Box Score FAYETTE, Iowa - The Dragons lose out on the opportunity to take sole position of first place in the conference, as Upper Iowa University wins 76-72 in the final seconds at the Dorman Gymnasium. The Dragons' win drops them to 18-6, 14-6 in the NSIC, while the Peacocks improve to 9-15, 6-14 in the conference.
The Peacocks limited the Dragons' up-tempo transition offense by applying a physical full-court trap defense, and taking most of their shots as the shot clock expired. The Dragons were able to jump up to a 4-2 lead, as
Alex Novak took a
DJ Hamilton pass at the free throw line and backed his defender down low for a left-handed baby hook.
UIU followed with a run of their own and taking the lead, until Hamilton drove the lane and made an acrobatic put-back off his own miss to regain the lead at 18-16. Later, Hamilton split two defenders at the top of the key and found Novak low for a layup and a foul. Novak successfully completed the three-point play giving the Dragons a 23-20 lead.
MSUM had open looks yet struggled from the three-point line during the first half, shooting only 2-for-11 for 18%.
The Dragons were unable to stop the Peacock offense and pull away in the second half, as both teams traded leads throughout.
Jake Driscoll started a 7-0 run with just under 10 minutes left, hitting a three in transition and completing two free throws after getting fouled after a three-point attempt. Novak was able to finish the run, cleaning up a missed shot and moving the Dragons ahead 52-51.
Sam Elgin, who spent most of the second half on the bench after picking up his fourth personal foul, hit a three pointer with 35 seconds remaining in regulation, giving UIU the lead at 74-72. Novak had the ball tipped away under the basket by Elgin on the ensuing possession, however Hamilton was able to steal the UIU inbounds pass.
Charlie Chapman had a look from three, but was unable to convert as Novak fouled out sending Peacock post Tucker Wentzien to the line. Wentzien made both free throws, securing the UIU victory.
MSUM finished the game 22-for-52, 42%, from the field, 5-for-18, 28%, from three, and 23-for-27, 85%, from the free throw line. The Dragons were led in scoring by Hamilton (21), Novak (17) and Driscoll (11).
UIU shot 25-for-56, 45%, from the field, 5-for-17, 29%, from three, and 21-for-28, 75%, from the free throw line. The Peacocks had five players score in double digits: Mike Lafrenz (14), Elgin (13), Mark Lafrenz (12), Tucker Wentzien (12) and Brad Arnold (11).
The Dragons come back home next weekend for the final home games of the regular season, hosting Augustana on Friday (8 pm) and Northern State on Saturday (6 pm).
Dragons Preview 2/17/12-2/18/12 Game Notes
Dragons Lose NSIC Game at Upper Iowa
