CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Interstat) — South Dakota State survived a late push from Northern Iowa to secure a 59-57 women’s basketball victory Wednesday night at McLeod Center.

The Jackrabbits built an early lead with a 21-point first quarter but endured a severe second-quarter drought, scoring only five points. That allowed the Panthers to take a 35-26 halftime advantage. South Dakota State reclaimed control with a 15-7 third quarter and held on despite Northern Iowa closing the gap to two points in the final seconds. Maggie Hartwig led the Jackrabbits with 16 points, while Brooklyn Meyer added 14. Northern Iowa’s Ryley Goebel scored 12 points and blocked five shots, and Elise Jaeger added 13 points. South Dakota State improved to 9-2, while Northern Iowa fell to 4-5. Attendance was 2,384.