The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team was able to cut a 14-point second-half deficit to two, but it was unable to completely close the gap in a 61-56 loss to Purdue in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday afternoon.
Jordan Eglseder led the Panthers (23-11) with 13 points, and Kwadzo Ahelegbe scored 11. Ali Farokhmanesh added 10 points, all in the second half. Lucas O’Rear came off the bench to grab seven rebounds.
E’Twaun Moore led Purdue (26-9) with 17 points, and JaJuan Johnson scored 14 for the Boilermakers. Robbie Hummel scored nine points and collected 12 rebounds for Purdue.
A three-point play from Eglseder and a three from Johnny Moran gave the Panthers a quick 6-4 lead. UNI was held scoreless for more than seven minutes, however, allowing Purdue to go on a 14-0 run and build an 18-6 advantage.
A three from Moran and a layup from Eglseder cut the Panther deficit to seven, 20-13 with 8:24 left in the half.
The Boilermakers stretched their lead back to a dozen, however, and they took a 32-20 lead into the break.
Hummel scored at 19:30 to give Purdue its largest lead of the game, 34-20. Adam Koch responded with a three-point shot to pull the Panthers within 11.
Johnson and Eglseder traded baskets, and a pair of free throws from Moore gave put Purdue in front by 13, 38-25 with 16:59 to play. Farokhmanesh hit his first three of the game to make it a 10-point game, 38-28. He connected on a three off an assist from Travis Brown to cut UNI’s deficit to seven, 38-31 with 14:18 to play.
Hummel scored on a pull-up jumper to extend the Purdue lead back to nine, but Ahelegbe knocked down a mid-range jump shot as he was fouled. The free-throw made it a two-possession game, 40-34 with 12:10 left.
Johnson and Eglseder traded baskets twice, keeping the Panther deficit at a half-dozen, 44-38 with 10:02 remaining.
The Panthers came up empty-handed on their next three possessions, and Purdue took advantage to build its lead to 48-38 with 9:13 to play.
Eglseder knocked down a pair of free throws at the eight-minute mark, and Moran grabbed a defensive rebound and found Koch ahead of the pack. Koch drove in for a one-handed dunk that cut the Purdue lead to six, 48-42 with 7:39 left.
The teams traded baskets over the next four minutes, and at 3:00 Farokhmanesh grabbed a steal that gave UNI the ball down six. The Panthers turned the ball over, however, and Moore scored to give Purdue a 54-46 lead with 2:22 on the clock.
UNI elected to send Moore to the free-throw line, and he missed the front end of a one-and-one. Moran tracked down the rebound, and Kerwin Dunham knocked down a three at 1:30 that pulled the Panthers within five, 54-49.
Hummel made one of two free throws to make it a six-point game, and Ahelegbe was fouled as she attempted a layup. The sophomore made both tries, pulling UNI within four, 55-51 with 1:07 on the clock.
Keaton Grant made one of two free throws, and Farokhmanesh collected the rebound for the Panthers. Dunham hit a three from the right baseline to cut the UNI deficit to a pair, 56-54 with 17.9 seconds remaining.
That was as close as the Panthers could get, however, as the Boilermakers finished 5-of-6 from the stripe in the closing seconds to hold off UNI.
Purdue shot 41 percent from the floor, while UNI connected on 37 percent of its shots. The Panthers made 7-of-22 (32 percent) from three-point range, with two each from Farokhmanesh, Moran and Dunham. UNI held Purdue to just 3-for-15 from behind the arc. The teams were even in rebounding, 33 each, with UNI collecting 11 offensive boards to 10 for Purdue.
Showing posts with label UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL. Show all posts
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
UNI TO FACE PURDUE IN NCAA TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (23-10, 14-4 Missouri Valley Conference), seeded 12th in the West Region, will face fifth-seeded Purdue (25-9, 11-7 Big Ten Conference) on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Portland, Ore. The winner will face the winner of the Washington-Mississippi State game on Saturday. Game time has yet to be determined.
UNI received an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament by virtue of capturing the 2009 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship. This is the fifth NCAA tournament appearance for the Panthers, and fourth in the last six years. UNI also qualified in 1990, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Quotes from UNI head coach Ben Jacobson and select UNI players:
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson“It's been a great week knowing we were in the tournament. But there is still excitement when you see your name come up - it's just neat to see your name. It's a great, great feeling.”
"I've seen part of four of five games Purdue has played. I haven't watched a full 40 minutes, but I've seen enough to see what they are about and what they do. We know how they'll play because of coach Matt Painter's experience at Southern Illinois. Purdue is talented and they'll play hard.”
“We'll need to play tough defensively and hopefully we'll hold up our end of the deal. We've been able to win games because our team defense has been good.”
Senior guard Travis Brown“It means a lot for us to earn a spot in the tournament. It's a huge accomplishment and it means a lot for the University of Northern Iowa. I still got butterflies when I saw Northern Iowa show up on the screen. Seeing our name show up there is special and something I'll never forget.”
"It's the beauty of the NCAA Tournament - the 12-5 matchup. It always seems like they produce exciting games.”
“Our goal going into the season was to make the NCAA Tournament and win a game in the NCAA Tournament. Now that we have qualified, we have to focus on playing a great game.”
Junior guard Ali Farokhmanesh (who grew up in Pullman, Wash.)“All of my friends are back there and they didn't take long to start asking me for tickets - it was like 10 seconds after we saw Northern Iowa on the board that they started texting me. It's going to be really exciting to go back out West.”
“It doesn't matter who you play, we knew it was going to be a tough matchup.”
UNI received an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament by virtue of capturing the 2009 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship. This is the fifth NCAA tournament appearance for the Panthers, and fourth in the last six years. UNI also qualified in 1990, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Quotes from UNI head coach Ben Jacobson and select UNI players:
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson“It's been a great week knowing we were in the tournament. But there is still excitement when you see your name come up - it's just neat to see your name. It's a great, great feeling.”
"I've seen part of four of five games Purdue has played. I haven't watched a full 40 minutes, but I've seen enough to see what they are about and what they do. We know how they'll play because of coach Matt Painter's experience at Southern Illinois. Purdue is talented and they'll play hard.”
“We'll need to play tough defensively and hopefully we'll hold up our end of the deal. We've been able to win games because our team defense has been good.”
Senior guard Travis Brown“It means a lot for us to earn a spot in the tournament. It's a huge accomplishment and it means a lot for the University of Northern Iowa. I still got butterflies when I saw Northern Iowa show up on the screen. Seeing our name show up there is special and something I'll never forget.”
"It's the beauty of the NCAA Tournament - the 12-5 matchup. It always seems like they produce exciting games.”
“Our goal going into the season was to make the NCAA Tournament and win a game in the NCAA Tournament. Now that we have qualified, we have to focus on playing a great game.”
Junior guard Ali Farokhmanesh (who grew up in Pullman, Wash.)“All of my friends are back there and they didn't take long to start asking me for tickets - it was like 10 seconds after we saw Northern Iowa on the board that they started texting me. It's going to be really exciting to go back out West.”
“It doesn't matter who you play, we knew it was going to be a tough matchup.”
Sunday, March 8, 2009
PANTHERS CLAIM MVC TOURNAMENT TITLE
The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team punched its ticket to the 2009 NCAA Tournament today with a 60-57 overtime victory over Illinois State.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe gave UNI the lead for good with a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left that brought the score to 58-57. After the Panthers came up with a defensive stop, Ali Farokmanesh connected on a pair of free throws with 6.8 seconds left to seal the win for UNI (23-10).
Ahelegbe led the Panthers with 17 points, and Farokmanesh finished with 13. Adam Koch finished with six points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots for the Panthers. Osiris Eldridge, who was tabbed the tournament MVP, led all scorers with 21 points, all scored in the second half. Champ Oguchi finished with 14 points and Emmanuel Holloway finished with 10 for the Redbirds (24-9).
Ahelegbe sandwiched consecutive threes between a pair of mid-range jumpers to score 10 straight points and give UNI a 12-6 lead with 14 minutes left in the first half.
Champ Oguchi hit a three at 13:45 to cut the Panther lead in half, 12-9. The Panthers outscored ISU 10-3 over the next six minutes to take a 10-point lead, 22-12 with 7:17 left in the half.
Koch gave UNI its largest lead of the period when he knocked down a jumper at 4:15 to bring the score to 27-15. ISU scored the final four points of the half to bring the halftime score to 27-19 in favor of the Panthers.
Coming out of the halftime break, Eglseder extended the UNI lead to 10 with a short jumper. The Redbirds responded with a 9-0 scoring run highlighted by a fast-break dunk from Eldridge along with a long three that cut UNI’s lead to 29-28 with 17 minutes to play.
Ahelegbe drove into the lane and scored to put the Panthers back up by three with 16:39 remaining. The UNI lead fluctuated between one and three points until Eldridge drained a long three at 10:19 to tie the score, 37-37.
On the ensuing possession, Farokhmanesh hit a three to return the lead to the Panthers, but Eldridge struck right back and hit threes on consecutive trips to give ISU its first lead of the second half, 43-40 with 7:58 on the clock.
Koch hit a pair of free throws to cut the Panther deficit to one, and Johnny Moran connected on a pair from the stripe to return the lead to UNI, 44-43 with 5:52 on the clock.
Eldridge hit his fifth three of the game to put the Redbirds in the lead by a pair, 46-44, but Travis Brown hit a jumper on UNI’s next possession to knot the game at 46-46 with 4:34 left. Oguchi gave the Redbirds the lead with less than a minute to play, knocking down a pair of free throws with 53 seconds left. Lucas O’Rear answered for UNI with 36 seconds on the clock to tie the game for the fifth time.
ISU held for the last shot, and Eldridge’s three-point attempt came up short to send the game into overtime.
Eldridge hit a jumper on the first possession of the extra period to give ISU a quick lead, but Farokhmanesh came off a screen by O’Rear to knock down a three and give the lead to UNI, 51-50.
Oguchi matched the three for the Redbirds to put ISU in front by a pair, and Holloway hit a pair of free throws at 3:15 to make it a two-possession game, 55-51.
UNI shot 20-of-46 (43.5 percent) from the floor, including 6-of-19 (31.6 percent) from behind the arc. The Panthers made 14-of-17 (82.4 percent) free-throw attempts.
ISU finished 19-of-63 (30.2 percent) from the floor, including 10-of-35 (28.6 percent) from long range. The Redbirds were 9-of-11 (81.8 percent) from the charity stripe.
Ahelegbe and Koch were each named to the all-tournament team.
The victory puts UNI in to the NCAA tournament for the fourth time since 2004. The Panthers will find out their seed and opponent on Sunday, March 15.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe gave UNI the lead for good with a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left that brought the score to 58-57. After the Panthers came up with a defensive stop, Ali Farokmanesh connected on a pair of free throws with 6.8 seconds left to seal the win for UNI (23-10).
Ahelegbe led the Panthers with 17 points, and Farokmanesh finished with 13. Adam Koch finished with six points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots for the Panthers. Osiris Eldridge, who was tabbed the tournament MVP, led all scorers with 21 points, all scored in the second half. Champ Oguchi finished with 14 points and Emmanuel Holloway finished with 10 for the Redbirds (24-9).
Ahelegbe sandwiched consecutive threes between a pair of mid-range jumpers to score 10 straight points and give UNI a 12-6 lead with 14 minutes left in the first half.
Champ Oguchi hit a three at 13:45 to cut the Panther lead in half, 12-9. The Panthers outscored ISU 10-3 over the next six minutes to take a 10-point lead, 22-12 with 7:17 left in the half.
Koch gave UNI its largest lead of the period when he knocked down a jumper at 4:15 to bring the score to 27-15. ISU scored the final four points of the half to bring the halftime score to 27-19 in favor of the Panthers.
Coming out of the halftime break, Eglseder extended the UNI lead to 10 with a short jumper. The Redbirds responded with a 9-0 scoring run highlighted by a fast-break dunk from Eldridge along with a long three that cut UNI’s lead to 29-28 with 17 minutes to play.
Ahelegbe drove into the lane and scored to put the Panthers back up by three with 16:39 remaining. The UNI lead fluctuated between one and three points until Eldridge drained a long three at 10:19 to tie the score, 37-37.
On the ensuing possession, Farokhmanesh hit a three to return the lead to the Panthers, but Eldridge struck right back and hit threes on consecutive trips to give ISU its first lead of the second half, 43-40 with 7:58 on the clock.
Koch hit a pair of free throws to cut the Panther deficit to one, and Johnny Moran connected on a pair from the stripe to return the lead to UNI, 44-43 with 5:52 on the clock.
Eldridge hit his fifth three of the game to put the Redbirds in the lead by a pair, 46-44, but Travis Brown hit a jumper on UNI’s next possession to knot the game at 46-46 with 4:34 left. Oguchi gave the Redbirds the lead with less than a minute to play, knocking down a pair of free throws with 53 seconds left. Lucas O’Rear answered for UNI with 36 seconds on the clock to tie the game for the fifth time.
ISU held for the last shot, and Eldridge’s three-point attempt came up short to send the game into overtime.
Eldridge hit a jumper on the first possession of the extra period to give ISU a quick lead, but Farokhmanesh came off a screen by O’Rear to knock down a three and give the lead to UNI, 51-50.
Oguchi matched the three for the Redbirds to put ISU in front by a pair, and Holloway hit a pair of free throws at 3:15 to make it a two-possession game, 55-51.
Farokhmanesh hit his second three in overtime to cut UNI’s deficit to one, 55-54 with three minutes to play.
Oguchi and O’Rear traded baskets to keep the ISU lead at one, 57-56 with 53 seconds remaining.
Oguchi missed a layup with 23 seconds left, and Koch grabbed the defensive rebound. ISU fouled Ahelegbe, and the sophomore made both tries to put UNI in the lead, 58-56.UNI knocked the ball loose, and Brown tied up the ball with Lloyd Phillips. The jump ball favored UNI, giving the Panthers the ball with 6.8 seconds left.
ISU sent Farokhmanesh to the line, and he made both attempts to put the Panthers in front by three, 60-57.
Eldridge got off the final shot for the Redbirds, but it did not fall, saving the win for the Panthers.UNI shot 20-of-46 (43.5 percent) from the floor, including 6-of-19 (31.6 percent) from behind the arc. The Panthers made 14-of-17 (82.4 percent) free-throw attempts.
ISU finished 19-of-63 (30.2 percent) from the floor, including 10-of-35 (28.6 percent) from long range. The Redbirds were 9-of-11 (81.8 percent) from the charity stripe.
Ahelegbe and Koch were each named to the all-tournament team.
The victory puts UNI in to the NCAA tournament for the fourth time since 2004. The Panthers will find out their seed and opponent on Sunday, March 15.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
UNI DEFEATS BRADLEY, 76-62; ADVANCES TO MVC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Adam Koch had 22 points and nine rebounds, and Kwadzo Ahelegbe added 21 points and four assists to lead the University of Northern Iowa to a 76-62 win in the semifinals of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball tournament.
Koch hit 7-of-10 shots from the floor, including both his shots from three-point range, on the afternoon. Five of his nine rebounds were on the offensive end of the floor, and he also chipped in with two assists and a career-high three blocked shots. Ahelegbe scored 15 of his points in the second half, and was a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line for the game. Jordan Eglseder and Johnny Moran chipped in with eight points each for UNI, while Travis Brown and Kerwin Dunham each added seven points.
The victory moves UNI into the MVC championship game for the third time in school history, and first time since 2004. The Panthers also made the Valley title contest in 1994.
UNI scored the first four points of the game, on a jumper from Ahelegbe and a layup from Eglseder. Bradley then went on an 11-2 run to take an 11-6 lead. UNI got within 14-12 after a Koch layup, but the Braves’ Chris Roberts drained a three-pointer from the left corner to extend BU’s lead back to five with 10 minutes left in the half.
The Panthers then embarked on a 16-6 run over the next six minutes, getting four points each from Koch and Dunham, to move in front 28-23. Bradley then went on a 7-2 run to pull even at 30-all, and the teams entered the locker room tied at 32.
UNI scored the first four points out of the locker room, and never trailed in the second half. With the score even at 38, UNI got a layup from Moran and a three-pointer from Koch to move in front by five. The Braves fought back to get as close as one, 45-44, with 11:57 left, but Brown and Dunham then hit back-to-back threes to push the Panthers’ lead to 51-44. Ahelegbe made two free throws and drained a pull-up jumper in the lane to conclude a 10-0 UNI run, pushing the Panthers’ advantage to 55-44 with 8:19 on the clock.
Bradley got within seven, 55-48, but UNI then scored six straight – including a three-pointer from Koch – to push its advantage to 61-48 with 5:39 remaining. UNI maintained its double-digit lead the rest of the way, earning the 76-62 win.
UNI shot 50 percent from the field, and was 24-for-30 at the free throw line, including 16-for-17 at the charity stripe in the second half. Bradley connected on just 37 percent of its shots and was 16-for-19 from the free throw line. UNI won the rebounding battle, 36-28, marking the sixth straight game the Panthers have out rebounded their opponent.
The Panthers, who have won four straight games, improved to 22-10 on the year, while Bradley fell to 18-14. Top-seeded UNI will face third-seeded Illinois State in tomorrow’s MVC tournament championship game, with tipoff from Scottrade Center set for 1:05 pm. The game will be televised nationally by CBS.
Koch hit 7-of-10 shots from the floor, including both his shots from three-point range, on the afternoon. Five of his nine rebounds were on the offensive end of the floor, and he also chipped in with two assists and a career-high three blocked shots. Ahelegbe scored 15 of his points in the second half, and was a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line for the game. Jordan Eglseder and Johnny Moran chipped in with eight points each for UNI, while Travis Brown and Kerwin Dunham each added seven points.
The victory moves UNI into the MVC championship game for the third time in school history, and first time since 2004. The Panthers also made the Valley title contest in 1994.
UNI scored the first four points of the game, on a jumper from Ahelegbe and a layup from Eglseder. Bradley then went on an 11-2 run to take an 11-6 lead. UNI got within 14-12 after a Koch layup, but the Braves’ Chris Roberts drained a three-pointer from the left corner to extend BU’s lead back to five with 10 minutes left in the half.
The Panthers then embarked on a 16-6 run over the next six minutes, getting four points each from Koch and Dunham, to move in front 28-23. Bradley then went on a 7-2 run to pull even at 30-all, and the teams entered the locker room tied at 32.
UNI scored the first four points out of the locker room, and never trailed in the second half. With the score even at 38, UNI got a layup from Moran and a three-pointer from Koch to move in front by five. The Braves fought back to get as close as one, 45-44, with 11:57 left, but Brown and Dunham then hit back-to-back threes to push the Panthers’ lead to 51-44. Ahelegbe made two free throws and drained a pull-up jumper in the lane to conclude a 10-0 UNI run, pushing the Panthers’ advantage to 55-44 with 8:19 on the clock.
Bradley got within seven, 55-48, but UNI then scored six straight – including a three-pointer from Koch – to push its advantage to 61-48 with 5:39 remaining. UNI maintained its double-digit lead the rest of the way, earning the 76-62 win.
UNI shot 50 percent from the field, and was 24-for-30 at the free throw line, including 16-for-17 at the charity stripe in the second half. Bradley connected on just 37 percent of its shots and was 16-for-19 from the free throw line. UNI won the rebounding battle, 36-28, marking the sixth straight game the Panthers have out rebounded their opponent.
The Panthers, who have won four straight games, improved to 22-10 on the year, while Bradley fell to 18-14. Top-seeded UNI will face third-seeded Illinois State in tomorrow’s MVC tournament championship game, with tipoff from Scottrade Center set for 1:05 pm. The game will be televised nationally by CBS.
UNI DEFEATS INDIANA STATE, 73-69, IN STATE FARM MVC TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS
Adam Koch and Kwadzo Ahelegbe each scored 19 points to lead the top-seeded University of Northern Iowa Panthers to a 73-69 win over Indiana State this afternoon in the quarterfinals of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball tournament.
Koch hit 7-of-10 shots from the floor and was 4-for-5 at the free throw line, while Ahelegbe was 6-for-13 on field goals, including 2-of-3 from behind the arc. Ahelegbe also grabbed a career-high seven rebounds and dished out five assists. Ali Farokhmanesh chipped in with 13 points, including sealing the victory with two free throws with four seconds left, and Valley Sixth-Man of the Year Lucas O’Rear contributed seven points and eight rebounds. Indiana State’s Rashad Reed led all players with 21 points.
The teams exchanged the lead seven times in the first six minutes of the game, with neither club holding more than a two point edge. With UNI trailing 14-13, Kerwin Dunham drained a three from the left corner, followed by an Eglseder free throw and a pull-up jumper from Ahelegbe, pushing UNI in front, 19-14. After ISU scored, Ahelegbe connected on a three-pointer, giving the Panthers their largest lead, 22-16, with 8:55 left in the first half.
Indiana State responded with three-pointers from Jay Tunnell and Harry Marshall to tie the score at 22. After Koch scored to give the Panthers the lead back, Marshall drained a long trey from the top of the key to give the Sycamores a 25-24 advantage. Indiana State moved in front by as many as three, 32-29, but UNI got two free throws from Ahelegbe and a three-pointer from the corner from Farokhmanesh to move back ahead, 34-32. The teams went into the locker room even at 37 after Reed made a floater in the lane just before the first half horn sounded.
After the teams traded baskets to start the second half, Ahelegbe canned another triple and Koch scored to give UNI a 44-39 lead. The Panthers were in front, 48-45, before the Sycamores scored seven straight, culminated by a Carl Richard three-pointer, to move in front 52-48 with 11:40 left.
The Panthers pulled within 54-52 after a pair of free throws from Eglseder, but Indiana State then got a free throw and a three-pointer from Aaron Carter to open its largest lead, 58-52, with 8:47 on the clock. Koch answered for UNI, scoring twice inside, to get the Panthers within 58-56. After ISU drained a pair of foul shots to go back up by four, UNI went on a run that ended up deciding the game.
The Panthers scored nine straight points, taking the lead for good, 61-60, on an Ahelegbe pull-up jumper in transition with 4:19 left. After Farokhmanesh made one of two from the free throw line and the Panthers forced an ISU miss, Farokhmanesh came off a screen and drained a deep three to push UNI’s advantage to 65-60 with 2:36 remaining.
UNI opened its largest lead of the game, 70-63, with 37 seconds left. The Panthers then missed three of their next four foul shots, and the Sycamores scored three straight baskets, getting within two, 71-69, with four seconds left. But Farokhmanesh was fouled, and the junior guard calmly stepped to the line and drained both free throws to seal the victory for the Panthers.
Both teams shot well, with UNI connecting on 50 percent of its shots and Indiana State making 49 percent of its field goals. The Panthers were 7-for-13 from three-point range (53.8 percent), while the Sycamores were 10-for-25 from downtown (40.0 percent). UNI made up that difference at the free throw line, however, as it made 18 foul shots to just seven by ISU. The Panther also won the rebounding battle, 32-23.
The Panthers improved to 21-10 on the year, while Indiana State’s season ended with an 11-21 record. UNI will face Bradley in tomorrow afternoon’s MVC tournament semifinals, with tip off time from Scottrade Center set for 1:35 pm.
Koch hit 7-of-10 shots from the floor and was 4-for-5 at the free throw line, while Ahelegbe was 6-for-13 on field goals, including 2-of-3 from behind the arc. Ahelegbe also grabbed a career-high seven rebounds and dished out five assists. Ali Farokhmanesh chipped in with 13 points, including sealing the victory with two free throws with four seconds left, and Valley Sixth-Man of the Year Lucas O’Rear contributed seven points and eight rebounds. Indiana State’s Rashad Reed led all players with 21 points.
The teams exchanged the lead seven times in the first six minutes of the game, with neither club holding more than a two point edge. With UNI trailing 14-13, Kerwin Dunham drained a three from the left corner, followed by an Eglseder free throw and a pull-up jumper from Ahelegbe, pushing UNI in front, 19-14. After ISU scored, Ahelegbe connected on a three-pointer, giving the Panthers their largest lead, 22-16, with 8:55 left in the first half.
Indiana State responded with three-pointers from Jay Tunnell and Harry Marshall to tie the score at 22. After Koch scored to give the Panthers the lead back, Marshall drained a long trey from the top of the key to give the Sycamores a 25-24 advantage. Indiana State moved in front by as many as three, 32-29, but UNI got two free throws from Ahelegbe and a three-pointer from the corner from Farokhmanesh to move back ahead, 34-32. The teams went into the locker room even at 37 after Reed made a floater in the lane just before the first half horn sounded.
After the teams traded baskets to start the second half, Ahelegbe canned another triple and Koch scored to give UNI a 44-39 lead. The Panthers were in front, 48-45, before the Sycamores scored seven straight, culminated by a Carl Richard three-pointer, to move in front 52-48 with 11:40 left.
The Panthers pulled within 54-52 after a pair of free throws from Eglseder, but Indiana State then got a free throw and a three-pointer from Aaron Carter to open its largest lead, 58-52, with 8:47 on the clock. Koch answered for UNI, scoring twice inside, to get the Panthers within 58-56. After ISU drained a pair of foul shots to go back up by four, UNI went on a run that ended up deciding the game.
The Panthers scored nine straight points, taking the lead for good, 61-60, on an Ahelegbe pull-up jumper in transition with 4:19 left. After Farokhmanesh made one of two from the free throw line and the Panthers forced an ISU miss, Farokhmanesh came off a screen and drained a deep three to push UNI’s advantage to 65-60 with 2:36 remaining.
UNI opened its largest lead of the game, 70-63, with 37 seconds left. The Panthers then missed three of their next four foul shots, and the Sycamores scored three straight baskets, getting within two, 71-69, with four seconds left. But Farokhmanesh was fouled, and the junior guard calmly stepped to the line and drained both free throws to seal the victory for the Panthers.
Both teams shot well, with UNI connecting on 50 percent of its shots and Indiana State making 49 percent of its field goals. The Panthers were 7-for-13 from three-point range (53.8 percent), while the Sycamores were 10-for-25 from downtown (40.0 percent). UNI made up that difference at the free throw line, however, as it made 18 foul shots to just seven by ISU. The Panther also won the rebounding battle, 32-23.
The Panthers improved to 21-10 on the year, while Indiana State’s season ended with an 11-21 record. UNI will face Bradley in tomorrow afternoon’s MVC tournament semifinals, with tip off time from Scottrade Center set for 1:35 pm.
Friday, March 6, 2009
UNI’S BEN JACOBSON NAMED MVC MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR
For the first time since 1997 and only the second time in school history, a University of Northern Iowa coach has earned the Rawlings Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year honor, as Ben Jacobson is this year's winner. Jacobson led the Panthers to a share of the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title - the first in UNI's 18th season in the league.
Jacobson received 34 of a possible 40 first-place tallies and 112 total points to outdistance Creighton's Dana Altman in the voting. Evansville's Marty Simmons was third in the balloting, conducted by league coaches, media and sports information directors.
In his third year as head coach at UNI, Jacobson engineered a surprise regular-season championship for the Panthers, who were picked sixth in the league's preseason poll. Jacobson has guided the Panthers to a 20-10 overall record, 14-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, and a share of their first-ever MVC regular-season title. UNI received the top seed in this week's State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
While this is Jacobson's first head-coaching job, he had 12 years of prior assistant coaching experience, including as an assistant at UNI for former Panther coach Greg McDermott since 2001-02. In Jacobson's three seasons as head coach at UNI, the Panthers have won 18, 18, and 20 games. His 18 wins in his rookie campaign in 2006-07 marked the most for a first-year Panther coach since the team joined the Division I ranks for the 1980-81 season. UNI’s 14 Valley wins this season was the most conference victories in school history.
Jacobson has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2009 Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award, which is given annually to the nation's top mid-major coach, as voted on by a 20-member panel. The winner will be presented with the award at the 2009 Final Four in Detroit.
Jacobson joins Eldon Miller (1997) as the only UNI coaches to have won the league's top coaching honor. The Valley began recognizing a Coach of the Year in 1949.
Jacobson received 34 of a possible 40 first-place tallies and 112 total points to outdistance Creighton's Dana Altman in the voting. Evansville's Marty Simmons was third in the balloting, conducted by league coaches, media and sports information directors.
In his third year as head coach at UNI, Jacobson engineered a surprise regular-season championship for the Panthers, who were picked sixth in the league's preseason poll. Jacobson has guided the Panthers to a 20-10 overall record, 14-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, and a share of their first-ever MVC regular-season title. UNI received the top seed in this week's State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
While this is Jacobson's first head-coaching job, he had 12 years of prior assistant coaching experience, including as an assistant at UNI for former Panther coach Greg McDermott since 2001-02. In Jacobson's three seasons as head coach at UNI, the Panthers have won 18, 18, and 20 games. His 18 wins in his rookie campaign in 2006-07 marked the most for a first-year Panther coach since the team joined the Division I ranks for the 1980-81 season. UNI’s 14 Valley wins this season was the most conference victories in school history.
Jacobson has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2009 Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award, which is given annually to the nation's top mid-major coach, as voted on by a 20-member panel. The winner will be presented with the award at the 2009 Final Four in Detroit.
Jacobson joins Eldon Miller (1997) as the only UNI coaches to have won the league's top coaching honor. The Valley began recognizing a Coach of the Year in 1949.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
UNI CLAIMS FIRST-EVER VALLEY MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
The University of Northern Iowa claimed a share of its first-ever Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball regular-season title, as UNI defeated Evansville, 69-62, tonight in the McLeod Center.
The Panthers ended the regular season with a 20-10 overall record, 14-4 in MVC play. UNI tied with Creighton for the league title, but won the tiebreaker with the Bluejays and earned the top seed in next week’s State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Evansville dropped to 17-12 overall, 8-10 in the Valley.
UNI center Jordan Eglseder led the way 20 points and 13 rebounds. The 7-1 junior connected on 6-of-10 shots from the floor and 8-of-10 free throw attempts, while also blocking a season-high four shots. It was Eglseder’s sixth double-double of the year and third in his last four games. He was joined in double-figure scoring by point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe, who had 17 points and four assists. Senior guard Travis Brown added nine points off the bench. Evansville was led by senior guard Shy Ely, who had a game-high 26 points.
The Panthers held an 11-10 lead five minutes into the game, when Eglseder scored back-to-back baskets to extend UNI’s lead to five. Ely scored for Evansville to pull the Aces within 18-14, but UNI then went on a 10-2 run to open a 28-16 lead with 6:41 left in the half. Adam Koch and Ali Farokhmanesh ended the run by draining back-to-back three-pointers, forcing Evansville to take timeout. UNI ended the half on an 8-0 run, getting a tip-in from Lucas O’Rear just before the first-half horn sounded, to take a 36-22 lead into the locker room.
UNI built on its lead in the opening stages of the second half, extending to as much as a 21-point advantage, 50-29, after Brown drained a three from the right wing with 14:07 left in the game. But Evansville then made a run, slowly chipping away at UNI’s lead. Over the next 10 minutes, the Aces outscored the Panthers, 26-8, getting as close as 58-55 with just under four minutes to go.
But that was as close as Evansville would get. Ahelegbe scored four straight points to get UNI’s lead back to seven, and Evansville didn’t get closer than five the rest of the way. The Panthers hit seven free throws in the final minute to seal the 69-62 victory.
UNI’s next game will be at 12:05 pm on Friday, March 6 in the quarterfinals of the State Farm MVC Tournament. The top-seeded Panthers will face with winner of eighth-seeded Drake and ninth-seeded Indiana State, who will play in an opening round game on Thursday, March 5 at 6:05 pm.
The Panthers ended the regular season with a 20-10 overall record, 14-4 in MVC play. UNI tied with Creighton for the league title, but won the tiebreaker with the Bluejays and earned the top seed in next week’s State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Evansville dropped to 17-12 overall, 8-10 in the Valley.
UNI center Jordan Eglseder led the way 20 points and 13 rebounds. The 7-1 junior connected on 6-of-10 shots from the floor and 8-of-10 free throw attempts, while also blocking a season-high four shots. It was Eglseder’s sixth double-double of the year and third in his last four games. He was joined in double-figure scoring by point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe, who had 17 points and four assists. Senior guard Travis Brown added nine points off the bench. Evansville was led by senior guard Shy Ely, who had a game-high 26 points.
The Panthers held an 11-10 lead five minutes into the game, when Eglseder scored back-to-back baskets to extend UNI’s lead to five. Ely scored for Evansville to pull the Aces within 18-14, but UNI then went on a 10-2 run to open a 28-16 lead with 6:41 left in the half. Adam Koch and Ali Farokhmanesh ended the run by draining back-to-back three-pointers, forcing Evansville to take timeout. UNI ended the half on an 8-0 run, getting a tip-in from Lucas O’Rear just before the first-half horn sounded, to take a 36-22 lead into the locker room.
UNI built on its lead in the opening stages of the second half, extending to as much as a 21-point advantage, 50-29, after Brown drained a three from the right wing with 14:07 left in the game. But Evansville then made a run, slowly chipping away at UNI’s lead. Over the next 10 minutes, the Aces outscored the Panthers, 26-8, getting as close as 58-55 with just under four minutes to go.
But that was as close as Evansville would get. Ahelegbe scored four straight points to get UNI’s lead back to seven, and Evansville didn’t get closer than five the rest of the way. The Panthers hit seven free throws in the final minute to seal the 69-62 victory.
UNI’s next game will be at 12:05 pm on Friday, March 6 in the quarterfinals of the State Farm MVC Tournament. The top-seeded Panthers will face with winner of eighth-seeded Drake and ninth-seeded Indiana State, who will play in an opening round game on Thursday, March 5 at 6:05 pm.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
WICHITA STATE DEFEATS UNI, 69-61
Guard Clevin Hannah had 14 points, including making 4-for-5 on three-pointers, and also dished out seven assists to lead Wichita State to a 69-61 win over the University of Northern Iowa at Charles Koch Arena on Saturday night.
UNI was led by junior forward Adam Koch, who had a game-high 17 points, while adding five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Junior center Jordan Eglseder added 13 points for the Panthers, while sophomore guard Kerwin Dunham came off the bench to contribute nine points.
Eglseder scored UNI’s first seven points of the game, on a pair of layups and a three-pointer from the left wing. The score was even at seven, when WSU’s Ramon Clemente scored inside to give the Shockers the lead for good. Clemente’s basket was followed by a three-point barrage by the Shockers, as they drained 4-of-5 from behind the arc over the next seven minutes, part of a 20-6 run that saw them open a 29-13 lead with 8:02 left in the first half.
Wichita State moved in front by as many as 19 points, 35-16, with 4:45 left in the half, after Toure Murry was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws. UNI answered with a trey from Travis Brown, and baskets from Lucas O’Rear and Johnny Moran, to get within 35-23, but WSU ended on a 7-2 run to go into the locker room with a 42-25 advantage.
Wichita State shot 64 percent from the field in the first half, including making 7-of-10 three-pointers, with Hannah making all four of his treys in the first 20 minutes.
Wichita State was in front by 16, 48-32, when UNI made a run. The Panthers got a pair of baskets from Koch, as well as one from Ali Farokhmanesh, to get within nine, 48-39, with just over 10 minutes to go. A three-pointer from Dunham got UNI to its closest point of the second half, 54-47, with 5:06 left, but WSU’s David Kyles answered the next trip down with a three-pointer of his own.
Dunham made two more three-pointers in the game’s final moments to help keep the Panthers close, with his last one getting UNI within five, 66-61, with 44 seconds left. But J.T. Durley was fouled and made both free throws with 30 seconds remaining, and UNI could get no closer.
For the game, Wichita State shot 47 percent from the floor, while UNI shot 37 percent. The Shockers were 8-for-18 from three-point range, while the Panthers were 6-for-21. UNI converted 17-of-28 at the free throw line to WSU’s 11-for-17 effort at the charity stripe.
With the victory, Wichita State improved to 13-13 overall, 7-8 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UNI fell to 18-8, 12-3 in the Valley. The Panthers return home on Wednesday (Feb. 18), when they play host to intrastate rival Drake. Tipoff from the McLeod Center is set for 7:05 pm.
UNI was led by junior forward Adam Koch, who had a game-high 17 points, while adding five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Junior center Jordan Eglseder added 13 points for the Panthers, while sophomore guard Kerwin Dunham came off the bench to contribute nine points.
Eglseder scored UNI’s first seven points of the game, on a pair of layups and a three-pointer from the left wing. The score was even at seven, when WSU’s Ramon Clemente scored inside to give the Shockers the lead for good. Clemente’s basket was followed by a three-point barrage by the Shockers, as they drained 4-of-5 from behind the arc over the next seven minutes, part of a 20-6 run that saw them open a 29-13 lead with 8:02 left in the first half.
Wichita State moved in front by as many as 19 points, 35-16, with 4:45 left in the half, after Toure Murry was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws. UNI answered with a trey from Travis Brown, and baskets from Lucas O’Rear and Johnny Moran, to get within 35-23, but WSU ended on a 7-2 run to go into the locker room with a 42-25 advantage.
Wichita State shot 64 percent from the field in the first half, including making 7-of-10 three-pointers, with Hannah making all four of his treys in the first 20 minutes.
Wichita State was in front by 16, 48-32, when UNI made a run. The Panthers got a pair of baskets from Koch, as well as one from Ali Farokhmanesh, to get within nine, 48-39, with just over 10 minutes to go. A three-pointer from Dunham got UNI to its closest point of the second half, 54-47, with 5:06 left, but WSU’s David Kyles answered the next trip down with a three-pointer of his own.
Dunham made two more three-pointers in the game’s final moments to help keep the Panthers close, with his last one getting UNI within five, 66-61, with 44 seconds left. But J.T. Durley was fouled and made both free throws with 30 seconds remaining, and UNI could get no closer.
For the game, Wichita State shot 47 percent from the floor, while UNI shot 37 percent. The Shockers were 8-for-18 from three-point range, while the Panthers were 6-for-21. UNI converted 17-of-28 at the free throw line to WSU’s 11-for-17 effort at the charity stripe.
With the victory, Wichita State improved to 13-13 overall, 7-8 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UNI fell to 18-8, 12-3 in the Valley. The Panthers return home on Wednesday (Feb. 18), when they play host to intrastate rival Drake. Tipoff from the McLeod Center is set for 7:05 pm.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
UNI ROLLS PAST SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, 81-55
Junior center Jordan Eglseder scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the University of Northern Iowa to an 81-55 win over Southern Illinois tonight at the McLeod Center.
The 7-1, 290-pound Eglseder hit on 8-of-12 shots from the field, and scored his 17 points in just 15 minutes of playing time. Once again, UNI had a balanced scoring effort, as Kwadzo Ahelegbe had 13 points, Lucas O’Rear 11, and Travis Brown 10. Adam Koch, Ali Farokhmanesh and Adam Rodenberg each chipped in with eight points. A total of nine different Panthers scored in the game. Southern Illinois was led by Tony Boyle who had 20 points.
UNI broke the game open early. Leading 9-6, The Panthers scored seven straight points, including getting layups from Rodenberg and Eglseder. That was the start of a 21-8 run by the Panthers, which ended with another basket from Eglseder. That gave UNI a 30-14 lead with 6:46 left before halftime.
The Panthers kept their lead at double-figures the rest of the way to the locker room, holding a 38-23 lead at intermission. Ahelegbe and Eglseder were the first-half catalysts for UNI, as the duo combined to score 22 points, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the field and all eight of their free throws. UNI held SIU to less than 40 percent shooting (0-for-5 on three-pointers) and forced eight Saluki turnovers in the first half.
The Panthers kept up the defensive and offensive pressure in the second half, not allowing Southern Illinois to get closer than 13 points at any point after intermission. The final score (81-55) marked UNI’s largest lead of the game, and the 26-point win tied for the Panthers’ largest margin of victory ever over SIU.
For the game, UNI shot 54 percent from the field, while holding Southern Illinois to 36 percent shooting. UNI also won the rebounding battle, 36-30, and made 20-of-24 free throws to just 10-for-12 by Southern Illinois.
With the victory, UNI improved to 18-7 overall, 12-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Southern Illinois fell to 11-14 overall, 6-8 in the Valley. The Panthers hit the road this Saturday (Feb. 14), when they travel to face Wichita State. Tip-off from Charles Koch Arena is set for 7:05 pm.
The 7-1, 290-pound Eglseder hit on 8-of-12 shots from the field, and scored his 17 points in just 15 minutes of playing time. Once again, UNI had a balanced scoring effort, as Kwadzo Ahelegbe had 13 points, Lucas O’Rear 11, and Travis Brown 10. Adam Koch, Ali Farokhmanesh and Adam Rodenberg each chipped in with eight points. A total of nine different Panthers scored in the game. Southern Illinois was led by Tony Boyle who had 20 points.
UNI broke the game open early. Leading 9-6, The Panthers scored seven straight points, including getting layups from Rodenberg and Eglseder. That was the start of a 21-8 run by the Panthers, which ended with another basket from Eglseder. That gave UNI a 30-14 lead with 6:46 left before halftime.
The Panthers kept their lead at double-figures the rest of the way to the locker room, holding a 38-23 lead at intermission. Ahelegbe and Eglseder were the first-half catalysts for UNI, as the duo combined to score 22 points, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the field and all eight of their free throws. UNI held SIU to less than 40 percent shooting (0-for-5 on three-pointers) and forced eight Saluki turnovers in the first half.
The Panthers kept up the defensive and offensive pressure in the second half, not allowing Southern Illinois to get closer than 13 points at any point after intermission. The final score (81-55) marked UNI’s largest lead of the game, and the 26-point win tied for the Panthers’ largest margin of victory ever over SIU.
For the game, UNI shot 54 percent from the field, while holding Southern Illinois to 36 percent shooting. UNI also won the rebounding battle, 36-30, and made 20-of-24 free throws to just 10-for-12 by Southern Illinois.
With the victory, UNI improved to 18-7 overall, 12-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Southern Illinois fell to 11-14 overall, 6-8 in the Valley. The Panthers hit the road this Saturday (Feb. 14), when they travel to face Wichita State. Tip-off from Charles Koch Arena is set for 7:05 pm.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
CREIGHTON DEFEATS UNI 77-71
The University of Northern Iowa’s 11-game winning streak came to and end on Sunday afternoon, as Creighton posted a 77-71 win over the Panthers in front of a season-high crowd of 6,234 at the McLeod Center.
UNI junior forward Adam Koch led all players with 23 points and a season-high tying 12 rebounds, including five offensive boards. Koch was a perfect 13-for-13 at the free throw line in the game, and has now made 25 consecutive foul shots. Koch was joined in double figures by sophomore guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe who had 16 points and four assists, while junior guard Ali Farokhmanesh added 10 points. Creighton was led by forward Justin Carter, who had 17 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Creighton opened a 10-7 lead to start the game, but UNI tied it on a three-pointer from Travis Brown. The Bluejays went back in front 15-12, but a pair of free throws from Adam Rodenberg and a layup from Jordan Eglseder gave UNI the lead, 16-15.
Creighton opened a four-point edge, 20-16, after a layup from Carter midway through the first half. But UNI scored six straight, culminated by a layup from Ahelegbe, to regain the advantage, 22-20. The lead changed hands three more times, before Creighton used a 5-0 run to open a 31-26 advantage with 3:18 left before halftime. UNI ended the half by getting a short jumper and two free throws from Koch to get the Panthers within 31-30 at intermission.
Koch scored five straight points to in the opening minute of the second half to give UNI its largest lead of the game, 35-31. Carter and Booker Woodfox made consecutive three-pointers to push Creighton back in front, 37-35, at Creighton would not trail again. Those two treys were the start of a 15-4 Bluejay run that ended with CU holding a 46-39 lead with 15:30 left.
The Panthers got four straight foul shots from Ahelegbe to get within 48-45 with 13:03 on the clock, but the Bluejays answered with eight straight points to move in front, 56-45, at 8:45.
UNI made a run, getting within 62-57 after Farokhmanesh drained a three with just over five minutes left in the game. UNI was still within five when Creighton’s Josh Dotzler made a key three-pointer to extend Creighton’s lead back to 66-58 with just under three minutes remaining. The Panthers didn’t get closer than six points the rest of the way, as Creighton made 9-of-12 free throws in the final two minutes to seal the win.
The Panthers shot a season-low 29 percent from the field, including 5-for-26 from three-point range (19.2 percent). It was just the third time all year UNI was held below 40 percent shooting. Creighton connected on 47 percent of its shots for the game and was 6-for-17 from behind the arc. Both teams got to the foul line often, as the Panthers were 30-for-32 as a team, while the Bluejays were 23-for-33. UNI held a commanding lead in rebounding, grabbing 49 rebounds (including 20 offensive) to just 29 by CU.
With the victory, Creighton improved to 19-6 overall, 9-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UNI fell to 17-7 overall, 11-2 in the Valley. The Panthers play host to Southern Illinois this Wednesday (Feb. 11), with tipoff time from the McLeod Center set for 7:05 pm.
UNI junior forward Adam Koch led all players with 23 points and a season-high tying 12 rebounds, including five offensive boards. Koch was a perfect 13-for-13 at the free throw line in the game, and has now made 25 consecutive foul shots. Koch was joined in double figures by sophomore guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe who had 16 points and four assists, while junior guard Ali Farokhmanesh added 10 points. Creighton was led by forward Justin Carter, who had 17 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Creighton opened a 10-7 lead to start the game, but UNI tied it on a three-pointer from Travis Brown. The Bluejays went back in front 15-12, but a pair of free throws from Adam Rodenberg and a layup from Jordan Eglseder gave UNI the lead, 16-15.
Creighton opened a four-point edge, 20-16, after a layup from Carter midway through the first half. But UNI scored six straight, culminated by a layup from Ahelegbe, to regain the advantage, 22-20. The lead changed hands three more times, before Creighton used a 5-0 run to open a 31-26 advantage with 3:18 left before halftime. UNI ended the half by getting a short jumper and two free throws from Koch to get the Panthers within 31-30 at intermission.
Koch scored five straight points to in the opening minute of the second half to give UNI its largest lead of the game, 35-31. Carter and Booker Woodfox made consecutive three-pointers to push Creighton back in front, 37-35, at Creighton would not trail again. Those two treys were the start of a 15-4 Bluejay run that ended with CU holding a 46-39 lead with 15:30 left.
The Panthers got four straight foul shots from Ahelegbe to get within 48-45 with 13:03 on the clock, but the Bluejays answered with eight straight points to move in front, 56-45, at 8:45.
UNI made a run, getting within 62-57 after Farokhmanesh drained a three with just over five minutes left in the game. UNI was still within five when Creighton’s Josh Dotzler made a key three-pointer to extend Creighton’s lead back to 66-58 with just under three minutes remaining. The Panthers didn’t get closer than six points the rest of the way, as Creighton made 9-of-12 free throws in the final two minutes to seal the win.
The Panthers shot a season-low 29 percent from the field, including 5-for-26 from three-point range (19.2 percent). It was just the third time all year UNI was held below 40 percent shooting. Creighton connected on 47 percent of its shots for the game and was 6-for-17 from behind the arc. Both teams got to the foul line often, as the Panthers were 30-for-32 as a team, while the Bluejays were 23-for-33. UNI held a commanding lead in rebounding, grabbing 49 rebounds (including 20 offensive) to just 29 by CU.
With the victory, Creighton improved to 19-6 overall, 9-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UNI fell to 17-7 overall, 11-2 in the Valley. The Panthers play host to Southern Illinois this Wednesday (Feb. 11), with tipoff time from the McLeod Center set for 7:05 pm.
Monday, February 2, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
UNI CLAMPS DOWN DEFENSIVELY TO DEFEAT EVANSVILLE
The University of Northern Iowa used a stifling defensive effort to defeat Evansville, 58-47, tonight at Roberts Stadium. The Panthers held the Purple Aces to a season-low 48 points, and just 33 percent field goal shooting.
UNI also held the Missouri Valley Conference’s leading scorer, Evansville forward Shy Ely, to just seven points. Ely, who entered the game averaging 17.5 points per contest, made just 2-of-15 shots from the field on the night.
Once again, the Panthers had a balanced scoring effort. Nine of the 10 Panthers that played scored, led by Ali Farokhmanesh with 11 points and Kwadzo Ahelegbe with 10. Adam Koch and Lucas O’Rear each added eight, while tying for team-high rebounding honors with six.
The Panthers got off to a 7-2 start to the game, as Farokhmanesh hit a three to open the scoring, and Ahelegbe and Koch each added layups. Evansville scored five straight to get even at seven, and the score was tied at nine when UNI pulled ahead for good.
Farokhmanesh drained a 25-footer from the right wing to five UNI a 12-9 lead, and the Panthers would not trail again. That deep trey started a 13-2 run by the Panthers, with senior guard Travis Brown delivering two three-pointers of his own during that stretch.
With UNI in front, 22-11, Evansville scored seven in a row to get within 22-18 with 2:52 left in the first half. But the Panthers answered, ending the half on a 6-2 run, with Ahelegbe draining a pull-up 15 foot jumper just before the first-half horn to give UNI a 28-20 lead at the break.
Junior center Jordan Eglseder, limited to just three minutes of playing time in the first half after picking up two early fouls, got the Panthers going to start the second half. He had a tip-in and a short jumper in the opening moments, as UNI scored the first six points out of the locker room.
That early spurt keyed what turned out to be a 17-5 run over the first 10 minutes of the second half, as UNI extended to a 45-25 lead halfway through period number two. Evansville missed 10 of its first 12 shots to start the second half. The Purple Aces never got the margin under double-digits the rest of the way, as UNI cruised to the victory.
With its fifth straight win, UNI improved to 11-6 overall, 5-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference and remaining in a tie for first place in the league, while Evansville fell to 11-5, 3-3 in the MVC. The Panthers’ next game is this Saturday (Jan. 17), when they travel to face intrastate rival Drake. Tipoff from the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa, is set for 11:00 am, with the game being televised live by ESPN2.
UNI also held the Missouri Valley Conference’s leading scorer, Evansville forward Shy Ely, to just seven points. Ely, who entered the game averaging 17.5 points per contest, made just 2-of-15 shots from the field on the night.
Once again, the Panthers had a balanced scoring effort. Nine of the 10 Panthers that played scored, led by Ali Farokhmanesh with 11 points and Kwadzo Ahelegbe with 10. Adam Koch and Lucas O’Rear each added eight, while tying for team-high rebounding honors with six.
The Panthers got off to a 7-2 start to the game, as Farokhmanesh hit a three to open the scoring, and Ahelegbe and Koch each added layups. Evansville scored five straight to get even at seven, and the score was tied at nine when UNI pulled ahead for good.
Farokhmanesh drained a 25-footer from the right wing to five UNI a 12-9 lead, and the Panthers would not trail again. That deep trey started a 13-2 run by the Panthers, with senior guard Travis Brown delivering two three-pointers of his own during that stretch.
With UNI in front, 22-11, Evansville scored seven in a row to get within 22-18 with 2:52 left in the first half. But the Panthers answered, ending the half on a 6-2 run, with Ahelegbe draining a pull-up 15 foot jumper just before the first-half horn to give UNI a 28-20 lead at the break.
Junior center Jordan Eglseder, limited to just three minutes of playing time in the first half after picking up two early fouls, got the Panthers going to start the second half. He had a tip-in and a short jumper in the opening moments, as UNI scored the first six points out of the locker room.
That early spurt keyed what turned out to be a 17-5 run over the first 10 minutes of the second half, as UNI extended to a 45-25 lead halfway through period number two. Evansville missed 10 of its first 12 shots to start the second half. The Purple Aces never got the margin under double-digits the rest of the way, as UNI cruised to the victory.
With its fifth straight win, UNI improved to 11-6 overall, 5-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference and remaining in a tie for first place in the league, while Evansville fell to 11-5, 3-3 in the MVC. The Panthers’ next game is this Saturday (Jan. 17), when they travel to face intrastate rival Drake. Tipoff from the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa, is set for 11:00 am, with the game being televised live by ESPN2.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
RED-HOT SHOOTING LEADS UNI TO 78-64 WIN OVER MISSOURI STATE
The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team shot an amazing 70.5 percent from the field, including 81.8 percent in the first half, as it won its fourth straight game with a 78-64 victory over Missouri State tonight at the McLeod Center.
The Panthers made 31-of-44 shots from the floor for the game, with its 70.5 field goal percentage being the second-best in school history and the eighth-best field goal percentage in Missouri Valley Conference history. UNI’s school record is 73.2 percent (30-for-41), set against Cleveland State on Mar. 6, 1986 in the quarterfinals of the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament. In addition, the Panthers’ 14-for-18 field goal effort in the first half tonight (81.8 percent) was the school’s best-ever shooting performance for one half.
Four Panthers scored in double-figures, led by forward Adam Koch’s career-high 22 points. Koch also grabbed a team-best 11 rebounds to rack up his third double-double of the season. Joining Koch in double-digit scoring were center Jordan Eglseder (16 points) and guards Ali Farokhmanesh (13) and Kwazdo Ahelegbe (10).
The Panthers, who never trailed in the game, went inside often to start the contest. Ahelegbe got free for a back-door layup to start the game, and Eglseder had a pair of dunks, as the Panthers built a 9-2 lead at the first media timeout. Missouri State was able to get within 17-13, but the Panthers got a layup from Eglseder and a three-pointer from Farokhmanesh to extend to a 22-13 edge. The Bears got as close as six, 26-20, but UNI then went on an 11-2 run to open its largest first-half lead, 37-22. UNI went into the locker room with a 41-27 edge.
Missouri State made its first six shots of the second half, getting eight points from Wade Knapp, to cut the Panthers’ advantage to 47-40 at the first media timeout. But Ahelegbe got inside for a layup and Farokhmanesh buried a three, stopping MSU’s run. The Panthers held a double-digit lead the final eight minutes of the game, opening as much as a 21-point cushion, to cruise to the victory.
UNI shared the ball effectively, with 17 assists as a team. Johnny Moran led the way with a career-high tying five, while Koch and Ahelegbe had four apiece. The Panthers also turned the ball over just seven times, its second-lowest total of the year.
The Panthers are now 10-6 overall, 4-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Missouri State is 7-9 overall, 0-5 in the Valley. UNI heads to Evansville on Tuesday (Jan. 13), with tip off from Roberts Stadium set for 7:05 pm.
The Panthers made 31-of-44 shots from the floor for the game, with its 70.5 field goal percentage being the second-best in school history and the eighth-best field goal percentage in Missouri Valley Conference history. UNI’s school record is 73.2 percent (30-for-41), set against Cleveland State on Mar. 6, 1986 in the quarterfinals of the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament. In addition, the Panthers’ 14-for-18 field goal effort in the first half tonight (81.8 percent) was the school’s best-ever shooting performance for one half.
Four Panthers scored in double-figures, led by forward Adam Koch’s career-high 22 points. Koch also grabbed a team-best 11 rebounds to rack up his third double-double of the season. Joining Koch in double-digit scoring were center Jordan Eglseder (16 points) and guards Ali Farokhmanesh (13) and Kwazdo Ahelegbe (10).
The Panthers, who never trailed in the game, went inside often to start the contest. Ahelegbe got free for a back-door layup to start the game, and Eglseder had a pair of dunks, as the Panthers built a 9-2 lead at the first media timeout. Missouri State was able to get within 17-13, but the Panthers got a layup from Eglseder and a three-pointer from Farokhmanesh to extend to a 22-13 edge. The Bears got as close as six, 26-20, but UNI then went on an 11-2 run to open its largest first-half lead, 37-22. UNI went into the locker room with a 41-27 edge.
Missouri State made its first six shots of the second half, getting eight points from Wade Knapp, to cut the Panthers’ advantage to 47-40 at the first media timeout. But Ahelegbe got inside for a layup and Farokhmanesh buried a three, stopping MSU’s run. The Panthers held a double-digit lead the final eight minutes of the game, opening as much as a 21-point cushion, to cruise to the victory.
UNI shared the ball effectively, with 17 assists as a team. Johnny Moran led the way with a career-high tying five, while Koch and Ahelegbe had four apiece. The Panthers also turned the ball over just seven times, its second-lowest total of the year.
The Panthers are now 10-6 overall, 4-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Missouri State is 7-9 overall, 0-5 in the Valley. UNI heads to Evansville on Tuesday (Jan. 13), with tip off from Roberts Stadium set for 7:05 pm.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
UNI TAKES ON WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team (7-6, 1-1 Missouri Valley Conference) plays its third game in seven days, as it returns home to play host to the Wichita State Shockers (6-7, 0-2 MVC) on Saturday night. Tipoff from the McLeod Center is 7:05 pm.
JUMP BALLS...
UNI have won nine of the last 12 meetings against Wichita State, including sweeping the season series a year ago. The Panthers defeated the Shockers last year at home, 77-75, in the first overtime game in the history of the McLeod Center.
The Panthers 59-51 win at Southern Illinois Dec. 31 was the team’s first victory at SIU Arena since the 1996-97 season, when UNI posted a 92-81 win over the Salukis. It was also just Southern Illinois’ third Missouri Valley Conference home loss since the start of the 2001-02 campaign.
Over its last three games, UNI is shooting 47 percent from three-point range (22-for-47). Sophomore guard Kerwin Dunham is a perfect 4-for-4 on treys during the last three contests, while junior guard Ali Farokhmanesh is 7-for-11 (.636), and freshman guard Johnny Moran is 6-for-12 (500).
Sophomore guard Kerwin Dunham had a season-high 11 points at Southern Illinois Dec. 31. Dunham hit all three three-point attempts versus the Salukis, including draining a three from the right wing with 1:46 left that gave the Panthers a 55-47 lead. Dunham has had great success in his two games at SIU Arena, as he scored a career-high 13 points there as a redshirt freshman on Feb. 20, 2008. Over his two games in Carbondale, Dunham has connected on 8-of-12 shots from the floor and made all five of his free throws.
UNI held Southern Illinois to just 35 percent field goal shooting Dec. 31 in its 59-51 win, the second time in the last three games the Panthers have held their opponent to less than 40 percent shooting. The Salukis connected on 19-of-55 shots from the floor, with the 19 field goals being the fewest UNI has allowed a Division I opponent this season.
UNI ranks second in The Valley in free throw percentage at .767. The Panthers have gotten to the line at least 20 times in seven of 13 games this season, including their last two.
JUMP BALLS...
UNI have won nine of the last 12 meetings against Wichita State, including sweeping the season series a year ago. The Panthers defeated the Shockers last year at home, 77-75, in the first overtime game in the history of the McLeod Center.
The Panthers 59-51 win at Southern Illinois Dec. 31 was the team’s first victory at SIU Arena since the 1996-97 season, when UNI posted a 92-81 win over the Salukis. It was also just Southern Illinois’ third Missouri Valley Conference home loss since the start of the 2001-02 campaign.
Over its last three games, UNI is shooting 47 percent from three-point range (22-for-47). Sophomore guard Kerwin Dunham is a perfect 4-for-4 on treys during the last three contests, while junior guard Ali Farokhmanesh is 7-for-11 (.636), and freshman guard Johnny Moran is 6-for-12 (500).
Sophomore guard Kerwin Dunham had a season-high 11 points at Southern Illinois Dec. 31. Dunham hit all three three-point attempts versus the Salukis, including draining a three from the right wing with 1:46 left that gave the Panthers a 55-47 lead. Dunham has had great success in his two games at SIU Arena, as he scored a career-high 13 points there as a redshirt freshman on Feb. 20, 2008. Over his two games in Carbondale, Dunham has connected on 8-of-12 shots from the floor and made all five of his free throws.
UNI held Southern Illinois to just 35 percent field goal shooting Dec. 31 in its 59-51 win, the second time in the last three games the Panthers have held their opponent to less than 40 percent shooting. The Salukis connected on 19-of-55 shots from the floor, with the 19 field goals being the fewest UNI has allowed a Division I opponent this season.
UNI ranks second in The Valley in free throw percentage at .767. The Panthers have gotten to the line at least 20 times in seven of 13 games this season, including their last two.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
UNI WINS AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 59-51
Johnny Moran and Kerwin Dunham each had 11 points, and Adam Koch added 10, to lead the University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team to a 59-51 win over Southern Illinois at SIU Arena
Moran hit 4-of-5 shots from the field and was 2-for-3 on three-pointers, while Dunham was 3-for-5 from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 on treys. Jordan Eglseder had six points, three assists, two blocks and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Panthers.
The win was UNI’s first in Carbondale since the 1996-97 season, snapping an 11-game losing streak at SIU Arena. It was just SIU’s third Missouri Valley Conference loss at home since the start of the 2001-02 season.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe hit a pull-up jumper followed by an Ali Farokhmanesh three-pointer from the right wing to put UNI up 10-6 early in the game. The Salukis rallied to take a 14-12 lead after five straight points from Kevin Dillard, but the Panthers responded with six straight points, including layups from Lucas O’Rear and Jordan Eglseder, to go in front 18-14.
After SIU got within 18-16, Dunham provided two key three-pointers during a 9-0 run that put the Panthers in front, 27-16, with 7:15 left in the first half. UNI was able to maintain its advantage the rest of the way to the locker room, and held a 33-24 lead at the break.
A Moran three-pointer early in the second half put UNI in front, 38-30, with 18:01 left in the game. Neither team scored for the next five minutes, with SIU’s Kevin Dillard draining a three-pointer to end the scoreless drought. That spurred the Salukis on a 15-3 run over the next five minutes, as SIU moved in front, 45-41, with just over nine minutes left.
But UNI answered. Koch scored inside, followed by Eglseder grabbing an offensive rebound and getting a put-back, to pull the Panthers even at 45. With the game tied at 47, Koch took over. He was fouled on four straight UNI possessions, making 5-of-7 shots from the line, to put the Panthers up 52-47 with 2:56 left. After SIU’s Carlton Fay missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity, Dunham hit a three from the left wing to extend UNI’s lead to 55-47 with under two minutes remaining. The Panthers then were able to seal the game at the free throw line.
UNI shot 49 percent from the field for the game, including 50 percent (6-for-12) on three-pointers, and was 15-for-21 at the free throw line. The Panthers held Southern Illinois to just 35 percent field goal shooting, 6-for-16 on threes, and was 7-for-8 at the line. UNI out rebounded SIU, 30-29.
With the win, UNI improved to 7-6 overall, 1-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Southern Illinois fell to 5-8, 0-2 in the Valley. The Panthers return home this Saturday night (Jan. 3) to play host to Wichita State at the McLeod Center, with tip off set for 7:05 pm.
Moran hit 4-of-5 shots from the field and was 2-for-3 on three-pointers, while Dunham was 3-for-5 from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 on treys. Jordan Eglseder had six points, three assists, two blocks and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Panthers.
The win was UNI’s first in Carbondale since the 1996-97 season, snapping an 11-game losing streak at SIU Arena. It was just SIU’s third Missouri Valley Conference loss at home since the start of the 2001-02 season.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe hit a pull-up jumper followed by an Ali Farokhmanesh three-pointer from the right wing to put UNI up 10-6 early in the game. The Salukis rallied to take a 14-12 lead after five straight points from Kevin Dillard, but the Panthers responded with six straight points, including layups from Lucas O’Rear and Jordan Eglseder, to go in front 18-14.
After SIU got within 18-16, Dunham provided two key three-pointers during a 9-0 run that put the Panthers in front, 27-16, with 7:15 left in the first half. UNI was able to maintain its advantage the rest of the way to the locker room, and held a 33-24 lead at the break.
A Moran three-pointer early in the second half put UNI in front, 38-30, with 18:01 left in the game. Neither team scored for the next five minutes, with SIU’s Kevin Dillard draining a three-pointer to end the scoreless drought. That spurred the Salukis on a 15-3 run over the next five minutes, as SIU moved in front, 45-41, with just over nine minutes left.
But UNI answered. Koch scored inside, followed by Eglseder grabbing an offensive rebound and getting a put-back, to pull the Panthers even at 45. With the game tied at 47, Koch took over. He was fouled on four straight UNI possessions, making 5-of-7 shots from the line, to put the Panthers up 52-47 with 2:56 left. After SIU’s Carlton Fay missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity, Dunham hit a three from the left wing to extend UNI’s lead to 55-47 with under two minutes remaining. The Panthers then were able to seal the game at the free throw line.
UNI shot 49 percent from the field for the game, including 50 percent (6-for-12) on three-pointers, and was 15-for-21 at the free throw line. The Panthers held Southern Illinois to just 35 percent field goal shooting, 6-for-16 on threes, and was 7-for-8 at the line. UNI out rebounded SIU, 30-29.
With the win, UNI improved to 7-6 overall, 1-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Southern Illinois fell to 5-8, 0-2 in the Valley. The Panthers return home this Saturday night (Jan. 3) to play host to Wichita State at the McLeod Center, with tip off set for 7:05 pm.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA TO TAKE ON SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team (6-6, 0-1 Missouri Valley Conference) heads to Carbondale, Ill., for its first conference road game of the season, facing Southern Illinois (5-7, 0-1) on New Year's Eve. The Panthers have dropped 11 straight decisions at SIU, with their last win being in the 1996-97 campaign.
JUMP BALLS
Sophomore point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe scored a career-high 28 points, nearly leading UNI from a 21-point first half deficit to the win, in the team’s 85-84 double-overtime loss to Indiana State on Sunday. Ahelegbe connected on 11-of-19 shots from the floor, and was 2-of-3 from three-point range, while also grabbing three rebounds and dishing out three assists. The 28 points was the most ever scored by a UNI player in the three-year history of the McLeod Center, Ahelegbe’s previous career-high was 18 points against Iowa State in an overtime loss Dec. 3.
The 85-84 double-overtime loss to Indiana State Dec. 28 was the first double-overtime game in the three-year history of the McLeod Center. The last time UNI played in a double-overtime game was on Jan. 16, 2006, in a 71-65 win over Southern Illinois in the UNI-Dome.
UNI made a season-high 10 three-pointers against Indiana State Dec. 28. Ali Farokhmanesh led the way with four treys – all after halftime while Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Johnny Moran each connected on two. After falling behind by as many as 21 points in the first half (39-18), and trailing by 17 points at halftime (41-24), UNI fought back to force overtime against Indiana State Dec. 28. Travis Brown hit a three-pointer from the top of the key with one second left to force the extra session.
Two players saw career-high minute totals in UNI’s double-overtime game with Indiana State Dec. 28. Sophomore guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe played 46 of 50 possible minutes against the Sycamores, while freshman guard Johnny Moran played 41 minutes.
JUMP BALLS
Sophomore point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe scored a career-high 28 points, nearly leading UNI from a 21-point first half deficit to the win, in the team’s 85-84 double-overtime loss to Indiana State on Sunday. Ahelegbe connected on 11-of-19 shots from the floor, and was 2-of-3 from three-point range, while also grabbing three rebounds and dishing out three assists. The 28 points was the most ever scored by a UNI player in the three-year history of the McLeod Center, Ahelegbe’s previous career-high was 18 points against Iowa State in an overtime loss Dec. 3.
The 85-84 double-overtime loss to Indiana State Dec. 28 was the first double-overtime game in the three-year history of the McLeod Center. The last time UNI played in a double-overtime game was on Jan. 16, 2006, in a 71-65 win over Southern Illinois in the UNI-Dome.
UNI made a season-high 10 three-pointers against Indiana State Dec. 28. Ali Farokhmanesh led the way with four treys – all after halftime while Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Johnny Moran each connected on two. After falling behind by as many as 21 points in the first half (39-18), and trailing by 17 points at halftime (41-24), UNI fought back to force overtime against Indiana State Dec. 28. Travis Brown hit a three-pointer from the top of the key with one second left to force the extra session.
Two players saw career-high minute totals in UNI’s double-overtime game with Indiana State Dec. 28. Sophomore guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe played 46 of 50 possible minutes against the Sycamores, while freshman guard Johnny Moran played 41 minutes.
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