Jan. 30, 2010

Box Score

The Upper Iowa women's basketball team returned to Dorman Gym Saturday night after picking up a win in Kansas City, Missouri over Rockhurst University during the week. The Peacocks welcomed the Warriors of Winona State University for the NSIC contest. UIU opened the contest well, but couldn't keep up with the quick scoring of WSU. The visitors won the game 90-57 to improve to 13-7 and 8-5 in the NSIC, while the home team fell to 2-18 overall and 0-13 in conference action.

Upper Iowa started the game strong and forced the Warriors to take some difficult shots. A Lana Otting three-ball five minutes into the game put the Peacocks on top, 9-7. However, the next five minutes belonged to Winona State. Michelle McDonald and Ana Wurtz provided 7 points apiece to spark the Warriors. With 10 minutes remaining in the opening frame Upper Iowa trailed 25-11. Turnovers plagued the Peacocks and contributed to the Warrior 31-18 lead with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

Two Peacock free throws from Paige DeVine cut the Warrior lead to 31-22 at the three minute mark. Chelsea Garcia dropped in a deep ball to continue the Upper Iowa comeback with just under two minutes to play before halftime. The Warriors were on an 8-0 run to close the half until Otting hit a runner in the lane as time expired. The scoreboard read 42-28 at the break in favor of Winona State.

McDonald notched a double-double in the first half pacing the Warriors with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Otting led the Peacocks with 8 points. DeVine and Howard each chipped in 6 points. Winona State took advantage of their trips to the charity stripe going 11-11, while Upper Iowa was just 3-5.

Otting knocked down a three-pointer right out of halftime to add to her total. The problem for the Peacocks was that the Warriors stayed hot through halftime. Winona State blitzed out to a 52-35 lead and forced Coach Brown to take a timeout with 16:35 remaining in the game. McDonald continued her torrid pace for the Warriors and five minutes into the second half had 21 points and 12 boards. With 12:08 left the Warriors held a 62-39 lead. Winona State cruised to a comfortable 90-57 victory.

The Warriors had four players in double figures. McDonald closed out her double-double with 25 and 12. Natalie Gigler and Wurtz both threw in 14 points. Katie Wolff chipped in 12 for the Warriors.

Otting finished with 13 points and 5 assists. DeVine and Cassandra Deiters both added 12 points for Upper Iowa.

The Peacocks will remain at home for a pair of Northern Sun Conference games next weekend. Upper Iowa will welcome the University of Mary on Friday, Feb. 5, and Northern State University on Saturday, Feb. 6. Both games are scheduled to tip at 6:00 p.m. in Dorman Gym.