The UNI Women’s basketball team made a late game push past Indiana State at home on Friday, Feb. 22, in the McLeod center. UNI walked away with a 71-63 win after a few costly turnovers by Indiana State late in the fourth quarter killed their comeback hopes.

“They are very experienced, they play a lot of different defenses. They are really up tempo on offense, they can shoot the three. They play inside and outside, you’re going to have to be ready to play, you’re going to have to be ready to defend,” said Coach Tanya Warren as she prepared for Friday’s contest.

The Panthers and Sycamores both worked hard on defense in the first quarter. UNI struggled to get any kind of offense started. A made layup by Taylor Hagen off an assist by Mikaela Morgan gave the Panthers their first points of the game.

Following a made three, Morgan came up with a big steal on defense. At the end of the first quarter, UNI would lead 13-10. Rebounds were hard to come by for the purple and gold going into the 2nd quarter.

UNI would step up on defense only allowing six points going into the half, leading 35-16. The Panthers were outscored in the third quarter 18-15.

The Sycamores made their way back into the game with 1:56 remaining in the fourth only down 60-54. UNI forward, Bre Gunnels stepped up big in the fourth quarter, coming up with a steal and a basket on the other in to seal it for the Panthers.

All nine players would score in this contest, UNI was led by Karli Rucker, Hagen, and Gunnels with 11 points apiece.

Mikaela Morgan finished with nine points.

The Panthers would take on the University of Evansville at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, in the McLeod Center, winning their match up with the Purple Aces 95-46.

UNI will face Missouri State on Friday, March 1.