By: Howie Thompson, Director of Sports Communication

Box Score

 

The Peacocks defeated the Bulldogs of Truman State this afternoon in Fayette thanks to strong shooting in the second half that led to a seven-point advantage breaking a halftime tie and pushing the home team's record to 3-1.

Upper Iowa jumped out to early advantages of 20-13 and 9-2, but the visitors used a 9-2 run to take a one-point lead 23-22 on a four-point play as Isaac Garnder was fouled on a three that bounced off the top of the backboard but missed the shot clock and went in.  The Peacocks recovered and the teams played evenly as the clock wound down.  Bo Pagel knocked in the home team's final shot of the half from three and tied the game at 32-32 heading to the locker room.

Both teams came out with fury in the second half with the Peacocks holding a 44-43lead just over five minutes into the second half.  The game remained close as the teams locked up for the ninth time at 50-50 with 11:40 showing on the clock.  The Bulldogs scored the next basket, but it would be their last lead on the afternoon.  UIU scored seven straight points to take a 57-52 lead and never relinquished the lead over the final seven minutes.  Upper Iowa built their lead to its largest margin with 5:39 to play, 64-55, but Truman State gave one final push.  A three-point play by E.J. Hicks pulled the visitors within three, 71-68, but a layup from Jake Hughes gave the Peacocks a little breathing room for the final minute of play.  Hughes added a pair of free throws late to salt the game away, 75-68.

Upper Iowa shot the ball well from the floor (50%) and three-point line (46.2%), but struggled at the charity stripe (52%) hitting only 13 of their 25 opportunities.  UIU also won the rebound battle by a 36-32 margin. 

PEACOCK STAT LEADERS

* Tucker Wentzien... 17 pts, 8 reb, 2 assists, 2 steals || * Sam Elgin... 12 pts, 4 assists || * Mark Lafrenz... 10 pts, 4 reb, 2 assists || * Trevor Hook... 9 pts, 4 reb, 3 assists || * Brad Arnold... 8 pts, 4 reb || * Cedric Collins... 7 pts, 4 reb, 3 steals

BULLDOG STAT LEADERS

* E.J. Hicks... 17 pts, 5 reb, 3 assists || * Mike Carlson... 11 pts, 5 reb || * Isaac Gardner... 9 pts, 5 reb

 

NEXT UP FOR THE PEACOCKS... Upper Iowa will host the Warriors of Winona State University at 5 p.m. next Saturday, December 3.  The Peacocks and Warriors will meet each other in this year's NSIC opener, while the other twelve NSIC members will kick off Friday night.