Upper Iowa forced overtime with a three-pointer from
Aleesha Cleaver with 21 seconds to play, but Colorado State University-Pueblo outscored their guests by five points in the overtime period to earn the win, 94-89. The ThunderWolves used their large advantage in second chance points to overcome a great shooting night for the Peacocks in the second game of the Al Kaly Shrine Classic for both teams. With the loss, UIU falls to 1-1 on the season.
A layup by
Emily Gustafson with 2:21 to play gave the Peacocks a one-point lead, but CSU-Pueblo answered with a three-pointer from Ashley Piper, who scored 32 points in the game. Gustafson converted another layup to knot the score at 76-76 with 51 seconds to play. Dee Arrieta nailed a three with 33 seconds to play putting the home team ahead 79-76. Cleaver's trifecta for UIU came just 12 seconds later and tied the score at 79 apiece. The ThunderWolves missed a pair of layups as time ran away as the game moved to overtime.
In the extra period, CSU-Pueblo took an early six-point lead thanks to an 8-2 run. The Peacocks began to scratch back into the match pulling within three points on three separate occasions. Upper Iowa was unable to get any closer as the ThunderWolves posted the win, 94-89.
Upper Iowa had a rough start to Sunday's game as they trailed 24-8 with just over seven minutes to play in the first half. The Peacock offense woke up over the final seven minutes of the half scoring 20 points, while the defense held their hosts to just 7 points. UIU trailed by just three, 31-28, at half outscoring their guests 20-7 over the final minutes.
The lead changed hands many times in the second half as each team took the lead 10 times. Upper Iowa's defense held the ThunderWolves to 37.8% shooting from the floor, but the home team grabbed 26 offensive rebounds on the way to a 26-6 advantage in second chance points. The Peacocks shot 53.2% from the floor, but attempted 20 less shots than their opponents. CSU-Pueblo converted six more three-pointers and three more free throws to secure the win.
Olivia Winkler carved out a new career-high with 22 points on 9 of 12 shooting, while
Lindsay Carroll scored 19 points and added 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Cleaver came off the bench and scored 19 points hitting three three-pointers and
Olivia Meier was the fourth Peacock in double figures with 14. Gustafson hit for 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals.
Both Gustafson and Carroll earned all-tournament honors following the game.
Upper Iowa has the week to practice and get ready for another tough road test. The Peacocks will face off against the Flyers of Lewis University on Sat., Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. in Romeoville, Ill.
