UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA TO FACE BRADLEY IN MENS BASKETBALL

The University of Northern Iowa (16-6, 10-1 Missouri Valley Conference) heads to Peoria, Ill., to face Bradley (13-9, 7-4 MVC) on Tuesday night. UNI, which has won 10 straight games overall and six straight on the road, defeated Bradley, 66-61, on Jan. 21 at the McLeod Center.

JUMP BALLS

UNI has won 10 straight games, which is tied for the longest winning streak in school history. The 1963-64 Panthers, which at the time were a Division II team known as the State College of Iowa, won 10 straight games to open its season. That team, under the direction of head coach Norm Stewart, eventually finished 23-4 and advanced to the College Division Final Four. In addition, UNI’s 10-game winning streak is also tied for the fifth-longest active winning streak in the NCAA.

UNI won its sixth Missouri Valley Conference road game of the season (against no losses) at Indiana State Jan. 31. That is the most road conference wins by the Panthers ever. UNI’s previous high was five road victories in the 2005-06 season.

UNI held Indiana State to 38 percent shooting in its 61-57 win at the Hulman Center Jan. 31. That marked the eighth time in the Panthers’ last 12 games they have held their opponent to less than 40 percent shooting.

The Panthers made a season-low one three-pointer at Indiana State Jan. 31 (1-for-9), but still was able to earn the victory over the Sycamores. UNI’s previous low was three three-pointers against Marquette Nov. 28. The Panthers have made eight or more three-pointers in nine games this season.

Forward Lucas O’Rear has been a huge factor off the bench for UNI this season, but especially recently. Over his last six games, he is averaging 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting an amazing 72 percent from the field.

Two weeks ago when UNI and Bradley met at the McLeod Center, the Panthers rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat the Braves, 66-61. UNI was led by Ali Farokhmanesh, who scored 17 points, while Kwadzo Ahelegbe had 13 points, and Adam Koch and Johnny Moran each added 11. Lucas O’Rear came off the bench to score six points and grab a career-best 11 rebounds.