The Peacock women's basketball team (2-20, 0-16 NSIC) controlled the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Beavers of Minot State University, but fell short as MiSU rallied in over the final three quarters to claim an 85-57 victory over UIU. Minot State improved to 11-9 overall and evened their record to 8-8 in the conference.

Upper Iowa dominated the first period taking a 21-12 lead into the second frame. The Peacocks scored a 9-0 advantage in points off turnovers in the first to build their lead. After only knocking down one three-pointer on Friday night, UIU converted their first two three-point tries on Saturday. Freshmen Natalie Dinius and Emma Gaber drained a long ball to spark the team's offense. After a layup by Bekka Pierson, Haley Martin added a third trifecta for the Peacocks. Gaber and Dinius each knocked down another three-pointer each as Upper Iowa recorded five three-pointers heading to the bench with the nine-point lead.

A jumper to open the second quarter by Angelica De Paulo pushed the lead to 23-12, but the Beavers got their feet under themselves and began to fight back. Minot State took off on a 29-6 run for the remainder of the quarter as the home team claimed a 41-29 lead at the break. UIU turned the ball over seven times in the quarter.

In the third quarter, the Peacocks scored 11 points on just one field goal, a three-pointer from Ashley Rosenstiel. The other 8 points in the quarter came at the charity stripe. While the UIU offense was cold, the MiSU offense was heating up. The Beavers scored 27 points on nine makes including 4 three-pointers.

The two teams both scored 17 points in the final quarter. The difference in the game came in the middle quarters as Minot State outscored their guests 56-19. UIU came out on top 38-29 in the first and fourth quarters.

Minot State outscored Upper Iowa 30-6 in the paint and 22-10 off turnovers. The Beavers were led by Kari Clements and Mariah Payne, who both scored 14 points.

De Paulo (12), Gaber (11) and Dinius (10) all reached double figures for UIU and Domeyer pulled down 7 rebounds. Gaber added 3 assists.

Upper Iowa returns for a pair of home games next Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3. The Peacocks will host Northern State University and Minnesota State University, Moorhead.