Panthers Take Down The Shockers, 55-44

Friday, January 8

Wichita, Kan.

7 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

7-7 (2-1)

Wichita State

3-11 (0-3)

Northern Iowa

Wichita State

Panthers Take Down The Shockers, 55-44

1/8/2016 9:07:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. – The University of Northern Iowa women's basketball team defeated the Wichita State Shockers on the road tonight, 55-44. UNI is 7-7 overall this season and 2-1 in league play.

Senior Jen Keitel led the team with 18 points, adding eight boards and two assists. Amber Sorenson chipped in her second-career double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

The Panthers jumped out to a 7-2 lead thanks to strong post play from Keitel, but struggled from the field in the first quarter, going 1-for-7 heading into the five-minute mark. UNI's defense stayed stingy during their scoring drought, forcing the Shockers on a dry spell of their own, shooting 0-for-8 from the field for over a three minute span.

UNI picked up momentum late in the first quarter, with Keitel putting up six unanswered points to give UNI a 13-4 lead with less than three minutes to play. Sharnae Lamar had two late assists in the quarter, one a key pass to Hannah Schonhardt at the top of the key who drained a three to end the first quarter and give the Panthers a 16-4 advantage.

UNI extended its lead to 16 points to start the second quarter, but Wichita State was able to make it an 11-point game with 5:55 on the clock after a deep three from Jyar Francis, making it 22-11. The Panthers countered by forcing another scoring drought and five turnovers on the Shockers that sparked a 12-2 run, taking a 34-13 lead heading into halftime.

The Panthers started the third quarter falling short on shooting, going on a 3:02 scoring drought that included three turnovers, letting Wichita State cut the lead to 37-17 with 5:59 on the clock. Despite a low scoring quarter from both teams, UNI was able to keep the Shockers at bay, keeping a 43-25 lead heading into the fourth.

UNI quickly extended its lead to 22 points to start the fourth quarter, scoring four straight points, including a great pass-and-score play from Stephanie Davison and Keitel to give UNI a 47-25 advantage. Wichita State was able to transition into a 7-0 run to answer, cutting UNI's lead to 47-32 with 5:28 on the clock, forcing UNI to go scoreless for 2:40.

The Shockers continued to press, going on a 12-2 run late in the quarter, making it a 12-point game with less than three minutes to play after UNI went scoreless for another three minute period. UNI's combination of composure on defense and clutch free throws down the stretch kept UNI ahead by double digits and secured its 55-44 road victory.

The Panthers will return to action on Sunday, Jan. 10 when they take on the Missouri State Bears. The game is set to tip at 2 p.m. on ESPN3.

Post-Game Notes vs. Wichita State

UNI picked up a 55-44 road victory over Wichita State today, the Panthers' first win in Charles Koch Arena since Feb. 4, 2011.
Senior Amber Sorenson broke the 700-point mark in her career in the second quarter with a deep three-pointer. She now has 706 total as a Panther after scoring 10 against Wichita State. It was her second-career double-double, adding a season-high 10 rebounds.
Jen Keitel has scored in double figures in five of the last six games for the Panthers this season, adding 18 against Wichita State.
Wichita State's 13 points is the lowest scored in a half by a UNI opponent this season. The previous low was 14 points against Akron.
UNI allowed just four points scored in the first quarter, which believe it or not, is not a season low. Akron (12/13), scored just two points against the Panthers in the first quarter.
Jen Keitel finished the game against the Shockers with eight rebounds, her 11^th consecutive game with five-or-more boards. She is averaging 7.1 this season.