Upper Iowa faced NSIC North competitor Bemidji State in their first matchup of the weekend. The Peacocks defeated the Beavers 82-69 for their second conference win of the season and their second victory in a row. This brings their record to 6-8 (2-7 NSIC). Bemidji State falls to 4-9 overall and 1-8 in conference.

The contest began with hot shooting and competitive play as both teams shot over 60% from the floor in the first quarter.  BSU went 12-18 (66.7%) from the field and UIU converted 11-16 (68.8%) from the floor. The opening period concluded 26-25, in favor of BSU. 

A slew of Peacocks contributed buckets to open the second quarter on an 11-0 run. Upper Iowa kept a steady lead throughout the entire period. They performed on both sides of the ball in this segment, keeping Bemidji to just ten points and 21.4% (3-14) from the field. UIU extended their lead to 13 by the end of the quarter (48-35).

Mia Huberty, Brooke Evenson and Lexie Lodermeier led the Peacocks to a 7-0 run to open the second half, pushing their lead to 55-35. Upper Iowa converted 4-5 from behind the arc in this quarter to help propel their advantage. 

The Peacocks maintained their lead throughout the final 10 minutes to close out the competition.

Upper Iowa shot an impressive 50% from the floor in the contest, netting 31-61 attempts, including 7-15 from long distance. In comparison, Bemidji State went 27-68 (39.7%) from field goal range and 3-17 from downtown. 

Lodermeier and Huberty led the team in scoring with 15 points each. Lydia Haack followed right behind with 14 points, in addition to grabbing ten rebounds and dishing out six assists.

Trinity Yoder led the Beavers with 19 points on 7-15 shooting. Sam Pgatchnik added 18 going 6-11 from the field.

The Peacocks are back on home court tomorrow against Minnesota Crookston at 3:30 p.m. en route to their third conference win and a weekend sweep.