Sioux Falls, S.D. – Minnesota Crookston traveled to Sioux Falls to take on the University of Sioux Falls on Wednesday night in the first round of the NSIC playoffs. The Golden Eagles were looking to upset the Cougars and head their way back down I-29 this weekend for a date with Northern State at the Sanford Pentagon.
USF would use a massive third quarter and pull away for the first round win, 81-69.
The Cougars now advance to take on Northern State on Sunday at the Sanford Pentagon.
Much like was the plan, the Golden Eagles would start fast with two straight buckets from
Nicole Hernandez (R-Sr., C, Oak Creek, Wis.), a three and an easy layup.
The Cougars would take a 6-5 lead, but that wouldn't last long as
Riley Jenkins (R-So., G, Galesburg, Ill.) would splash home a three to regain a two point lead.
The game would continue to be back and forth and the Cougars would take a 19-16 lead, but a
Hope Dudycha (R-So., G, Austin, Minn.) bucket in the paint and an
Emma Miller (Jr., G, Albertville, Minn.) three would get the Golden Eagles back the lead at two.
Minnesota Crookston would lead the end of the first quarter by a point.
Early in the second quarter, USF would take a five point lead at 30-25, but
Rayna Klejeski (So., F, Barnum, Minn.) would finish an easy layup and Hernandez would splash home another three to tie the game up at 30.
USF would end the half on a 13-4 lead and a nine point halftime advantage heading into the locker room.
Miller led the way with 11 points, while Hernandez add 10 points and five rebounds.
The third quarter would be all Cougars and they would do it from the three point line, as they would bury five shots from long range. USF would take a commanding lead heading into the final quarter.
The Golden Eagles would try to chip away in the final quarter. Jenkins would continue her fantastic season with a pair of three point makes and Miller would bury her patented floater to cut the Cougar lead to 73-54.
Minnesota Crookston would get even closer and make it a 15 point game, after scoring six straight points, capped off by a
Willow Thiel (Fr., F, Perham, Minn.) layup.
It would be too little, too late for the young Golden Eagles, who would fall to the Cougars.
Miller continued her fantastic season with 26 points and six rebounds. Hernandez was outstanding in her final collegiate game, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds, her third double-double of the season. Jenkins added 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Thank You Nicole
Hernandez played in her final game as a Golden Eagle, wrapping up a fantastic career. Hernandez is the Minnesota Crookston all-time blocks leader. Once a Golden Eagle, always a Golden Eagle.
