The Peacocks fell in the first round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Basketball Tournament on Wednesday night at Minnesota State University Moorhead, 78-56.  Upper Iowa came out strong in the early going holding the lead for much of the first ten minutes, but after an Olivia Winkler jumper in the paint tied the score at 24-24, the Dragons took over and controlled the final 26 minutes to cruise to their 22-point win.  With the loss, the Peacocks close their season with an overall record of 7-20.  The Dragons will move onto the quarterfinals on Saturday in Sioux Falls with their 16-11 record.
 
Upper Iowa came out of the gates well scoring on their first possession thanks to a three-pointer by Lauren Buck.  The visitors stayed hot in the early going converting 50% of their field goals during the first ten minutes while building a four-point lead, 19-15.  UIU made 8 of their 16 shots including three trifectas.  After starting off on a good note, the Peacock shooters began to cool off over the remainder of the half connecting on only 2 of their next 14 shots.  In fact, the only point the Peacocks mustered in the final five and a half minutes was on a free throw.  The scoring drought allowed MSU Moorhead to take the lead and build the margin to nine, 34-25, at the break.
 
Once again, the Peacocks scored on their first possession, but the Dragons answered with an 8-0 run to push out to a 15-point advantage just four minutes into the second half.  MSU Moorhead continued to control the action as they continued to extend their lead.  With three and a half minutes to play, the Dragons grabbed their largest lead of the night, 73-46, on a Meghan Roehrich three-pointer.  UIU was able to shave off a few points in the final minutes to set the final margin at 78-56.  The Dragons shot a blistering 60.7% from the field in the second half to score their 44 points.
 
Roehrich led the Dragons with 29 points, while Heather Strese poured in 20 points.  The tandem of Strese and Roehrich paired up on the boards as well with 10 and 7 rebounds, respectively. 
 
Upper Iowa was led by Buck, who recorded her 17th double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  Olivia Meier netted 11 points, while Carroll chipped in 9 and 4 assists and Winkler added 8.