The Peacock men's basketball team hits the road once again for a pair of NSIC games against the Bemidji State Beavers and UM Crookston Golden Eagles. Upper Iowa will take on the Beavers on Friday night at 7:30pm ahead of their Saturday night matchup against the Golden Eagles at 5:30pm. The Peacocks will look to put the brakes to a four-game skid with a win this weekend.

In Friday's 94-85 loss to Augustana, Upper Iowa became one of just nine teams in NCAA Division II to record at least 20 three-pointers in a single game. Jareese Williams led the charge for UIU, matching his season-high six three-pointers and was backed up by five from Jackson Joens. The Peacocks had four players reach double figures in Friday night's set back; Williams (18), Joens (15), Chris Olson (15), and Munachiso Okonkwo (12).

Saturday's matchup against Wayne State did not end with the result that UIU was hoping for despite a career night for Munachiso Okonkwo. Mu dropped a career-high 31 points on 14 of 19 shooting and pulled in eight boards as the Peacocks fell to the Wildcats 85-81. The loss dropped UIU to 6-10 on the season and 3-7 against Northern Sun opponents, extending their skid to four games.

Upper Iowa's dangerous three-point offense was on full display Friday night against Augustana. After dropping a season-high 20 three pointers, the Peacocks position themselves as one of Division II's top ten three point offenses. Through their first 16 games, the Peacocks have connected on 186 attempts from beyond the arc for an average of 11.6 made three-pointers per game. There are only eight teams in Division II with a higher average than the Peacocks.

After a slow start to the season, the Peacocks have kicked their offense up a notch. Through their first eight games, Upper Iowa averaged 73.3 points per game. However, over the last eight games the Peacocks have bumped their average up to 84.4, an imporvement of more than ten points per game.

About the Opponents…

Bemidji State Beavers… The Beavers have had a sluggish start to their season, going just 4-10 on the season and 1-9 against NSIC opponents with their lone win coming against UM Crookston. Bemidji is averaging 76.4 points but feature four players who are averaging in double digits. The Beavers' top scorer is Derek Thompson (15.4) followed by Logan Bader (12.9), Jacob Hoffman (10.8), and Ja Morgan (10.1).

UM Crookston Golden Eagles… Through their first 19 games, the Golden Eagles have posted an 11-8 record including going 4-6 against Northern Sun foes. On Saturday, the Peacocks will need to contain junior guard Harrison Cleary who is the NSIC's third ranked scorer thanks to his 22.6 points per game. Cleary currently ranks first in the NSIC for made three-pointers (49) and fourth in three-point percentage (.527) behind UIU's Chris Olson (.614) who leads that category.

The Series…

Bemidji State… The Beavers hold a slight edge over the Peacocks in the all-time series at 12-8. However, the Peacocks have bested the Beavers in recent matchups, taking the last two meetings between these two squads.

UM Crookston… Historically, the Peacocks have found success against the Golden Eagles with a 15-3 all-time record. Upper Iowa has taken nine of the last ten against Crookston with the Golden Eagles' lone win coming in last year's matchup where they topped the Peacocks 98-79.

Both games this weekend can be viewed at uiupeacocks.com/live on a live webcast with live stats available as well as on the NSIC channel through Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple and Android tvs.