Box Score

MARSHALL, MINN. - Minnesota, Crookston's Bri Zabel converted a three-point play with 13 seconds remaining to give the Golden Eagles the go-ahead basket and help her team to a 76-73 conference victory over Southwest Minnesota State Saturday night in Marshall.

UMC improves to 7-5 ( 3-3 NSIC) on the season, while SMSU drops to 9-6 (1-3 NSIC).

Megan Stadler led all Mustangs with 15 points on the evening; the junior was 5-of-8 from behind the arc and dished out a team-high five assists.  Abby Kenealy and Tori Fink added 10 and 11 points, respectively.

Abby Oakland was one shy of double digit in points, finishing with nine and grabbing a team-high six boards.

The Golden Eagles took control in the first half, posting a 10-point lead midway through the first half.  That lead only extended as UMC held an 18-point advantage at the half.

That lead got larger, too, but the Mustangs rallied from a 22-point second half deficit to take a one-point lead via a Fink trey  with 3:15 remaining.

UMC would regain the lead with 1:10 left on the clock, but an Oakland three-pointer for SMSU gave the host team a another one-point lead at 72-71.  Megan Stadler sank a free throw for SMSU to put the Mustangs up by two, but Zabel then drove the baseline and converted her three-point play.

On the ensuing possession, SMSU's Sara Leidall was blocked by UMC's GIna Jaroszewski.  The Mustangs were forced to foul, and Ana Garcia drained two free throws to seal the victory for the Golden Eagles.

Jamie Zelinksy's 17 points and Zabels eight rebounds led UMC.

The Mustangs are back in action on Friday when they host Winona State at 6 p.m.