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The Iowa State women got a much-needed 84-75 victory on Wednesday night in Cedar Falls against Northern Iowa. The win moves the Cyclones to 3-3 on the season. It was the fifth straight game away from Ames for Iowa State.
Seanna Johnson finished with 28 points on 10-16 shooting. Johnson added 10 rebounds. Bryanna Fernstrom built on her success in Cancun with a double double of her own. Fernstrom had 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cyclones, which have not lost to UNI since 2002, led 8-0 early and finished the 1st quarter ahead 19-6. The Cyclones held UNI to just 13% field goal shooting and had a commanding 15-8 rebounding advantage at the first break. UNI charged back in the 2nd quarter and closed the half on a banked three from Madison Weekly to trail by just five points at intermission. Seanna Johnson contributed 10 points and five rebounds in the first half for Iowa State. Meredith Burkhall added seven points in the first 20 minutes. Iowa State's size helped the Cyclones dominate inside in the first half, with a 28-12 advantage in the paint.
Northern Iowa hung around in the 3rd quarter and eventually tied the game at 49-49 with 3:29 left in the period. Northern Iowa took advantage of improved rebounding, but Jadda Buckley revived Iowa State with a four-point play to help the Cyclones lead 58-52 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Iowa State clung to a six-point advantage with less than five minutes to play, but a three pointer and a steal by Seanna Johnson helped Iowa State begin to pull away. The Cyclones struggled on several inbounds plays in the last couple minutes that offered UNI some late opportunities, but Iowa State was ultimately able to close the game out at the foul line.
Despite a points advantage inside for the Cyclones, UNI was able to deny Iowa State on several scoring opportunities thanks to six blocks. The Panthers also had 19 offensive rebounds.
Bridget Carleton was out of the lineup once again for the Cyclones. She's dealing with a lingering mouth injury from the Duke game. Carleton's return and her average of 13 points per game will be a welcome boost for the Cyclones. TeeTee Starks started in place of Carleton and finished with six points and seven rebounds.
The Cyclones return to Hilton, for the first time since Nov. 13th, to face Southern on Sunday at 2pm. Iowa State will finish the last five games of the non-conference season at home.