JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Allie Berns delivered a breakout performance with a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds, but the University of Jamestown women's basketball team could not overcome a difficult first half in an 86-78 loss to Minnesota-Crookston on Saturday afternoon at Harold Newman Arena.
Berns was dominant in the paint, connecting on 15-of-22 shots from the field to lead the Jimmies (6-16, 4-14 NSIC). Despite her efforts and a spirited second-half rally, the Jimmies were unable to erase a 15-point halftime deficit.
Minnesota-Crookston (7-17, 6-12 NSIC) seized control early, using hot shooting to build a 28-18 lead after the first quarter. The Golden Eagles continued to execute in the second period, outscoring Jamestown 21-16 to take a commanding 49-34 advantage into the locker room.
The Jimmies responded coming out of the break. Jamestown's defense tightened in the third quarter, holding UMC to 14 points to slightly trim the margin. The offense came alive in the fourth quarter, pouring in 29 points—their highest output of any quarter—but the Golden Eagles made enough free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
Berns was the story of the afternoon. The freshman forward recorded a massive double-double, finishing with 34 points and 10 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass.
Haidyn Crockett joined Berns in double figures, tallying 15 points along with four rebounds and three assists. Jessika Lofstrom narrowly missed a double-double of her own, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds in 38 minutes on the floor. Hali Savela was also active on the boards, grabbing nine rebounds to go with five points.
Riley Jenkins led a balanced UMC attack with 18 points. Rayna Klejeski added 17 points, while Anna Westby (16) and Emma Miller (15) also scored in double figures for the visitors.
Jamestown dominated the glass, outrebounding the Golden Eagles 47-28. The Jimmies were relentless on the offensive end, securing 23 offensive boards compared to just 10 for UMC. While the Jimmies found success inside, they struggled from the perimeter, shooting just 11.5 percent (3-of-26) from three-point range.
Minnesota-Crookston capitalized at the charity stripe, making 21-of-26 attempts. Jamestown was perfect from the line but had significantly fewer opportunities, finishing 13-of-13.
UJ returns to the floor on Thursday, February 12, at Minnesota Duluth.
