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Feb. 17, 2006

Box Score

Peoria, Ill. -

The University of Northern Iowa women's basketball team overcame an eight-point second half deficit to defeat the Bradley Braves 67-64 this evening in the Robertson Field House.  Junior guard Sarah Larsen (Kalona, Iowa) led the Panthers, tying a career-high with 19 points and four assists. 

Devyn Flanagan hit a trey with 7:21 remaining in the game to give Bradley a 54-46 lead.  The Panthers then responded with a 13-2 run, spurred with three-pointers by Larsen and senior guard Chelsey Matthias (Readlyn, Iowa), to grab a 59-56 advantage.  Flanagan tied the game with another three-pointer and then the teams traded field goals.  Junior guard Jessie Biggs (Ottumwa, Iowa) gave UNI a 63-61 lead with 1:18 remaining and then the Panthers forced a turnover and Larsen made her final four free throws to seal the victory. 

Senior center Cassie Hager (Perry, Iowa) and junior forward Tara King (Ottumwa, Iowa) each added 15 points.  King also tied a career-high 12 rebounds, five offensive, and Hager had five blocks.  Flanagan and Alex Liberatore led the Braves with 17 and 12 points, respectively.  UNI outrebounded Bradley 35-27 and shot 88.9 percent (16-of-18) from the free throw line.

The Panthers shot 50 percent (11-of-22) in the first half to the Braves' 41.9 percent (13-of-31) from the field.  However, UNI had 10 turnovers which accounted for eight points off turnovers for Bradley.  The Braves lead by as many as four points with 5:24 remaining in the period.   Sarah Larsen took the lead, 22-21, on a conventional three-point play with 4:19 left in the period.  The score changed hands three more times in favor of the Braves who took a 29-28 lead into the break. 

The Panthers improve to 16-7, 10-4 in the MVC.  The Braves are now 6-17, 2-12 in the Valley.  UNI hosts Missouri State and Wichita State next Friday and Sunday for the final two regular-season games in the West Gym.