Box ScoreUpper Iowa took a 12-point lead into the locker room at halftime and never looked back in the second half as the team built their lead to 20. The Peacocks closed out the game for a 74-60 victory over Ashford in the team's first exhibition game of the season. Fans had their first look at the squad that is filled with experienced returners and some fresh faces too.
The Saints scored the first six points of the game, but the Peacocks quickly rallied and pulled even, 9-9, when
Lindsay Carroll knocked home a three-pointer. The teams were still tied, 22-22, with just under 8 minutes to play in the first half when UIU's offense caught fire and poured in 20 points over the final minutes while holding the AU shooters to just 8 points. During the 20-8 run,
Whitney Kieffer scored 7 points and
Aleesha Cleaver added 5 points including one of her two triples on the day.
Upper Iowa pushed their lead to 20 points, 58-38, with twelve and a half minutes to play after starting the second half on a 16-8 run. Kieffer scored 10 of the team's 16 points during the run which was capped off by a smooth jump hook from
Lauren Buck. The Peacocks maintained their double-digit lead despite some advances by the Saints to post the 14-point decision, 74-60.
The Peacocks got out on the run transitioning quickly from defense to offense and owning a 12-2 advantage in fast break points. UIU shot 37.5% from the floor in the game with 24 makes including 5 trifectas. The home team earned a 7-point advantage at the free throw line converting 21 of their 24 opportunites; the Saints hit only 14 of their 22 chances at the charity stripe. Upper Iowa owned the boards as well claiming a 45-36 victory on the glass.
Kieffer led the way for the home team with 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting from the floor and 6 of 7 at the free throw line; the Scales Mound, Ill. product added 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Carroll and Cleaver both joined Kieffer in double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Buck cleared 8 rebounds to lead the Peacocks on the window, while
Emily Gustafson netted 8 points off the bench.
Laura TerHark started at point guard and handed out 4 assists while scoring 5 points.
The Peacocks will head to Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. for the team's final exhibition game of the preseason. Upper Iowa will line up against the Bulldogs of Drake University, an NCAA Division I member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
