Upper Iowa women's basketball rounded out their weekend of play by enduring a 82-79 loss at home against Augustana University. The Peacocks dropped to 9-14 overall and 5-13 in the conference while the Vikings improved to 21-3 (15-3 NSIC). UIU kept their second meeting with Augustana more competitive, as they bettered their 79-56 loss against them earlier this season. 

The contest began in a scoring phenomenon as both teams evenly battled back and forth. The Peacocks came out on top after the conclusion of the first quarter leading the way 21-19. They shot 50% from the floor to start things off while the Vikings were only able to convert 39%.

The Vikings found their stride from the three-point line in the second quarter, shooting 4-8, helping them obtain a two-point lead at the half (36-34). The third quarter started off with three-point plays from both teams. This set the tone for each squad as the Vikings netted 4-6 from beyond the arc in the third segment while the Peacocks converted 5-10. Augustana crept out to a 54-47 lead halfway through the third period, but Upper Iowa retaliated with a 7-0 run behind Lydia Haack and Mia Huberty to close out the quarter. Augustana's Aislinn Duffy hit a layup at the end of the ten minutes to tie up the ball game at 59.

UIU's last lead was at the eight-minute mark in the fourth quarter when they went up by two after a layup from Katie Tornstrom and a jumper from Helen Staley. The Vikings controlled the rest of the game, but they didn't hold a lead larger than four points. The score was tied up at 75 when a pivotal three-pointer came from Augustana's Lauren Sees with 50 seconds left. Down 79-76 with 30 seconds remaining, the Peacocks were able to convert four free throws, but did not net any field goals to be able to pull ahead. They had an opportunity to tie up the game with a three-point play in the last seven seconds, but were unsuccessful in their attempt.

Haack led the Peacocks with 25 points in tonight's contest. Callista Rochon-Baker posted 15 points and Staley added nine. Huberty dished out six assists and Tornstrom grabbed eight boards.

Augustana's Aislinn Duffy was instrumental in their win as she posted a career-high 35 points, going 13-19 (68%) from the floor and 5-6 from beyond the arc. 

Up next, the Peacocks are back on the road next weekend for two more NSIC matchups. They start off in Marshall, Minn. to take on Southwest Minnesota State University on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. They travel to South Dakota the next day to take on the University of Sioux Falls at 5:30 p.m.