Upper Iowa women's basketball sealed the deal in their season opener as they defeated Southern Arkansas University 86-74. The Peacocks improved to 1-0 on the season and the Muleriders fell to 0-1 on the year.
Southern Arkansas came out in a full court trap from the tip as they tried to limit Upper Iowa's offensive momentum.
Lydia Haack recorded the first nine points for the Peacocks in an attempt to keep within close proximity to the Muleriders. After sitting at a 17-9 disadvantage midway through the first segment, Upper Iowa decided to turn their first quarter frenzy into finesse. They outscored SAU 21-12 in the remainder of the quarter, taking a 29-27 lead.
Emma Anderson had a 6-0 run herself in the last 30 seconds.
In the beginning of the second quarter, the two teams continued to battle it out and trade baskets, as the score never reached more than a three point deficit. With a little over six minutes left, the Peacocks got hot and went on a 17-0 run. This included baskets from Haack,
Mia Huberty and
Helen Staley to give them a 54-36 lead going into halftime. Haack ended the first half with 19 points.
Two early baskets in the third quarter by Southern Arkansas cut the deficit to 14 points. However, the Peacocks answered with a 7-0 run of their own, pulling their advantage to 61-40. The teams continued to go back and forth, but with three minutes left in the quarter, Haack and
Callista Rochon-Baker had back to back steals that propelled their scoring. SAU cut the deficit back to 20 points as they went on a 5-0 run to end the third.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Upper Iowa led 72-52. After several minutes of play, the Muleriders kicked it into high gear. They chipped away with a 16-6 run and were able to cut the deficit to 11 points. With three minutes left of play, each team continued to hold their own, and the final result was 86-74 in favor of the Peacocks.
The Peacocks put up some big numbers as Haack finished with 25 points and 7 rebounds.
Katie Tornstrom chipped in 14 points, 7 boards and 5 assists. Huberty added 13 points and Staley contributed 11 boards for the evening.
Upper Iowa continues in the Central Region Challenge tomorrow as they face the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Tip off for the Peacocks in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. as their contest follows the Lincoln University versus Southern Arkansas game.
