DES MOINES, IOWA - The Grand View women's basketball team, ranked 20th and seeded second, began their post-season journey against Peru State College in the Heart of America Tournament. The winner would advance to the semifinals. Despite a strong start from Peru State, who won the first half, Grand View made a comeback in the third quarter with 29 points, ultimately securing an 86-77 victory.

From the stat line the teams were even in the early goings. Both would connect on 10 shots from the field. A colder start from three would rattle the Vikings early, but Cleao Murray would bang around on the inside, collecting 9 first-quarter points to lead the Vikings. Peru State hit a late three-pointer to go up seven, but the following possession would cut the lead to five after Fogarty beat the buzzer with a jump shot.

Peru State opened the second quarter with a 3-24 lead. After two minutes of play, the Bobcats held their largest lead of the contest at 11 after finding points in transition. Brianna Fields would supply a much-needed spark for the Vikings upon entering the game, hitting two free throws to end a 10-0 run by PSC. In the following possession, Rachel Leerar hit a clutch three that brought their deficit back to ten. GVU would close out the half with six points to only trail six by halftime.

Grand View exploded in the third quarter for 29 points ultimately leading to them securing the win. Anna Gossling led the scoring efforts in the third quarter; Gossling connected on 4-6 from the field and 2-3 from three. The Vikings also forced Peru into three costly turnovers that sparked their transition game. GVU closed out the third quarter with a 7-2 run over Peru giving them a six-point lead entering the final 10 minutes.

The Vikings lead grew to double-digits quickly as Cleao Murray finished in the lane. Back-to-back threes orchestrated by Murray and Gossling  would force Peru into a timeout as they now trailed 77-63. PSC would gain some footing cutting the game to nine points. GVU however would connect on 2-4 freethrows to escape the scare with a 86-77 win. The victory moves the Vikings to 26-4 overall, and advances them in the Heart of America Conference Tournament bracket.

GAME NOTES: 

• Murray had a big night for the Vikings scoring 28 points, on 12-17 shooting a 3-5 from three. Murray also chipped in 4 assists.
• Gossling posted her sixth game with 20+ points, finishing with 24 points, and was 5-7 from three and five assists.
•  The Vikings dished out 17 assists.

 WHAT'S NEXT?
Grand View will host the winner of Missouri Valley versus MidAmerica Nazarene for the semifinals on Saturday, March 2^nd at 4:00 p.m. in Sisam Arena.