The Peacocks held a 37-16 rebounding advantage over the Marauders, including a 12-4 margin on offensive rebounds. U-Mary connected on 11 treys in the game and committed just ten turnovers but it wasn't enough to counterbalance the rebounding or the disparity in bench scoring. The Upper Iowa reserves scored 29 points while U-Mary received no scoring from its bench.
The Marauders jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the game and led much of the first half before the Peacocks rallied to tale a 32-29 lead at intermission. Upper Iowa would eventually build its lead to 13 points before U-Mary made a late challenge.
A 12-0 run featuring back-to-back three-pointers from Danny Sandvig and Jordan Wilhelm pulled U-Mary to within 52-51 with just under six minutes left in the game. The Marauders just could never make the one play to get them over the top, partially because the Peacocks made eight straight free throw attempts down the stretch.
Anthony Moody led all players with 16 points and six assists. He drained three of four shots from behind the arc. Cameron Lee hit four treys in seven attempts and scored 14 points. Wilhelm and Eric Erdmann, who went 7-of-9 at the free throw line, each chipped in 13 points. Erdmann also had seven rebounds. Sandvig scored nine points. U-Mary reserves were unable to generate any scoring.
Twelve different players scored for the Peacocks, led by 12 points from Keith Steffeck. Matt Lesan added ten.
Ranked fifth in the NCAA Central region, the Marauders slip to 13-8 overall and 9-5 in the NSIC. Upper Iowa improves to 10-11 and 7-7.
The Marauders next battle Winona State University, which is tied with U-Mary for fourth place in the NSIC. Tipoff is set for 7 PM at WSU on Saturday, February 6.
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