Box Score

If there was ever a doubt that Peacock guard Whitney Kieffer would have a sophomore slump in 2012, those questions were answered immediately in UIU’s season opener. The Scales Mound native had 16 points in the first half as the Peacocks jumped on visiting William Jewell College 42-25. That 17-point lead disappeared in the second half as the Cardinals stormed back to send the game to overtime.

UIU held on late sealing the game with two free throws from Lindsay Carroll to earn the 82-77 victory in overtime of the non-conference affair.

For Kieffer, the night marked her third career double-double as she snagged ten boards, two of which were on the offensive glass. The sophomore also tallied 13-of-16 free throws from the charity stripe.

Chelsea Meeks led the Cardinals with 19 points, but went just 2-of-11 from the floor. She converted 15-of-16 free throws as WJC shot 75 percent from the free throw line in the game (27-of-36).

The Peacocks won the battle on the boards, 43-34, and forced 22 Cardinal turnovers.

Despite committing 29 turnovers, the Peacocks had 17 assists on offense as ten different players scored at least two points. Carroll produced 14 points for UIU, while Olivia Meier was close behind with 13 points.

The Peacocks shot 50 percent from the field in the first half, but made just seven of 20 shots in the second period as they watched their 17-point halftime lead disappear.

UIU’s defense held tight throughout the night, holding WJC to just 35 percent shooting in the game.

Kieffer’s 31 points tie her career-high from a season ago and she added six steals and three assists to her stat line on the night.  Sam Thrapp handed out a team-high four assists, while Meier and Carroll each dished out three.

Lauren Buck came off the bench and cleared 7 rebounds, while starter Carly Pagel added 6 boards in her first collegiate game.

The Peacocks won their opener for the first time since 2006 when they defeated William Penn, 70-43, in Dorman Gym.
UIU will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 13, as they face Wisconsin-Parkside at Dorman Gym at 6 p.m.