The Upper Iowa women's basketball team dropped a 76-51 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference contest to Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday afternoon in Marshall, Minn. The Peacocks struggled to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball and were unable to slow the Mustangs who took advantage of an early lead and cruised to a home victory. SMSU improved to 10-9 (5-9 NSIC) with the win, while UIU fell to 3-17 (2-11 NSIC).
Upper Iowa performed well in the opening minutes with five early points from Lexie Lodermeier and a layup from Bekka Pierson at the 6:58 tick, however the Mustangs were able to hold the Peacocks without another basket for the remainder of the quarter to open up the game early and go ahead 24-9 at the conclusion of the first stanza. UIU battled back into it with a 14-5 run to start the second quarter, but once again the home team cranked up the defense and was able to contain the Peacocks to a lone jumper and a couple free throws in the final 5:42 for a halftime lead of 13, 40-27.
SMSU showed off its long-distance game in the third quarter, knocking down 5-of-9 attempts to lead by as many as 24 before capturing a 63-44 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes. In the last quarter, both teams struggled to score but SMSU managed to win the frame 13-7 to set the final score at 76-51.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME…
STAT OF THE GAME...
- Upper Iowa shot 30.9 percent from the field, converting just 17 baskets on 55 attempts including 6-of-21 outside the arc. Southwest Minnesota State posted a 44.4 percent shooting efficiency from the floor (28-63) and knocked down 10 three-pointers in 29 tries
UP NEXT... The Peacocks have just eight games remaining in the regular season before final seedings are determined for the NSIC Tournament beginning on Feb. 26. Upper Iowa will play four games at home and four games on the road during the stretch with the first games being in Fayette against St. Cloud State University and University of Minnesota Duluth on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, respectively.
