CROOKSTON, Minn. - Emma Miller (So., G, Albertville, Minn.) drained a three with 34 seconds remaining on an out-of-bounds play drawn up by Head Coach Natalie Moynihan, as the University of Minnesota Crookston earned a 72-67 comeback victory Thursday night. The Golden Eagles defeated the Dragons after trailing by six (64-58) with 1:46 remaining.

The Golden Eagles improved to 6-5 (3-2 NSIC) with Thursday's win to continue their best start since the 2018-19 season. Minnesota Crookston is in their first season led by Moynihan. MSU Moorhead saw a two-game win streak snapped, falling to 2-8 (2-3 NSIC). The Golden Eagles picked up their first win over the Dragons since a 68-60 win February 13, 2022 in Moorhead. The win is the first for Minnesota Crookston over MSU Moorhead at Lysaker Gymnasium since January 22, 2016.

Miller guided the Golden Eagles with 27 points on 9-of-18 from the field, and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Miller also added seven boards, and four assists. Miller was a key piece in the win after being slowed down in her previous two games, averaging seven points. Hope Dudycha (R-Fr., G, Austin, Minn.) played a crucial role, moving to the point guard role. Dudycha had 10 points, and four assists. Janie Tormanen (So., F/C, Menahga, Minn.) added eight points and eight boards. Olivia Walsh (Fr., G/F, Austin, Minn.) finished with nine points and seven boards, while Nicole Hernandez (R-Jr., F/C, Oak Creek, Wis.) had nine points and six boards.

The Golden Eagles outscored MSU Moorhead 14-3 in the final 1:46 of Thursday's contest. Minnesota Crookston shot 25-of-60 for 41.7 percent from the field. They were strong from outside, hitting 11-of-20 for 55.0 percent, their most treys of the 2023-24 season. Minnesota Crookston was 11-of-17 for 64.7 percent from the stripe. They managed the ball well in their fast-paced offense, dishing out 12 assists to 12 turnovers. MSU Moorhead held the edge on the boards 42-39, including 11 offensive boards.

Minnesota Crookston outscored MSU Moorhead 45-32 in the second and third quarters, but were outscored 35-27 in the first and fourth quarters. 

MSU Moorhead was propelled by Natalie Jens with 21 points on 9-of-19 from the field. Terryn Johnson chipped in a double-double of 13 points and 14 boards. Maya Metcalf notched nine boards, while Karlee Fisher had seven points off the bench.

The Dragons went 26-of-69 for 37.7 percent from the field. They were held to 6-of-24 for 25.0 percent from beyond the arc, and went 9-of-14 for 64.3 percent from the foul line. MSU Moorhead had nine assists to 11 turnovers.

The Golden Eagles jumped out to the early 7-5 lead in the first quarter after a Walsh bucket. They went cold from there, not scoring for three minutes and allowing MSU Moorhead to go on an 8-0 run to leap ahead 13-7. MSU Moorhead went into the quarter break with a 17-9 lead.

The Dragons opened the second stanza on a 4-0 run, using an Ashley Fritz bucket to go ahead 21-9. Minnesota Crookston was able to come back and trailed just 23-17 after Hope Dudycha found Hernandez for the triple with 7:14 remaining. The MSU Moorhead pushed out to a 10-point lead on a Fritz trey. The Golden Eagles came charging back and cut the deficit to three with a Miller three-pointer with three minutes left in the quarter. MSU Moorhead gained the momentum back and went into the locker room up eight (37-29) after an Olivia Skibiel three.

Minnesota Crookston came out of the locker room a new team, as they opened the third quarter on a 13-2 taking a 42-39 lead on a Walsh fastbreak lay-in. The Dragons took the lead back on a Jens basket. However, Minnesota Crookston fought back and took the 54-47 advantage on a pair of Miller free throws. The Dragons cut the deficit to 54-49 going into the final stanza.

Minnesota Crookston widened the gap to seven (56-49) after a Tormanen bucket to open the quarter. However, that would be the high note for over six minutes as MSU Moorhead went on a 13-0 run taking the lead 62-56. The Golden Eagles broke their scoreless streak with a Hernandez jumper with 2:14 remaining in the game to pull within four. The Dragons went back up by six (64-58) following a Jens basket with 1:46 left. Minnesota Crookston came charging back propelled by a Hope Dudycha trey on the next possession. Dudycha followed suit with a lay-in to trim the deficit to one (64-63) with 48 seconds left. Jens hit 1-of-2 from the foul line to extend the lead to 65-63 with 38 seconds remaining. Moynihan called a timeout to draw up a quick play off the sideline. The Golden Eagles found Miller, who drained the contested trey to put Minnesota Crookston ahead 66-65 with 31 seconds left. Tormanen was also fouled on the floor during the play and hit both free throws to make it 68-65. The Golden Eagles were able to secure the victory down the stretch, winning 72-67.

Minnesota Crookston remains at home to host Northern State University at 3 p.m., Saturday, December 16 at 3 p.m., at Gary Senske Court at Lysaker Gymnasium.