CROOKSTON, Minn. — Less than 24 hours after capturing its first NSIC win at Bemidji State, the Minot State women’s basketball team battled with Minnesota State Crookston in another hard-fought game.

The Beavers (4-14, 1-13 NSIC) lost 76-74 to the Golden Eagles (3-15, 2-12 NSIC). MSU senior guard Mariah Payne shot 10-for-19 from the field and scored a game-high 31 points.

The contest featured 18 lead changes and seven ties. Notably, the Golden Eagles scored 16 points off 14 MSU turnovers.

Junior guard Bethany Theodore (15 points) and junior forward Calli Delsman (11 points) joined Payne in double figures. Four Golden Eagles eclipsed the 10-point mark, and Mary Burke tallied a team-high 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting.

The Golden Eagles captured their first win in eight games.

Next up, the Beavers will travel to Augustana (11-7, 7-7 NSIC) next Friday for a 5:30 p.m. game. That contest will mark the teams’ first meeting this season.

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