ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball team shot a season-low 25.5 percent from the floor in falling to the Illinois State Redbirds in the quarterfinal of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, 54-42.
UNI (19-13 overall) got a game-high 13 points from Johnny Moran on the strength of a trio of 3-point shots. Jake Koch added a team-high eight rebounds and nine points in the loss.
Illinois State (19-12 overall) advanced to the semifinals to take on the Wichita State Shockers on Saturday at 1:35 p.m. The Redbirds were led by Jackie Carmichael’s 16 points and 15 rebounds.
Illinois Stat enjoyed a 48-33 advantage in rebounding and rallied from a 25-21 halftime deficit for the win.
NOTES: UNI’s previous season-low in field goal percentage came Nov. 14 at Saint Mary’s when the Panthers shot 27.1 percent … Chip Rank made a 3-pointer in his 10th straight game … Illinois State blocked a season-high nine shots – also a season-high against the Panthers … UNI committed only seven turnovers in the contest … it marks the second straight season that UNI has not in the #4 vs. #5 seeded game at the MVC Tournament.
