This Week in Women’s Basketball...

Upper Iowa snapped a 16-game losing streak dating back to the middle of last season in their final outing of the 2010 calendar year and look to carry that momentum over to the start of a new year this Saturday and Sunday when they host a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matchups inside Dorman Gym.  On Saturday, January 1, the Peacocks welcome Northern State to Fayette before hosting the University of Mary on Sunday.  Both matchups are scheduled to tip at 6 p.m.

Scouting the Wolves

The Wolves of Northern State University enter Saturday’s matchup with a 6-4 record overall which includes a 3-3 mark in NSIC play after losing their last outing at home versus Minnesota Duluth, 73-65.

NSU is led offensively by Jodi Reinschmidt’s (13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game) and Mikayla Barondeau (11.6 points and 9.4 boards per game) while being ranked very highly in many NSIC statistical categories.

The Wolves rank in the top five in the league in scoring defense (4th), field goal percentage (4th), field goal percentage defense (3rd), rebounding margin (2nd), blocked shots (3rd) and assists (4th).

Scouting the Marauders

The University of Mary enters Saturday’s game at Winona State with a 6-4 record which includes a 3-3 clip in league contests.  The Marauders are also riding a two-game winning streak after defeating Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State in the last weekend of NSIC games.

The Marauders are led by sophomore forward Shaunna Knife and her 12 points per game while leading the league in blocked shots with 4.50 per game.

Series History

The Peacocks are 1-9 against Northern State and 2-6 when playing U-Mary since transitioning to NCAA Division II.

The Last Meeting

UIU and NSU last met on February 6, 2010 in Fayette with the visitors handing the Peacocks a 71-53 loss.

The night before, U-Mary defeated Upper Iowa 62-52 in Fayette.

Eating Glass

The Peacocks rank second in the NSIC in offensive rebounding by averaging 13 offensive rebounds per game.  UIU trails only Minnesota State in this statistical category.

Live Stats and Web Cast

Live stats and a web cast will be available for both games.  Visit upperiowaathletics.com for further details.

Looking Ahead

Upper Iowa hits the road next weekend for a pair of NSIC games.  On Friday, January 7, the Peacocks visit St. Cloud, Minn. and the Huskies of St. Cloud State.  Then on Saturday, UIU travels to St. Paul, Minn. for a matchup with the Golden Bears of Concordia-St. Paul. 

Tip off for Friday’s contest is slated for 6 p.m. while Saturday’s tip is set for 4 p.m.