The Peacock men's basketball team dropped its third straight game on Saturday night when they took on the Cougars of the University of Sioux Falls at the Stewart Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. UIU held a 37-30 lead at the half, but were outscored 60-41 in the final 20 minutes in the 90-78 loss. UIU is now 6-5 on the year, and 0-3 in the Northern Sun Conference.

Upper Iowa shot 40% from the floor in the first half to build up their lead. The visitors used a 15-0 run in a three-minute stretch to turn an eight-point deficit into a seven-point lead. Joe Smoldt hit a three-pointer to give the Peacocks their largest lead, 31-19, with 6:18 left in the half. UIU enjoyed the first 20 minutes, as they held a seven-point advantage at the half. However, the second half was all Cougars.

An 11-4 run right out of the gate in the second half ignited the home team, and then the teams went back and forth the majority of the half. There were seven ties and five lead changes in the final 20 minutes. The game changed when the score was tied at 50, and the Cougars went on a big 7-0 run to grab the advantage.

UIU was not done though. With 4:55 left, Carson Parker hit a clutch three pointer to put the visitors up 74-72 and to cap an 8-0 run. But after that moment, the home team would go on to close the game on an 18-4 run to win the game. Second half woes continue for the Peacocks, as they have now given up 58 to Winona State and 60 to SMSU in the second half.

Parker finished the game with 27 points, while Jareese Williams added 13 and Joe Smoldt scored 11. Smoldt also pulled down a team-best 7 rebounds.

UIU returns home next Friday, Dec 8 to take on the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears at 8 p.m.