ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The University of Jamestown women's basketball team took a five-point lead into halftime on Friday night, but a decisive third-quarter run by St. Cloud State proved too much to overcome in a 79-72 loss at Halenbeck Hall.
Jamestown (4-13, 2-11 NSIC) shot 49 percent from the field and saw three players score in double figures, but the Huskies (7-11, 4-9 NSIC) capitalized on turnovers and a high-scoring performance from Jada Eggebrecht to secure the conference victory.
The Jimmies started strong, shooting efficiently in the opening period to take a 21-16 lead after one quarter. UJ maintained that momentum into the break, heading to the locker room with a 39-34 advantage behind a balanced offensive attack.
The game turned coming out of halftime. SCSU exploded for 27 points in the third quarter while holding the Jimmies to just 10, swinging the score to a 61-49 Huskies lead entering the final frame.
Jamestown refused to fold, outscoring St. Cloud State 23-18 in the fourth quarter. Emily Kurkowski hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds to cut the final margin to seven, but the rally fell short.
Jessika Lofstrom delivered a stellar performance for the Jimmies, leading the team with a career-high 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. She played all 40 minutes and added three steals on the defensive end.
Kurkowski provided a spark off the bench with 19 points, a new career best, on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting night, while grabbing a team-high six rebounds. Allie Berns rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points, five assists, and two blocks.
Ball security was a struggle for both sides in a fast-paced game. The Jimmies committed 26 turnovers which led to 22 points for the Huskies, while St. Cloud State turned it over 21 times.
Jamestown outshot St. Cloud State from the floor (49.1 percent to 37.3 percent), but the Huskies attempted 10 more shots and made 11 more free throws.
Eggebrecht led all scorers with 29 points for St. Cloud State, while Rachel Kottke added 21 points and five steals.
The Jimmies continue their weekend road trip on Saturday in Mankato, Minn., with a 3:30 tipoff against Minnesota State.
