The UNI Panther women’s basketball team was coming off two big home wins over Evansville and Indiana State as they pulled into Peoria, Ill., for a matchup with the 14-2 Bradley Braves.

The Panthers started out strong in the first quarter as they held a 10-9 lead after the first quarter of play. However, the Braves fought back in the second to grab the lead, out-scoring the Purple and Gold 20-7 in the second quarter, going into halftime with a 29-17 Bradley lead.

Coming out of halftime, the Panthers continued to struggle on the offensive side of the ball, taking just nine points while allowing 18 from Bradley, going into the fourth quarter with a 47-26 Bradley lead.

Northern Iowa was able to find their stride on offense in the fourth quarter as they put up 21 points, but it would not be enough as Bradley scored 14 to secure the 61-47 Braves win.

Despite the loss to Bradley, the Purple and Gold still receive good news as center Megan Maahs returned in the Bradley loss, and looks to improve through the rest of the season.

With the loss, the Panthers fall to 11-6 on the season and 3-3 in conference play.