Dec. 2, 2004

Box Score

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA - The University of Northern Iowa jumped out to an 8-0 lead to begin the game and never trailed en route to a 68-50 non-conference win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in women's basketball action here Thursday (Dec. 2). Nichole Drummond scored 14 points to lead UWM which fell to 1-4 on the young season. With the victory, Northern Iowa improves to 4-1 on the year.

The inside duo of Alex Cook and Cassie Hager set the tone of the night early, scoring six points in UNI's opening run. Kimberly Becker's jumper at the 15:39 mark briefly stopped the push but an Amanda Faas three-ball made it a nine-point game with 15:03 remaining. Milwaukee scored the next five points, three by Drummond, to make it 11-7 with 13:45 remaining in the half but Northern Iowa scored six straight to make it a ten-point game.

Milwaukee struggled in the half-court in the first half and couldn't get closer than eight, 21-13, the remainder of the frame. The Panthers committed 14 first half turnovers and shot just 30.8% while UNI connected on 48.0% from the field and 7-of-11 from the free throw line. Cook and Hager led Northern Iowa with nine points each in the first half to give the home team a 33-19 cushion at the break.

UWM came out aggressively in the second half and began to increase the tempo of the game. UNI took a 16-point lead, 39-23, before seven straight points by Drummond cut the lead to nine, 39-30, with 14:06 to play. However, Northern Iowa scored the next five points to push the lead back to 14 at the 11:20 mark.

The Panthers continued to battle and got back within eight, 46-38, after consecutive baskets by Drummond, Megan Rogers, and Aubrey Hampton. The surge proved to be shortlived, however, as Jessie Biggs scored five straight points to make it a 13-point cushion, 41-38, with 8:17 to go.

Milwaukee continued to pressure defensively but couldn't cut into the lead the remainder of the game. Cook led all players with 20 points and 15 rebounds while the 6-7 Hager added 19 points, six rebounds, and five blocked shots. Drummond scored her 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting while grabbing five boards. Teri Huff added 10 points and a season-high eight rebounds.

UWM will return to action on Sunday (Dec. 5) when it travels to Rochester Hills, Michigan, for a 2:00 p.m. contest versus Oakland University.

Game Notes

· Molly O'Brien notched a career-high seven steals which is also good for fifth-best in school history.

· Drummond has scored at least 14 points in four of UWM's five games this season

· Milwaukee turned the ball over 20 times but forced 22 turnovers to win the turnover battle for the second straight game.

· The Panthers have now lost 13 consecutive non-conference league games dating back to December 31, 2001.