Box Score
The #25 Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato opened up a twenty-point halftime lead in Fayette tonight en route to a 76-59 win over the Peacocks. Upper Iowa strugged to hold onto the ball and shot poorly at the free throw line on the night, while Minnesota State shot over 56% from the floor. After the loss, UIU's record falls to 7-19 overall and 4-15 in the NSIC.
The two teams matched each other point for point through the first four minutes as each team scored eight points, but Minnesota State was the first team to break away. Thanks to a 12-2 run over the next five minutes, the Mavericks jumped out to a 20-10 lead. The Peacocks still trailed by ten, 30-20, with six minutes to play in the half, but a second big run gave MSU a comfortable lead heading to the break. A quick 10-0 run pushed the visitor's advantage to twenty. Minnesota State scored 23 points off of UIU's 18 first half turnovers; the Mavericks also outscored their hosts 13-2 on the fastbreak.
Minnesota State continued to increase their lead through the midway point of the second half. At the media timeout, MSU had their largest lead of the night, 73-41, but Upper Iowa dug down and played hard to final buzzer. The Peacock defense began to turn the pressure up and force the Mavericks into turnovers and quick shots, while the offense began to find a groove. Upper Iowa went on a 16-0 run that lasted over eight and a half minutes. In fact, UIU's defense held their guests to just three points over the final 9:55 of the game. The strong Peacock close brought the final margin to seventeen, 76-59.
Whitney Kieffer scored 23 points and pulled down 7 rebounds to lead UIU, while
Carly Pagel added 11 points and 5 rebounds before leaving the game with an injury in the first half.
Upper Iowa will return to Dorman Gym tomorrow night at 6 p.m. to take on the Golden Bears of Concordia University, St. Paul. Immediately following the game, the Peacocks will recognize and honor their two seniors;
Chelsea Garcia and
Jennifer Herrick.
