This Week in Women’s Basketball...

The Peacocks look to put notch in the win column this weekend when they travel to the northern part of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference territory for a pair of league games.  On Friday, UIU visits Duluth, Minn. for a 6 p.m. showdown with the Bulldogs of Minnesota Duluth before concluding the weekend roadtrip by travelling to Bemidji, Minn. to play the Beavers of Bemidji State on Saturday.

Scouting the Bulldogs

The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs enter Friday’s matchup with a 3-3 record which includes a 1-1 mark in NSIC play after defeating UM, Crookston, 87-79 last Friday and losing to MSU Moorhead, 76-71, on Saturday.

The Bulldogs boast the third leading scorer in the NSIC in junior guard Lindsay Miller who is averaging 16.4 points per game by shooting 45.2% from the floor.

Another Bulldog to watch is senior forward Kelsey Hewitt who is averaging 10 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.  Hewitt is a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and is shooting 43.6% from the field in the early part of the 2010-11 season.

Scouting the Beavers

Bemidji State enters Friday’s matchup with Winona State with a 2-3 overall record and a 0-2 league record after dropping contests last weekend against MSU Moorhead and UM, Crookston.

The Beavers are led by freshman guard Melissa Borstner’s 11.2 points per game and are the best free throw shooting team in the league as they connect on 77.7% of their chances.

Bemidji State defeated Mayville State (ND) and Grand View in non-conference action earlier this season.

Series History

Since transitioning to NCAA Division II, the Peacocks are 0-4 against Minnesota Duluth and 3-6 when playing Bemidji State.

The Last Meeting

UIU and UMD last met on February 20, 2010 in Duluth where the Peacocks lost 84-42.  Earlier in the season, the Bulldogs defeated Upper Iowa in Fayette, 74-62.

Upper Iowa and Bemidji State last met on December 13, 2009 in Fayette.  The Beavers escaped with a two-point victory over the home team, 78-76.

Live Stats and Web Cast

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

What a Win Would Mean...

A win this weekend would...

...be Upper Iowa’s first victory since January 27, 2010.

...be UIU’s first NSIC victory since defeating Bemidji State on December 13, 2008.

...be UIU’s first victory over the Bulldogs in women’s basketball since the Peacocks became a member of NCAA Division II.

Looking Ahead

The Peacocks will open the home portion of the 2010-11 season next weekend with a pair of NSIC contests inside Dorman Gym in Fayette.

On Friday, UIU welcomes Minnesota State to Fayette before hosting Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday.  Tipoff for both matchups is set for 6 p.m.