(MINOT, N.D.) – The Minot State women's basketball team will host North Division rivals Minnesota Crookston and Bemidji State on Friday and Saturday in the MSU Dome.

All three teams are clustered towards the bottom of the NSIC North Division standings and the results of this weekend's games will have major influence on how the NSIC Tournament seeding shakes out.

Currently, Bemidji State is one whole game ahead of Minot State and Minnesota Crookston, who are tied.

Friday's contest will begin at its usual time of 5:30 p.m. and Saturday's Senior Night game will start at 3:30 p.m.

Series History
Friday's game marks the 24th overall meeting between Minnesota Crookston and Minot State with the Beavers leading the all-time series, 15-9. In their last meeting, the Golden Eagles beat Minot State 78-76 in Crookston, Minn. on Jan. 25, 2020. The win for UMC snapped a two-game winning streak for the Beavers.
 
The game between Bemidji State and Minot State on Saturday marks the 20th overall meeting between the two teams. MSU leads the all-time series 13-6. In their last match-up, Minot State won by a score of 72-65 in Bemidji, Minn. on Jan. 24, 2020. Minot State has won five consecutive games against Bemidji State.

Beaver Tracks
Senior Leader: Mariah Payne has led the Beavers in scoring since the opening game of the season. The senior guard is currently averaging 17.8 points per contest and is shooting 42% from the field and 38% from three. Payne is among the conference's premier scorers as she ranks third in the league in scoring average.
 
Fantastic Free Throws: Minot State is currently fourth in the NSIC in team free throw percentage at 76% for the entire group. The Beavers have made 246 free throw shots out of 324 attempts. Mariah Payne leads the Beavers at the line with a 80% shooting percentage.
 
Assistant [to the] Regional Manager: The Beaver women have been among the best in the league when assisting on baskets. Minot State ranks third in the NSIC in total team assists with 326 total dishes in their 22 games. The Beavers are averaging just under 15 assists per game. Mariah Payne is leading the Beavers in that category with 79 total assists and 3.8 assist per game. Payne's numbers are fifth-best in the NSIC.
 
Eat 'Em Up: The Beavers are currently second in the NSIC in rebounding margin. MSU averages 38.2 rebounds per game while their opponents grab 32.6 per game. The Beavers are also sixth in total rebounding average. Calli Delsman ranks tenth in the NSIC and leads Minot State with an average of 7.2 boards per game.

Scouting Report
Minnesota Crookston- The Golden Eagles are currently 4-18 overall and 3-15 in the NSIC. Minnesota Crookston is averaging 61.3 points per game as a team. Junior Abby Guidinger leads UMC in scoring at 9.5 points per game. Mary Burke is the only other Golden Eagle player averaging over eight points per game. Posts Bren Fox and Julia Peplinski lead the Golden Eagles on the glass at 6.6 rpg and 6.0 rpg, respectively. Guidinger also paces Minnesota Crookston in blocks with 13 and assists with 38. Sophomore guard Kylie Post has recorded a team-high 23 steals.   
 
Bemidji State- The Beavers of Bemidji State are currently averaging 64.7 points per game as a team. BSU is 7-15 overall and 4-14 in league play. Trinity Myer is the only Bemidji State player scoring in double-figures with 14.0 points per game. Brooklyn Bachmann, Rachael Heittola, and Myer each grab five or more rebounds per game. Myer also leads the Beavers in assists (81) and steals (38). Heittola has been the premier rim protector with a squad-best 11 blocks.
 
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