FAYETTE, IA – Using the same winning formula for the season straight game, the University of Mary women's basketball team powered their way to a 59-57 road win at Upper Iowa University. Gabbie Bohl and Hannah Larson combined for 37 points and 17 rebounds.
 
The Marauders dominated the paint, outscoring the Peacocks 44-22. Mary held a 45-35 edge in rebounds, leading to a 14-5 advantage in second chance points. One of the nation's leaders in blocked shots, the Marauders rejected nine Peacocks attempts while having just three of their own swatted away.
 
The Marauders work inside more than offset a night without a 3-pointer for Mary, who missed on all ten attempts beyond the arc while the Peacocks connected for five treys.
 
The leading scorer among freshmen in the Northern Sun, Bohl produced her third double double of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds, both game highs. The redshirt freshman center also blocked a career-high four shots and made 9-of-16 field goal attempts.
 
Larson, the only other Mary player to reach double figures, posted 15 points and six rebounds. The senior forward also added three assists.
 
On a night Mary struggled offensively, the Marauders defense took over. Hitting just 40.4 percent of their shots from the floor and only 13-of-28 free throws, the Marauders limited the Peacocks to a 38.9 percent field goal percentage. Upper Iowa also struggled at the line, making just 10-of-18.
 
Mary scored first and never trailed in the game, jumping out to a quick 13-3 lead. Upper Iowa closed within 32-31 at half but the Marauders scored the first ten points of the second half.
 
The Peacocks eventually fought their way back and knotted the game at 47-47 early in the fourth quarter before the Marauders once again created some separation. Four points by Bohl in a 7-0 Mary run provided the Marauders just enough cushion to hold off the Peacocks.
 
Mary hit just enough free throws in the final minute to claim the win. After UIU clawed within 57-55, Dani Williams hit 1-of-2 at the line to increase the Mary margin to three points. Williams added another free throw with four seconds left to give Mary a 59-57 win.
 
With one final chance for Upper Iowa, Rachel Weir took the ball away from the Peacocks to ensure a second straight win for the Marauders.
 
Williams and Weir both scored seven points for Mary. Williams added two steals and Weir had two blocks.
 
Blair Klostermann, the NSIC's leading scorer, posted 21 points for the Peacocks. Carley Pagel added 15 points and eight rebounds.
 
The victory improves the Marauders to 11-12 this season and 6-9 in the NSIC, moving Mary into a 3-way tie for 4^th place in the North Division standings. UIU falls to 2-17 and 2-13. 
 
The Marauders conclude their weekend road trip at #22 Winona State on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 4 pm.
 
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