CROOKSTON, Minn.– The University of Minnesota Crookston came back from 19 down in the first half to push Bemidji State University to the wire, but would ultimately fall 71-69 to their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) rivals. The Golden Eagles fall to 3-7 (2-4 NSIC), while Bemidji State improves to 3-7 (1-5 NSIC) with Friday night's win at Lysaker Gymnasium in Crookston, Minn.

The Golden Eagles would fall 19 behind Bemidji State with 7:50 remaining in the first half, but a 15-0 run for Minnesota Crookston to end the half, would put UMC down just four (32-28) at the break. UMC would make a game of it from there, pushing Bemidji State for the remainder of the game. The Golden Eagles would take a two-point lead with 1:44 remaining following as Ashley Martell (Sr., G, Somerset, Wis./Health Science) three. However, Hanna Zerr would follow with a three of her own for BSU and Bemidji State would come away with crucial free throws down the stretch to hang on for the 71-69 win.

Minnesota Crookston had four players score in double-figures Friday night. Katrina Moenkedick (Jr., F, Perham, Minn./Applied Studies) led the way with a near double-double of 13 points and nine rebounds. Alexa Thielman (Jr., G, Buffalo, Minn./Health Science), struggled shooting the ball, but would finish with 13 points on the night.

Senior Ebony Livingston (G/F, Minneapolis, Minn./Sports and Rec Management) finished with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Martell had one of her best shooting nights of the season, going 3-of-4 from beyond the arc for 11 points on the night.

The Golden Eagles were 22-of-62 for 35.5 percent from the field and 9-of-27 for 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. UMC was 16-of-21 for 76.2 percent from the charity stripe.

Bemidji State was led by 20 points and six rebounds from Sierra Senske, the daughter of former UMC basketball players Steele and Sherry Senske. She is also the grand-daughter of former UMC men's basketball head coach Gary Senske. In addition to Senske, Aimee Pelzer had 18 points and nine rebounds, while Tatum Shely had 12 points.

BSU was 25-of-59 for 42.4 percent from the field and 8-of-20 for 40 percent from beyond the arc. In addition, they controlled the boards, out-rebounding UMC 46-35.

In addition to Senske, UMC and BSU have several other connections as BSU head coach Mike Curfman used to coach at UMC. In addition, UMC head coach Mike Roysland is a member of the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame, while Bemidji State assistant coach Mark Bagaason is a member of the UMC Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Golden Eagles will return to play Jan. 2 as they host University of Mary at 6 p.m at Lysaker Gymnasium.

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).