Finley, Panthers Topple Drake on Senior Night

Friday, March 6

Cedar Falls, Iowa

6:30 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

18-11,10-8MVC

Drake

22-8,14-4MVC

Drake

UNI

Finley, Panthers Topple Drake on Senior Night

3/6/2020 10:51:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Kam Finley scored a career-high 28 and UNI broke a nine game losing streak against Drake with a 91-78 win over the Bulldogs Friday evening at the McLeod Center.

The win is the first over the Bulldogs since March 2016. This is the first time in school history UNI beat Iowa, Iowa State, and Drake in the same season. The Panthers record against in-state opponents is 3-1 this season.

Finley got off to a hot start, scoring the first ten points for the Panthers, helping UNI build a 7-0 lead, setting the tone for the game.

At the end of an intense, physical first quarter, Finley had 15 points and UNI had a 21-18 lead.

The Panthers led 44-35 at halftime behind 18 points from Finley. Karli Rucker added 11 points on 5-8 shooting, before the break.

UNI opened the third quarter on an 8-0 run to pull ahead 52-39. Drake fought back, cutting the lead to single digits a few times throughout the second half. At the end of the third, the Panthers were up 62-49.

Finley made a layup with 9:38 to go in the third quarter, tying her career high of 20 points. She broke her record with a three with 6:42 left in the game. She finished with 28 points.

UNI shot 75% from deep in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good, securing the 91-78 win.

Notes:

-Kam Finley beat her career high of 20 with 28 points after a 3 with 6:42 left in the game.

-At the half, the Panthers were scoring 50% from the 3 point line, field, and free throw line, and had 14 rebounds over Drake's 9.

-UNI has a winning record MVC play in each of the last eight seasons.

-UNI has won 18 or more games in each of the last five years.

-This is the first time in school history UNI beat Iowa, Iowa State, and Drake in the same season.

-The Panthers and Bulldogs are done with the regular season, but the remainder of the Valley closes out league play Saturday.

Up Next:
The Panthers will be the fifth seed in the MVC Tournament, playing Illinois State. The Redbirds are 18-10 overall and 10-7 in the conference but close league play with a game Saturday against Indiana State.