Seth Tuttle leads UNI to win over Missouri State

Courtesy UNI Athletics Communications

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Northern Iowa junior forward Seth Tuttle scored 21 points including the game-winning tip-in with :01 left to lift UNI to a 60-58 road win over Missouri State at JQH Arena on Saturday night.

Tuttle drained 9-of-12 shots from the field and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. Tuttle scored 17 of his game-high 21 points in the second half.

UNI moved into a tie for third place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings with Missouri State and Illinois State at 7-7. UNI is 13-13 on the season.

The Panthers opened up a 14-point lead with two minutes left in the first half at 31-17. Ten UNI Panthers played in the first half and all 10 scored at least two points. The Panthers led 31-21 at the intermission.

The Bears whittled away UNI’s lead in the second half but could not take the lead. The Bears did tie the game at 58-58 with 37.1 seconds left on two free throws from Jarmar Gulley.

UNI then worked the clock down to get a final shot attempt. Wes Washpun drove the lane and his jumper missed but the ball went right to Tuttle who tipped it in with :01 left. Missouri State called a timeout but its full-court pass was batted away by Tuttle and the Panthers claimed the win.

UNI will travel to Des Moines on Tuesday to take on the Drake Bulldogs at 8 p.m. in the Knapp Center.

UNI has won nine straight games when winning the rebounding battle.  Head coach Ben Jacobson moved to 12-4 against Missouri State.