5-8, facing the Dragons who also come into the contest with a 5-8 record. The first half began as a constant battle for the lead on both sides. The Golden Eagles got off on the right foot, matching Moorhead's points on every possession. However, the Dragons we're able to take off on a five-point run, giving MSU Moorhead the edge for the remainder of the first half. Minnesota, Crookston headed into the half trailing MSU Moorhead 44-33. The second half was no better for the Golden Eagles as the offense couldn't gain sufficient momentum leading to UMC shooting just 23.1% (6-26) from the field. The Dragons dominated the boards throughout the game grabbing 49 rebounds to the Golden Eagles 29 and extended the lead to 26 before taking the 24 point victory 77-53.

The Golden Eagles were led by Brittani Wiese (5-7, Sr., G, Albertville, Minn.) who tallied a team-high 18 points. She was 6-11 from the field, 2-3 from long range and 4-4 from the free-throw line. Wiese dished two assists and led all players with three steals. Lauren Kessler (6-1, Jr., C, Albertville, Minn.) followed Wiese in scoring with a total of nine points. Carli Bunning (6-0, Jr., F, Boone, Iowa) fought hard to grab a total of six rebounds to lead the Golden Eagles.

MSU Moorhead was led by Megan Strese, who scored 19 points for the Dragons. She was 7-13 from the field and 5-6 from the free-throw line. In addition, she added a game-high 11 rebounds to earn the only double-double of the game. Angie Jetvig followed Strese with 17 points and two blocked shots.

The Golden Eagles fall to 8-10 on the season and 5-9 in the NSIC. MSU Moorhead advances to 9-9 on the season and 6-8 in the conference. Next week the University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team returns to Lysaker Gymnasium on Friday, February 3 to take on the University of Mary, and then again on Saturday, February 4 against Northern State University. Game times are set for 6 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

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

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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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