The Upper Iowa women's basketball team welcomed the 12th-ranked Cougars of University of Sioux Falls to Fayette on Saturday afternoon for Senior Day. The Peacocks battled tough in the first half but were tripped up in the final 20 minutes as the NSIC South Division winners quieted UIU's offense and were able to pull away for a 72-51 victory. The Cougars improved to 23-4 overall and 16-4 in the conference with the win, while Upper Iowa's records fell to 3-23 overall and 2-18 against NSIC foes.
At the conclusion of the game, Upper Iowa recognized five seniors for their hard work and dedication to the Peacock basketball program throughout their careers. The group of seniors included Erica Armstrong, Claudia Morente, Marina Peinado, Bekka Pierson, and Kelsey Simpson.
Sioux Falls captured a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter after the Cougars used a 12-2 run to break a 9-all tie. Upper Iowa shot 50.0 percent as a unit but committed nine turnovers in the frame, which lead to 13 points for the visitors.
The Peacocks then took control in the second quarter much thanks to 80.0 percent (4-5) shooting from distance and 56.3 shooting overall. Upper Iowa ended the frame on a 13-3 run to win the quarter 23-14 and go into the locker room trailing by just one, 35-34. Six points from Natalie Dinius and five from Jessica Musgrave powered UIU's late run heading into the half.
While Upper Iowa saw a lot of offensive success in the first half, the Cougars were able to make adjustments and hold the home team to just 18 second-half points. A layup from Brooke Evenson cut UIU's margin to two, 38-36, with 8:49 left in the third quarter. Sioux Falls then unleashed on a 22-4 run extending into the opening minutes of the fourth quarter for a 60-40 lead. The Peacocks were never able to recover as the Cougars continued their pressure and outscored the hosts 12-11 the rest of the way.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME…Â
- Jessica Musgrave led the Peacocks with 19 points to go with seven rebounds and an assist
- Bekka Pierson led all rebounders with nine rebounds
- Natalie Dinius connected on three triples for nine points
- Marina Peinado dished out a career-high seven assists
STATS OF THE GAME...
- Upper Iowa shot 54.1 percent from the floor and 62.5 percent from deep but was slowed to just a 17.2 shooting clip in the second half, including 12.5 percent from three-point range
- The Cougars outscored the Peacocks 24-5 off turnovers, 30-16 in the paint, 7-2 in second chance points, 15-10 in fast break points, and 28-7 in bench points
- The Peacocks won the rebounding battle 36-35
QUOTABLE...Â
UP NEXT... Upper Iowa will hit the road to face Minnesota State University-Mankato and Concordia University, St. Paul in the final weekend of the regular season. The Peacocks will face the Mavericks on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. before looking to complete the season series sweep against the Golden Bears on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Â
