CROOKSTON, Minn. - Augustana University outscored the University of Minnesota Crookston women's basketball team 20-9 in the third quarter in order to pick up a 71-67 win Saturday, January 25 at Lysaker Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles closed within two points in the final minute, but were unable to get the go-ahead or tying basket, as the Vikings picked up the win.

Minnesota Crookston dropped to 7-13 (5-9 NSIC) with Saturday's loss. Augustana improved to 4-16 (2-12 NSIC). The Golden Eagles are in a three-way tie for 10th place. The Vikings have won the last eight games in the series, including their last four visits to Crookston.

The Golden Eagles were guided by Emma Miller (Jr., G, Albertville, Minn.), who had 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. She was 10-of-28 from the field, and 8-of-24 from beyond the arc. She was one three-pointer short of the school record for makes, and set an NSIC record for three-point attempts with 24. Miller averaged 27 points, 4.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds this weekend. She needs 15 points to move past Alexa Thielman for fifth all-time in scoring in Minnesota Crookston history. 

Riley Jenkins (R-So., G/F, Galesburg, Ill.) added 18 points, and 13 rebounds. On the weekend, Jenkins averaged 14 points, and 12.5 rebounds per game. Nicole Hernandez (R-Sr., F/C, Oak Creek, Wis.) finished with eight points, six boards, and four blocked shots. Hernandez needs just 14 blocked shots to surpass the school record set by Isieoma Odor. Hope Dudycha (R-So., G, Austin, Minn.) added five boards, and five assists.

The Golden Eagles shot 24-of-73 for 32.9 percent from the field. They were 24-of-73 from the field for 32.9 percent. Minnesota Crookston went 13-of-51 for 25.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 6-of-9 for 66.7 percent from the foul line. They set an NSIC record for three-point attempts as a team. Minnesota Crookston was edged on the glass 45-41, but they had 18 offensive rebounds. The Golden Eagles finished with 16 assists, to 17 turnovers.

Augustana was lifted by Hannah Burg with 24 points, and nine boards. Olivia Hayenga finished with 20 points. Payton Hardy chipped in 10 rebounds, while Paige Grant came off the bench for 12. The Vikings went 28-of-59 for 44.1 percent from the field, and 4-of-11 for 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. They were 15-of-20 for 75.0 percent from the foul line. They turned the ball over 18 times.

The Vikings raced out to an 8-0 lead on a Burg basket. They led 13-4 after a Hayenga triple. Minnesota Crookston ended the first quarter on a strong note, clipping the lead to 15-12 on a Jenkins trey. 

Minnesota Crookston knotted the game early in the second with a Miller trey (15-15). A pair of Isabella Sanneh free throws put Augustana ahead 19-15 with 6:45 left in the second stanza. The Golden Eagles countered with a 5-0 run to take a 20-15 lead following five-consecutive points from Miller. The U of M Crookston moved into a 26-21 advantage after a Rayna Klejeski (So., F, Barnum, Minn.) free throw. Augie was able to knot the score 30-30 after a put-back from C.J. Adamson. The two squads were tied 33-33 at the break.

Augustana took an early 36-33 lead, but a Jenkins triple tied the game up 36-36. Minnesota Crookston did not score for nearly seven minutes, as the Vikings pushed the lead to 49-36 on a Hayenga jumper. A Miller trey cut the deficit to 49-39. Augustana went into the quarter intermission with a 53-42 lead.

The Vikings opened the fourth quarter on a 5-0 run, to go ahead 58-42. The Golden Eagles countered with an 11-0 run, as a Miller trey cut the deficit to five. Minnesota Crookston pulled within three as Miller found Hernandez for a pair with 5:55 left in the tilt. Augustana extended their lead to nine with 4:11 remaining in the tilt. The U of M Crookston rallied with a 7-0 run, as a Hernandez basket cut the deficit to two with one minute remaining. They were unable to convert two chances on the offensive end, while Burg iced the win with a pair of free throws, ending the game 71-67.

Minnesota Crookston remains at home to host Minot State State University Wednesday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m.