Box Score (Crookston, Minn.) The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team entertained the Northern State Wolves this afternoon with some key names missing from the lineup. Despite the upward battle, new players stepped up and played the tremendous basketball. Despite the inspiring play, the game came down to one shot and that was NSU's Emily Becken who hit a layup in the paint with 10 seconds remaining in the game which was the eventual game-winner in a 67-66 final.
 
The Golden Eagles came out strong in the first half, battling a very aggressive Northern State offense. The Golden Eagles were able to the Wolves to 34.4% from the field. Meanwhile, the Golden Eagle offense held its own on the other side of the ball, sinking 42.9% from the field and 77.8% from the free-throw line. The first half ended in a close battle for the lead; however the Wolves held the two point advantage going into the half with the score at 35-33. The second half was an exciting battle up until the last second. The Golden Eagles looked as if they had the game in the books, scoring 24 points off the bench, many in the second half and going on an eight point run late in the game. As time ticked off the clock, the Golden Eagles held a close knit one point lead before the Wolves were able to make one last two pointer with just ten seconds remaining. The Golden Eagles made the stretch down court, but we're unable to sink the final shot to end the game.
 
The Golden Eagles were led today by Kenzie Church (5-10, Fr., F, Fairmount, N.D.) who scored a career-high 12 points. She was 5-9 from the field and 2-5 from long range. Carly Rothstein (5-10, So., F, St. Michael, Minn.), Laurie Tyson (6-1, Jr., C, Rosemount, Minn.) and Megan Eul (5-10, Sr, F, Rosemount, Minn.) all followed Church with 10 points each. Rothstein and Tyson added a team-high six rebounds apiece. Tyson also added three blocks and two steals to her defensive stats. Jacy Christenson (5-9, So., G, Shoreview, Minn.) earned the play-maker award dishing out a game-high five assists.
 
Northern State was led by Emily Becken who scored a game-high 27 points. She was 8-15 from the field, 3-6 from long range and 8-9 from the charity stripe. Alison Kusler led the Wolves and all players defensively with 12 boards in the contest.
 
Minnesota, Crookston falls to 8-12 on the season and 5-11 in the NSIC. Northern State now sits at 13-10 on the season and 8-9 in conference play. The Golden Eagles travel to Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth on Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11. Game times are set for 6 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively.
 
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).