The UNI women’s basketball team took down Missouri State 63-57 on Saturday to reach the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship game. The Panthers rallied in the fourth quarter to get the win, outscoring the Lady Bears 22-12 in the final session.

The Panthers opened that final quarter with a 14-0 run to take command. Karli Rucker led four panthers in double-figures with 18 points. Grace Boffeli had a big game with 14 points and 9 rebounds.

Missouri State was led by 19 points from Abigayle Jackson and 12 from Mya Bhiner. The Lady Bears fall to 24-7.

UNI improved to 22-9 and will face Illinois State in the Hoops in the Heartland Championship Game on Sunday in Moline, IL.