FARGO, N.D. - Minnesota-Crookston erased a 17-point third quarter deficit and held on to beat North Dakota State 76-73 in exhibition women's basketball Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.

The Golden Eagles tied the game at 62 on a 3-pointer by Caitlin Michaels with 6:30 left in the game and went ahead for good on Alexia Thielman's jumper that made it 64-62 near the 4-minute mark.

Minnesota-Crookston made all 10 of its free throws the rest of the way to help seal the victory.  The Bison had a chance to tie with 10 seconds left, but Marena Whittle's 3-pointer was off the mark.  UMC's Alison Hughes secured the rebound and knocked down two free throws to make it a five-point game late.

Whittle had 17 of her game-high 23 points in the first half and junior college transfer Brianna Jones finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots for NDSU.  The Bison shot 45 percent from the field but just 12 of 26 at the foul line.

Hughes had 18 points and five assists to lead four Golden Eagles in double figures.  Katrina Nordick scored 17 points, Micaela Noga had 14 points and six rebounds, and Thielman scored 14.

North Dakota State is scheduled to open the regular season against New Mexico State at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, in the first of four straight home games at the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.