Dragons Sneak Past Golden Eagles 64-62 in NSIC Showdown

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women’s Basketball team returned to Lysaker Gymnasium today to host NSIC foe MSU Moorhead. The Dragons have had the Golden Eagles number holding UMC winless since January 6, 2004. Minnesota, Crookston took the early lead and held it until the 5:58 mark of the second half before MSU Moorhead took a one point lead. The score was tied two times and the lead changed three times down the stretch before the Dragons sealed the 64-62 victory.
 
The first half was more about defense than offense as both teams struggled from the field.  UMC shot 31.3% and MSU Moorhead missed their first eight shots on the way to a 26.7% shooting performance through the first 20 minutes of play. The Golden Eagles did manage an impressive 50% (4-8) from three-point land for the first half.  For the second half, the Dragons drastically improved their shooting to a 43.8% average. UMC also improved from the field to 34.5%, but it wasn’t enough as the Dragons outscored the Golden Eagles 42-30 in the second half.  UMC led the entire game until 6:24 left in the second half when the Dragon’s Marisa Yernatich hit two free-throws to tie the game.  The lead changed twice and then MSU Moorhead took the lead for good with 4:00 minutes left and never led by more than four points in the contest.
 
The Golden Eagles were led by Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr, Brooklyn Park, Minn.), who had a game- high 22 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.  Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, Sr, Northfield, Minn.) pitched in with 13 points and Brittani Wiese (G, 5-7, So, Albertville, Minn.) had a team-high four assists to go along with nine points. Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, So., Rosemount, Minn.) played strong down low blocking a game-high three shots and grabbing four rebounds before getting into foul trouble.
 
MSU Moorhead’s leading scorer was Angie Jetvig, who had 21 points and tied for a team-high eight rebounds. Megan Strese also had eight rebounds and 13 points and Marisa Yernatich was second on the team with 14 points.
 
Minnesota, Crookston moves to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in NSIC play. The Dragons advance to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The Golden Eagles return to Lysaker Gymnasium next weekend to host Augustana and Wayne State in an NSIC double-header. Games are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.  
 
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
 
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