The University of Sioux Falls Cougars used big runs in the first and second quarters to establish control of the scoreboard early and held on to defeat Upper Iowa 73-50. The loss drops UIU's record to 1-7 overall and 0-4 in the NSIC, while USF improves to 6-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference.
 
Lydia Haack (17) and Jessica Musgrave (15) combined for 32 points in the game for UIU; although, Haack was more efficient with her attempts hitting 8-13 from the field, while Musgrave was 3-16 from the field, but 6-6 at the free throw line. Haack dished up four assists, while Musgrave grabbed six rebounds. Brook Evenson tallied 10 points and seven rebounds while Lexie Lodermeier pulled in six rebounds.
 
Megan Fannin led the Cougars with 20 points and six rebounds, while Dallie Hoskinson scored a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Jemae Nichols also had a great game on the boards pulling in 10 boards for USF.
 
Upper Iowa took an early 9-5 lead through the opening seven minutes of the first quarter, but Sioux Falls found their stride and used a 12-0 run in a quick two-minute outburst to jump out in front 17-9. An Emma Anderson three-pointer ended the scoring drought for UIU and pulled UIU back within five at the first quarter break.
 
UIU scored four of the first six points in the second quarter to inch closer, 19-16, thanks to a pair of free throws from Musgrave and a floater in the lane by Haack. Unfortunately, the Peacocks would not get any closer for the remainder of the game. The Cougars went on a 15-4 run that lasted the final seven minutes of the half and gave the home team a 34-20 lead at the break. During the run, Sioux Falls knocked down half of their shots including three long-range shots, while Upper Iowa only got two shots to fall in eleven attempts and turned the ball over twice.
 
In the third quarter, Musgrave drained a three-pointer to bring the Peacocks back within fourteen, 39-25, with 7:45 showing on the clock. But Upper Iowa couldn't keep the momentum as Sioux Falls as the home team used a three-minute, 7-0 run to reestablish their lead to 21, 46-25.
 
In the fourth quarter, UIU hit three-pointers on consecutive trips down the court thanks to the aim of Brooke Evenson, Haack and Mia Huberty. The accurate shots from distance pulled the margin back to 18, 58-40. After a Cougar bucket, Evenson nailed another three-pointer and Haack followed with a jumper to get UIU within 15 points, 60-45. Sioux Falls was able to pull away over the final few minutes scoring the final three buckets in the game to set the final score at 73-50.
 
Upper Iowa will get right back on the hardwood tomorrow evening for a game against the Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State University. The Peacocks and Mustangs will line up for a jump ball at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11.