5 Key Takeaways From The University Of Minnesota Crookston Basketball 2025-2026 Season So Far
The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) Golden Eagles basketball programs are deep into their 2025-2026 campaign, navigating the challenging landscape of the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). As of December 21, 2025, both the men’s and women’s teams are fighting hard to build momentum, with the men's team under Head Coach Bryan Beamish and the women's team guided by Head Coach Natalie Moynihan, each showing flashes of potential against tough regional competition. The following analysis breaks down the most critical updates and takeaways from the season so far, providing an in-depth look at where the Golden Eagles stand and what fans can expect moving forward in the NSIC.
The Golden Eagles continue to be a source of pride for the Crookston, Minnesota campus, with their games at the historic Lysaker Gymnasium drawing dedicated fans. This season has been a testament to the resilience and development of the UMC program, highlighting both star individual performances and the strategic efforts of the coaching staff to compete in one of the premier conferences in Division II basketball.
UMC Golden Eagles Men's Basketball: The Bryan Beamish Era and 2025-2026 Season Snapshot
The UMN Crookston Men's Basketball team, led by Head Coach Bryan Beamish, is focused on development and breaking through the NSIC standings. Coach Beamish is in his fourth season leading the program, bringing a foundation of experience after serving eight seasons as an assistant coach prior to taking the helm.
- Head Coach: Bryan Beamish (4th Season)
- Assistant Coach: Kyle Hunt (2nd Season)
- 2025-2026 Overall Record (as of Dec 21): 1-11
- 2025-2026 NSIC Conference Record: 0-7
- Current Streak: Lost 9 (L9)
- Home Arena: Lysaker Gymnasium (located in the Sports Center)
1. Men’s Team Faces Uphill Battle Despite Talent Infusion
The 2025-2026 season has proven to be a challenging one for the Men's Golden Eagles, who currently hold an overall record of 1-11 and are yet to secure their first NSIC win at 0-7 in conference play. Despite the difficult start, the program is showing signs of building for the future, having recently announced the signing of six newcomers for the 2025-26 season, including a promising player named Donez.
The team is currently on a nine-game losing streak, a stretch that included a recent loss to a strong Minnesota State University Moorhead team on December 20, 2025. Key players like Alijah Washington have been central to the team's offense, and their continued performance will be vital for any potential second-half turnaround. The team is actively looking to replicate the success of the 2018-2019 season, which stands as the program's winningest season and included an NSIC Tournament appearance.
The NSIC is notoriously competitive, and the Golden Eagles are focused on strategic improvements. Coach Beamish’s experience is crucial in guiding the team through this demanding stretch, emphasizing fundamentals and player development. The young talent on the roster, including names like Chansey Willis Jr., Isaac Asuma, and Grayson Grove, will be key to the program's long-term growth and competitiveness in the conference.
UMC Golden Eagles Women's Basketball: Star Power and NSIC Resilience
The UMN Crookston Women's Basketball team has historically been one of the most successful female sports in the history of UMN Crookston athletics, boasting five NSIC Tournament appearances. Head Coach Natalie Moynihan, in her third season, is working to continue that tradition of success.
- Head Coach: Natalie Moynihan (3rd Season)
- Assistant Coach: Ryan Moynihan (in coaching staff context)
- 2025-2026 Overall Record (as of Dec 21): 2-9
- 2025-2026 NSIC Conference Record: 1-5
- Preseason Poll: Picked to finish 11th in the NSIC Coaches Poll
2. Emma Miller’s Dominance Fuels Offensive Breakthroughs
The Women's Golden Eagles, with an overall record of 2-9 and a conference record of 1-5, have shown flashes of offensive brilliance, often powered by the standout play of guard Emma Miller. Miller recently delivered a game-high performance, scoring 33 points in a crucial 99-point rout over the Jamestown Jimmies on December 17, 2025. This offensive explosion demonstrates the team's high ceiling when their rhythm is established.
The team’s ability to score in bunches is a positive sign, but consistency remains the primary focus as they navigate the NSIC schedule. The Golden Eagles entered the season picked to finish 11th in the NSIC Coaches Poll, indicating the high level of competition they face nightly. Coach Natalie Moynihan and her staff, including Assistant Coach Ryan Moynihan, are dedicated to developing a balanced attack and shoring up defensive efforts to climb the conference ladder.
3. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Challenge
Both UMC basketball programs compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, widely regarded as one of the elite conferences in NCAA Division II. The NSIC features formidable opponents like the Augustana Vikings, UMD Bulldogs, and Minnesota State University Moorhead, creating a challenging schedule that tests the Golden Eagles' depth and resilience. The conference standings are always tight, making every NSIC game, whether home at Lysaker Gymnasium or on the road, a significant battle for positioning.
The intense conference schedule forces year-round recruiting and development efforts. UMC's commitment to recruiting new talent, as seen with the men's team's six newcomers, is essential for future success in the NSIC. The focus is on finding players who can immediately impact the court, demonstrating the program’s ambition to compete for NSIC Tournament berths consistently.
4. Lysaker Gymnasium: The Home Court Advantage
The heart of UMN Crookston basketball is the Sports Center, which houses the Lysaker Gymnasium. This facility is more than just a venue; it is the home of Golden Eagle Athletics and one of the premier basketball and volleyball venues in the Northern Red River Valley. The atmosphere in Lysaker Gymnasium is often cited as a key factor for the Golden Eagles, providing a true home-court advantage that can help propel the teams to crucial victories, especially during the cold Minnesota winters. The Sports Center also serves as the operational hub for the entire UMN Crookston Athletics Department, underlining its importance to the campus community.
5. Looking Ahead: A Focus on Consistency and Development
As the Golden Eagles head into the New Year, the focus for both programs will shift to consistency. The men’s team must find a way to end their losing streak and convert strong individual performances into team victories, particularly in conference play. The women’s team needs to build on their offensive successes, like the big win against Jamestown, and maintain that level of play against NSIC powerhouses. Player development for younger athletes such as Nehemiah Turner, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, and Langston Reynolds will be paramount for Head Coaches Beamish and Moynihan. The remainder of the 2025-2026 schedule offers numerous opportunities for the Golden Eagles to prove their preseason potential and make a late-season push toward the NSIC Tournament.
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