Minot, N.D.—Minot State shot 53 percent from the field and jumped out to a quick start on Friday night to defeat the Golden Eagles, 76-45 in women's basketball action at the Minot Dome.

With the loss, the Golden Eagles fall to 2-5 (2-3 NSIC), while the Beavers improve to 1-4 overall (1-2 NSIC North).
Key Plays
The Beavers were all over the Golden Eagles in the first four minutes of play, jumping out a quick 13-0 lead, before Mary Burke (R-So., G, Virginia, Minn.) would hit a top of the key three to halt the run.

Burke would score nine of the Golden Eagles first 11 points in the first quarter. Jes Mertens (Fr., G, Devils Lake, N.D.) would bury two free throws for the other two points.

Mertens would score the first four points of the second quarter for the Golden Eagles, before Haylee Wheeler (Fr., F, Lakeville, Minn.) would bury two free throws to make it 39-17, in favor of the Beavers.

The Golden Eagles would trail 41-20 at the half.

The second half would prove to be another struggle for the Golden Eagles, as the Beavers defeated Minnesota Crookston.
Key Stats
The Golden Eagles were led by Burke's 13 points, followed by two freshman, Mertens and Eden Golliher (Fr., F, Iron River, Mich.), who scored six points each. Mertens continued her impressive defensive prowess on Friday, swiping four steals in the loss.

As a team, the Golden Eagles shot just 19 percent from the floor, while the Beavers shot over 50 percent from the field.

These two teams will do battle once again from the Minot Dome in Minot. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m., tomorrow afternoon.