UNI Men’s Basketball Faces Illinois State in Saturday Night Showdown
CEDAR FALLS – In a highly anticipated matchup, the UNI men’s basketball team is gearing up to face off against the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday night. With the Panthers looking to break a two-game losing streak, this game is crucial for them to stay in the race at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
When and Where:
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CT at CEFCU Arena in Normal. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Kevin Boyle providing the play-by-play.
Historic Rivalry:
UNI and Illinois State have a long history, with both teams currently tied at 45 wins each. The Panthers have dominated recent matchups, winning ten of the last 11 games before suffering a loss to the Redbirds last February.
Hot Shooting Hand:
Despite recent setbacks, UNI boasts an impressive shooting record, ranking second in Division I with a 51.6% shooting average. The team is also 15th nationally in effective field goal percentage at 58%, showcasing their offensive prowess on the court.
Players to Watch:
Trey Campbell led the charge in the last game with 17 points and three steals, while Tytan Anderson added 15 points and four rebounds. Leon Bond III and Ben Schwieger also made significant contributions, highlighting the team’s depth and talent.
Coach’s Milestone:
Head coach Ben Jacobson is on the cusp of a historic achievement, as he is just two wins away from becoming the first coach in MVC history to reach 200 conference wins. With a rich coaching legacy, Jacobson’s leadership has been instrumental in UNI’s success on the court.
Scouting Illinois State:
The Redbirds, led by coach Ryan Pedon, are coming off a tough loss but are eager to bounce back against UNI. With standout players like Johnny Kinziger and Chase Walker, Illinois State poses a formidable challenge for the Panthers.
Former Panther Returns:
Landon Wolf, a former UNI player, will be facing his old team as a member of the Illinois State squad. The Cedar Falls native brings a unique perspective to the game, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Don’t miss this exciting showdown between UNI and Illinois State as both teams battle for supremacy in the MVC. Tune in to witness thrilling basketball action and see which team comes out on top in this high-stakes clash.
