Box Score Box Score
Coach Fredrickson's Post-Game Comments

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to forge a tie-game situation on two occasions late in the second half, but the second-half rally was not enough for the Wolves, who dropped a 63-56 decision to Minnesota, Crookston Saturday afternoon in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference women's basketball action.

NSU falls to 8-3 overall and 4-3 in NSIC action, while the Golden Eagles move to 5-6 on the season and 2-5 in the loop.

Northern State sophomore Devon Brecke and junior Alison Kusler each had 11 points in the second-half surge.  The duo combined for three key three-pointers - NSU's first treys in more than 40 minutes of play - and finished with 17 points apiece.

Brecke and Kusler joined forces for a 7-0 run midway through the second half to erase what remained of a 10-point UMC advantage and make it a 47-47 game with 8:37 left to play.  Brecke tied it again at 49-all with just under seven and a half to play, but a Brittani Wiese trey gave UMC the lead for good.

Kusler hit her second three-pointer of the night with 3:04 left to cut it to a three-point game at 59-56, but the Golden Eagles converted on four of nine free throws in the final 1:17 and limiting the Wolves to one-shot opportunities.

Sophomore forward Rachel Krogman added nine points, nine rebounds, four blocks and a steal for NSU, largely in the first half, but a cold night shooting both from the floor and from the free throw line contributed to NSU's woes.  NSU was just 34.8 percent from the floor, including 3-for-14 from long range, and just 41.2 percent (7 for 17) from the line on the night.

UMC, in contrast, hit seven of their 15 attempts from long range, while snaring a 49-47 advantage on the boards.

NSU begins South Division play on the road next weekend, facing off against Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul on Friday and Saturday, respectively.  Both teams are coming off big wins over nationally ranked Augustana this weekend.