Wildcat’s defense limits Upper Iowa to 30.5% shooting
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – The Northern Michigan women’s basketball team improved to 4-1 on the season with a 64-52 victory over Upper Iowa, earning its fourth consecutive win at the Justagame Fieldhouse.
The Wildcats turned in a strong performance on both ends of the floor, shooting 45.5% (25-of-55) from the field while holding the Peacocks to just 30.5% (18-of-59). Northern also forced 17 turnovers, turning those opportunities into an 18-8 advantage in points off turnovers. The Wildcats were especially effective inside, dominating the paint with a 44-16 scoring advantage.
Sydney Whitehouse led all scorers with 16 points, while Addison Pytleski added 10. Jordyn Schmittdiel made her presence felt throughout the game, finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.
“They challenged us a lot in a lot of different areas, and it’s great to get out of here with a win,” said head coach Casey Thousand. “Jordyn has always been all over the boards for us, and we can count on her to give consistent heart and effort.”
Schmittdiel credited the team’s collective effort across the weekend.
“Both games were huge team wins. Every one made an impact and we each did things that contributed to the win,” she said.
The teams traded baskets throughout a back-and-forth opening quarter before Haddie Showen knocked down a three-pointer in the closing seconds to give Northern a 13-11 lead.
In the second, the Wildcats created some separation with an 8-0 run to go up 22-14, but Upper Iowa responded with an 8-0 stretch of its own to even the score. Northern closed the half with the final four points to take a 32-28 advantage into the break, shooting 50% from the floor over the opening 20 minutes.
Northern came out of halftime with its best stretch of the afternoon, scoring 11 of the first 13 points to build a 43-30 lead. The Wildcats continued to control the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Peacocks 16-7 to take a 48-35 advantage into the final period.
Upper Iowa was unable to make a serious push in the fourth, as Northern maintained its double-digit lead the rest of the way to secure the 64-52 victory.
Up Next
Northern Michigan will return to the road next weekend, traveling to face St. Cloud State on November 20 before taking on Minnesota Duluth on November 21.
