The Upper Iowa women's basketball team put together another strong first-half performance on the road at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minn. on Saturday night. The Peacocks led 19-17 at the end of the first quarter, and 31-30 at halftime, but a 26-point fourth quarter propelled the Minnesota State Mavericks to the win. With the loss, UIU drops to 0-9 overall and 0-5 in the NSIC, while the win improves MSU to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in league play.

Senior Sam Ofstad led the way with a game-high 23 points on 6-13 shooting including 4-8 from behind the arc. The Hurley, Wis. native put up a season high in points and added a pair of rebounds and an assist. Blair Klostermann added 18 points on the evening, while Carly Pagel totaled 10 points inside.

Minnesota State won the rebounding battle 43-32, including 15 offensive rebounds en route to the win. Both teams were outstanding at the free throw line, with UIU converting 85.0% (17-20) and MSU knocking down 80.0% of their trips (16-20). The big difference in the game came in the paint, with the home team outscoring the Peacocks 30-12, including 12 of the 26 fourth-quarter points. 

The Mavericks converted 18 points off of 14 UIU turnovers on the night, and were also able to capitalize on second opportunities. Because of the 15 offensive rebounds, MSU held a 21-12 advantage in second-chance points. 

The home team scored the first six points of the fourth quarter and never looked back. Upper Iowa threatened to get within 7 points after an Ofstad triple, but the home team used the inside game to close out the quarter.

Upper Iowa will head back to Fayette to battle the Winona State Warriors next Saturday, Dec. 17 inside Dorman Gymnasium in Fayette. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.