CROOKSTON, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State University women's basketball team used an explosive second quarter to earn an 83-62 victory over the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action on Friday evening inside the Lysaker Gymnasium. 

SMSU (12-2, 6-2 NSIC) finished the night shooting 33 of 64 (52 percent) from the field including 53 percent (10 of 19) from downtown.  

UMC, which drops to 5-8 on the year and 3-4 in conference play, closed the day shooting 34 percent (22 of 65) from the field including shooting 7 of 27 (26 percent) from beyond the arc. 

Peyton Blandin led the SMSU offense with a game-high 23 points on 69 percent shooting from the field including 71 percent from three, eight rebounds, and three assists. Bri Stoltzman recorded her second double-double of the season with 20 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Nicole Maenke connected on three 3-pointers to finish with 12 points. Audrey Swanson finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.  

SMSU started the game with a 7-5 run until UMC got into a rhythm and used a 7-3 run to lead 12-10 with 2:42 to play in the first quarter. Both teams would trade off the next 12 points to end the first quarter tied 18-18. 

The Mustangs opened the second quarter sinking three 3-pointers to go on a 13-3 run to lead by 10 with 7:11 remaining. SMSU would hold UMC scoreless over the next five minutes to build to a 45-21 lead before closing the first half up 45-26. 

Crookston began the second half with a pair of free throws and a jumper, but SMSU would respond with a pair of layups to maintain its 19-point lead. The Golden Eagles would go on a 17-9 run to dwindle SMSU's lead to 18 points going into the fourth quarter.  

The Mustangs would finish the game going on an 18-7 run to close out the game 83-62. 

SMSU will be back in action at home against MSU Moorhead on Friday, Jan. 10, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m.