Upper Iowa won its seventh-straight game 94-87 over Minnesota State University-Mankato on Saturday afternoon. Joe Smoldt led all scorers with 29 points which matched his career-best. Smoldt also had a career-performance at the free throw line making 17-18 (94.4%) of his attempts. With the win, UIU improves to 9-5 overall, 7-3 in the NSIC while MSU falls to 8-6 on the year and 7-5 in conference play.
Upper Iowa and Minnesota State were neck-and-neck through the first five minutes of play. The Peacocks used a 10-2 run to gain some separation via a 21-15 lead at the 12:06 mark of the first frame. Upper Iowa's role players were active amid the stretch as Jackson Joens, Max Duax, and Baden Noennig combined to provide seven of the 10 points scored during the period. UIU extended its lead to double-digits after a 10-4 stretch made it 35-25 with 6:28 to go in the first half. Lucas Duax and Cade Moritz fueled the run accounting for eight of the Peacocks' 10 points. Upper Iowa held their double-figure advantage for the remainder of the half as they went into the break up 49-36.
Upper Iowa's efficiency from the field and aggressive defense helped them build a lead early on. The Peacocks held a 18-33 (54.5%) clip from the field in the first half compared to a 14-30 (46.7%) mark posted by the Mavericks. UIU also forced triple the amount of turnovers they committed (12-4). Smoldt led all scorers with 15 points thanks to an 8-8 rate from the charity stripe. Lucas Duax was right behind Smoldt with 11 points to go along with a trio of first-half boards and steals. Joens added nine on a 3-4 (75%) mark from downtown.
Jareese Williams kicked off the second half with a trifecta to give the Peacocks their largest lead of the day. The Mavericks responded with a 7-0 run to cut their deficit down to nine (52-43) with 18:04 to play. The two teams battled down the stretch but UIU never surrendered their advantage leading to the 94-87 win. Minnesota State got within four points in the final moments of the game but were ultimately unable to complete the comeback.
STATS OF THE GAME…Â
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UIU snatched 12 steals compared to just three claimed by MSU.
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Despite the loss, six different Mavericks scored in double-digits.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME…Â
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Smoldt matched a career-high 29 points thanks to a 17-18 (94.4%) rate from the charity stripe along with a game-high six assists.
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Williams finished with 13 points in part thanks to a 7-8 (87.5%) rate from the line keeping his double-digit scoring streak of 14 consecutive games intact.
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Lucas Duax contributed a steady spread of 11 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and three assists.
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Jake Hilmer added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and a career-high four steals.
SENIOR TRIBUTE... Upper Iowa men's basketball honored their seniors prior to Saturday's game. Here it is for those who may have missed it:
UP NEXT… Upper Iowa will take the short trip North to Winona, Minn. for the final series of the regular season on Feb. 19-20.
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