March 3, 2005
Final Stats
The University of Northern Iowa women's basketball team clinched at least a second-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference standings thanks to a 60-57 win over Wichita State in Wichita, Kansas tonight. It marked the Panthers 13th consecutive win over the Shockers and sets up a huge showdown with Southwest Missouri State on Saturday afternoon in Springfield, MO with a share of the conference title on the line. With the win UNI improves to 19-9 overall and 13-4 in league play. This is the first time the Panthers have recorded 13 wins in conference play since becoming Division I in the 1981-82 season.
The Panthers jumped out to a commanding 30-18 lead at halftime thanks to great shooting. UNI connected on 11-of-26 shots from the floor (42.3 percent) in the first half while WSU struggled hitting only eight-of-29 (27.6 percent).
The Shockers found a cure for their shooting problems in the second half, sinking 15-of-32 attempts (46.9 percent) and four-of-seven shots from behind the arc (57.1 percent) while the Panthers remained consistent draining eight-of-18 shots (44.4 percent) and four-of-nine treys. WSU outscored UNI 39-30 in the second half but the Panthers had enough fuel left in the tank to hold on to the 60-57 victory.
Three players scored in double figures for UNI, led by senior forward Alex Cook with 13 points and eight rebounds. Junior center Cassie Hager turned in a 10 point, four rebounds and three blocked shots performance while sophomore guard Jessie Biggs chipped in a dozen points, while sinking two-of-three shots from downtown.
