Upper Iowa men's basketball earned their fifth consecutive win after defeating Lewis 80-70 at home. The Peacocks emphasized the defensive side of the ball as the 70 points they gave up was their second-lowest of the season and 13 points less than their average (83) allowed per game. UIU improved to 8-4 (3-1 GLVC) on the season, while the Flyers dropped to 7-6 and 3-2 in conference play. 
 
The trio of Nick Reid, Noah King and Jake Hilmer paced the Peacocks with their double-digit scoring outing. Reid and King netted 18 each and Hilmer chipped in 14, while dishing out a team-high five assists. 
 
Reid and William Kiburis both hauled in six rebounds and King added five. 
 
The two teams battled even in the first half, neither squad possessing more than a five-point lead. With 3:20 left to play in the opening period, the Peacocks were down 33-31 but strung together an 8-0 run to close the half, commanding a 37-33 advantage going into the break.
 
Reid connected on two layups to open the second half, putting the home team up by eight (41-33). The Flyers soon closed the gap as they pulled within two points and trailed 50-48. A momentum three-point basket from Christian Haffner kickstarted a 12-2 burst, giving Upper Iowa a 62-50 advantage with 7:30 remaining. 
 
UIU maintained their distance on the scoreboard as the Flyers could get any closer than a seven-point margin for the remainder of the contest. The physicality in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium gave both teams over 25 attempts each at the charity stripe. The Peacocks netted 26-31 (83.9%) and the Flyers converted 20-26 (76.9%). Reid sank a perfect 12-12 from the line, while King and J. Hilmer both went 4-4.
 
Austin Hilmer nabbed a team-high three steals and was a part of a glue-like defense that helped protect home court. 
 
Both teams recorded four blocks in an effort to defend at the rim. Reid and Caleb Delzell both had two for Upper Iowa.
 
Lewis had two double-digit scorers as Beau Frericks had a game-high 25 points and Jamere Hill contributed 16. 
 
The Peacocks are on the road in Illinois next weekend as they take on Illinois Springfield on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Quincy on Saturday at 3 p.m.