CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston women's basketball team lost 98-70 to the undefeated second-ranked Minnesota State University squad Friday, January 30 at Gary Senske Court at Lysaker Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles played their closest game with the Mavericks since February 7, 2020 in Mankato. Minnesota Crookston pulled within 12 points early in the fourth quarter as they made it difficult in the second half for the Mavericks. The Golden Eagles outscored Minnesota State 24-23 in the third quarter. 

Minnesota Crookston dropped to 5-16 (4-11 NSIC) with Friday's home loss. The Golden Eagles are currently in a tie for 14th in the overall NSIC standings, and seventh in the NSIC North. Minnesota State improved to an unblemished 21-0 (15-0 NSIC). 

The Golden Eagles were guided by Rayna Klejeski (Jr., F, Barnum, Minn.) with 15 points and seven boards on 4-of-6 from the field, and 7-of-7 from the stripe. Emma Miller (Sr., G, Albertville, Minn.) added 14 points on 5-of-10 from the field. Miller is 64 points from surpassing Minnesota Duluth's Brooke Olson for the NSIC record. Riley Jenkins (R-Jr., G, Galesburg, Ill.) finished with 14 points. Anna Westby (Fr., F, Eveleth, Minn.) notched five points, five boards, and seven blocked shots. Her blocked shots mark was one away from tying the school record held by Jessica Forsline and Nicole Hernandez. Westby is 26 blocked shots shy of Nicole Hernandez's record set with 80 last season. Emma Pierson (Fr., G, Cherry Valley, Minn.) came off the bench for seven points.

Minnesota Crookston shot 22-of-48 for 45.8 percent. They went 6-of-18 for 33.3 percent from the line, and 20-of-25 for 80.0 percent from the stripe. The Golden Eagles were narrowly outrebounded 39-36. Minnesota State forced 41 turnovers, and had 26 steals. The Mavericks have one of the most tenacious defenses nationally, averaging 35 turnovers and 21 steals per game entering Friday, led by their full-court press.

The Mavericks shot 33-of-77 for 42.9 percent from the field. Minnesota State went 6-of-20 for 30.0 percent from distance, and 26-of-30 for 86.7 percent from the stripe. The Golden Eagles forced 21 turnovers for Minnesota State.

The Mavericks had five in double figures. Natalie Bremer tallied 18 points on 7-of-18 from the field. Mackenzie Schweim notched 15 points. Hannah Herzig had 12 points, five boards, and a team-high five steals. Ava Stier chipped in 11 points and eight boards. Rhyan Holmgren finished with 10 points.The Mavericks tallied 36 points off turnovers.

Minnesota State had early control, leading 50-28 at the break. The Mavericks led by 20 (60-40) with 4:52 left in the third quarter. However, Minnesota Crookston made a 6-0 run paced by a pair of steals to pull within 14 (60-46) on a Jenkins basket. The Mavericks would push the advantage out to 21 going into the quarter break, and did not look back as they picked up a 98-70 win. 

The Golden Eagles return to action Saturday, January 31 at 1:30 p.m., against St. Cloud State University.