University of Northern Iowa
Southern Illinois
Defense The Key In Panthers' 49-40 Win Over Salukis
2/4/2006 7:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 4, 2006
Cedar Falls, Iowa -
In its fifth straight win overall and fifth consecutive at home, UNI held
Senior center Cassie Hager (
"If we are going to win big games it will be because of our defensive effort," head coach Tony DiCecco. "Our defense really bailed us out today and SIU really took away a lot from our inside game. We were just not as sharp today, in terms of our offensive ability. We did get the job done and in that respect, I like what our kids are doing."
SIU shot 50.0 percent (12-of-24) from the field in the first half to UNI's 32.3 percent (10-of-31). However, the Panthers held on to a narrow lead throughout the period. Junior guard Sarah Larsen (Kalona, Iowa) hit a three-pointer with 5:45 remaining to take a four-point lead and then the Salukis went on a 4-0 run, knotting the game at 21-all. The score seesawed for the remainder of the half until Biggs grabbed an offensive rebound and laid it back up with three seconds left, giving UNI a 26-25 lead at the break.
UNI had 20 second chance points in the game versus six by SIU. The Panthers also shot a season-low 30.0 percent but held the Salukis to only 40 points, their best defensive effort this season. The Panthers clinched a 7-0 run out of the half to build the lead to 33-25. SIU cut UNI's lead to three points twice in the second period, including with
SIU is now 8-12, 4-7 in the MVC and UNI improves to 14-6, 8-3 in the Valley. The Panthers are on the road for five of their last seven games and play at
