SMSU Extend Winning Streak to Four Games With Win Over Upper Iowa

Box Score

MARSHALL, MINN.: Southwest Minnesota State's Liz Grider hit a crucial three-pointer with 3:48 remaining to give SMSU the biggest lead of the evening at 53-44 and the Mustangs went on to earn a 57-52 victory over Upper Iowa University on Friday night in Marshall, Minn.

The Mustangs extend its winning streak to four games, which marks the first time since the 2004-05 season that SMSU has won four in a row. SMSU improves to 11-11 overall and 7-7 in the NSIC. Upper Iowa falls to 6-19 overall and 2-11 in the NSIC.

SMSU held a nine point advantage with 3:11 remaining as Sara Leidall hit a layup but UIU's Chelsea Petersen answered back with a jumper to pull within seven points, 55-48, with 2:45 left. Upper Iowa's Andrea Down then cut the lead to three with 54 seconds remaining after hitting back to back shots. The Mustangs were able to hang on however, as Liz Grider capped off the win with two free-throws in the last four seconds of the game.

Southwest held Upper Iowa to a 31.8 shooting percentage but were out-rebounded 48-45 in the contest as the Peacocks grabbed 17 offensive rebounds.

SMSU had four players record double-digits. Leading the way was Abby Oakland with 12, on 5-of-11 shooting. She also led the team with seven rebounds. Liz Grider and Sara Leidall each had 11 points. Grider was 3-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range. Heidi Kimmes rounded out the scoring with ten points while tallying three blocks.

Megan Stadler led the team with six assists in eight minutes of play, while SMSU's Leidall, Kimmes, and Megan Wittkop each grabbed six rebounds.

Andrea Downs led Upper Iowa with 18 points. Chelsea Peterson and Christa Hammel both had double-figures in rebounding with 13 and 12.

SMSU will be back in action tomorrow night against Winona State University at 6 p.m.

Print Friendly Version