Box Score FAYETTE, Iowa --- A 31-point fourth quarter proved to be the difference Saturday evening in Fayette, as Minnesota State upended the Upper Iowa Peacocks 78-71.

With the win, the Mavericks improve to 6-2 on the season, including a 3-1 NSIC record. With the loss, the Peacocks drop to 1-9 on the season, including a 1-4 conference record. MSU has now won five out of its last six games.

The first quarter remained close throughout as UIU carried a 17-16 lead through the first 10 minutes. A jumper from senior Kirstin Klitzke put the Mavericks up 6-3 early, but both teams found themselves tied at 10-10 with 3:22 left in the quarter. Both teams tallied three baskets apiece in the final three minutes of the quarter also.

The Mavericks led early on in the second quarter 22-18 as sophomore Maddy Olson and Klitzke each connected on a three pointer, but the Peacocks were able to outscore the Mavericks 18-7 through the rest of the quarter to take a 36-29 lead into the locker room.

Klitzke led the Maverick offense in the first half with seven points, while senior Rachel Shumski added six points and five rebounds. As a unit, MSU forced 12 UIU turnovers in the first half.

The third quarter saw the Peacocks build upon their lead as they carried an 11-point lead at 58-47 into the fourth quarter. It was in the fourth quarter that the Maverick offense would come alive.

A layup from Shumski with 8:55 remaining would prove to be the start of an 18-0 run over the next 5:39 to put MSU up 68-63 with less than four minutes remaining. MSU sank seven baskets and two free throw during that stretch, including threes from Klitzke and freshman Shea Fuller.

With the wind out of their sails, the Peacocks could not retake the lead as the Mavericks locked down their 78-71 win. As a team, MSU shot 9-of-16 (.563) from the field in the fourth quarter, including a 4-of-8 showing from downtown. The Mavericks also shot 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Klitzke did the most damage for the Mavericks in the fourth quarter as she netted 11 points while shooting 4-of-5 from the field. Freshman Joey Batt added six points on a 6-of-6 showing from the free throw line.

Klitzke finished the game with a team-leading 18 points, while Shumski tallied 17 points and a team-best nine rebounds. Sophomore Kristi Fett notched 11 points and three blocks also. As a team, MSU shot 35.1% from the field, to go along with an 18-of-28 (.643) showing from the line.

Jessica Musgrave led all scorers with 22 points. She also hauled in nine rebounds. As a team, UIU shot 37.7% from the field and 24-of-30 (.800) from the free throw line.

Minnesota State wraps up its road trip this Wednesday as it takes on Concordia-St. Paul. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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