The Upper Iowa University women's basketball team fell in the first of two NSIC matchups this weekend against Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday afternoon by a final score of 70-47. The Peacocks shot 14 more field goals than the Mustangs, which included 21 more 3PT attempts, but they were unable to convert those extra chances as they were held to a season-low field goal percentage. The Mustangs struggled shooting from behind the arc, but they shot well enough from inside and converted 20 of their 29 attempts from the free throw line to take the win and improve to a 3-0 (1-0 NSIC) record. UIU drops to to 1-4 (0-3 NSIC) on the year.
Turning Point…
The Peacocks answered an early 4-0 deficit to start the game by making three straight shots from behind the arc to take a 9-8 lead early in the first quarter. Freshman guard Lydia Haack went 2-2 from three during that stretch, netting eight first quarter points in just under six minutes of action. The Mustangs responded after losing their lead with a 16-6 run to close out the opening quarter. SMSU held UIU scoreless from the 2:55 mark in the first until Natalie Dinius made a layup at the 2:57 mark in the second, using that nearly 10 minute scoreless run and a 12-0 stretch to double up on the Peacocks and increase their lead to 30-15. The Mustangs led the rest of the game and would go on to secure a 70-47 victory.
Peacock Leaders…
Haack shot a perfect 3-3 on 3PT attempts in first half after making only two total 3PT field goals in her first four games. She had a game-high 11 points in the first half and finished with a team-high 15 points for the game.
Dinius scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for the game, including a game-high 4 offensive boards.
Katie Tornstrom scored an early 5 points in only 7 minutes, finishing with 7 points and 4 rebounds.
Mustang Leaders…
Sadie Stelter scored a game-high 18 points while shooting and making a game-high seven free throws. She also added 4 rebounds and a game-high 2 assists.
Meleah Reinhart scored 10 points in the 1st half to lead the Mustangs and finished with 14 points on 50.0% (6-12) shooting.
Up Next…
The Peacocks return to the R/A Facility tomorrow for the second game of their double-header against the Mustangs. The contest is scheduled to tip off at 1pm.