No shame to Lady Shockers’ loss

All good things must come to an end. At least, that’s what most people say.

It became a reality for the Lady Shocker basketball team on Sunday as they fell short against Northern Iowa, 80-71, snapping their winning-streak at 20. The game marks the first conference loss for the Shockers this season.

Junior guard Alex Harden’s career high 31 points was not enough. Junior Kelsey Jacobs was the second leading scorer with 11 points.

The Shockers struggled to hang tight with Northern Iowa and never held a lead. The Panthers had three starters and one bench player score in double-figures. Northern Iowa’s Brooke Brown, Brittni Donaldson and Jen Keitel scored 17, 22 and 19 points.

Losing sophomore forward Michaela Dapprich and junior guard Jamillah Bonner due to early foul trouble dampened the Lady Shockers’ offense and defensive game plan.

Bonner, standing at 5-foot-8, is a powerhouse within the team, averaging 12.7 points, 1.6 steals and 4.5 rebounds a game. Losing her at the midway point in the second half put a halt to the usual demolition that the team puts on their opponents.

Four of the five Lady Shocker starters found themselves in foul trouble at the end of the contest. Bonner, Dapprich, Harden and senior center Michelle Price finished with four fouls each.

While the Lady Shockers may be down, the team must look on the bright side. Statistically, the Panthers overshadowed the Shockers with greater shooting margins. The Shockers cut the 15-point first half lead to nine by the buzzer, which is impressive. Instead of allowing the Panthers to capitalize on their lead, the Shockers held tight to deflect the chance of Northern Iowa to increase their lead and create a blowout game.

The Lady Shockers will attempt to rekindle the winning streak as they take on Illinois State 7 p.m. on Friday at Charles Koch Arena.