The University of Northern Iowa womens basketball team defeated the University of Evansville Purple Aces 75-65 Saturday night in Cedar Falls. The Panthers (10-11, 5-4 MVC) shot a scorching 54 percent from the field to go along with 47 percent from behind the 3-point line.
UNI freshman Hannah Schonhardt scored her first points just a minute into the start of the game, helping the Panthers jump out to a quick 10-0 lead. Schonhardt caught fire and scored 11 points in the first four minutes of the game.
The Purple Aces responded with an 8-0 run of their own to bring the score to 13-12 in favor of the Panthers. Evansvilles first lead of the ballgame came with just over six minutes to go in the first half on a layup from senior Taylor Ware to make it 26-24 in favor of the Purple Aces.
The Panthers took some momentum into the locker room at halftime as they put together a 7-0 run that was sparked by senior Jacqui Kalin. The run took just 45 seconds before it was ended by Wares 3-pointer to tighten the score at 34-32 at halftime.
The Panthers once again came out on fire as they went on a 13-2 run over four minutes to give them a 10-point lead at 47-37. In the second half, the Panthers orchestrated another run that gave them the lead, 65-52.
The Purple Aces cut the Panther lead back to five at 65-60 with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. However, UNI answered with a 6-0 run in the clutch to seal the 75-65 victory.
We knew that they were going to make a run. Basketball is a game of runs, said UNI head coach Tanya Warren. What I really liked about our team was that every time (Evansville) made a run, I thought we answered.
Kalin was key in the Panthers final run of the game, as she made six straight free throws down the stretch to secure a UNI victory. Kalin finished with a game-high 28 points along with a season-high 10 assists.
Schonhardt scored a career-high 23 points while shooting 70 percent from the field.
We talk about balance all the time. If we dont have balance, that is when we run into trouble, said Schonhardt.
UNI returns to action Friday when they travel to face Wichita State University.
