Evansville (11-2 overall, 1-0 MVC) rallied a 10-point halftime deficit and outscored UNI in the second half, 32-19. UNI led by as many as 16 in the first half at 28-12.
UNI (11-2 overall, 0-1 MVC) was led by senior Seth Tuttle’s game-high 18 points. However, Tuttle fouled out with 45.2 seconds to play on an offensive foul.
Evansville took its first lead of the seocnd half at 44-43 following a pair of free throws from D.J. Balentine. Tuttle gave the lead back to UNI at 45-44 on a layup.
UE would regain in the lead on a pair of free throws from Egidijus Mockevicius with 1:43 on the clock. UNI’s Nate Buss missed a jumper on the offensive end and Evansville took possession. Balentine was called for a charge with 52.1 left to give the ball back to UNI.
Tuttle was whistled for his fifth foul on the ensuing possession. Balentine was able to score for the Purple Aces on a driving layup with 15.2 left go put the home squad up three, 48-45.
UNI’s Wes Washpun hit a pair of layups in the closing 15 seconds, but Evansville’s Jaylon Brown also knocked in four free throws to keep the lead at 52-49. UNI’s Jeremy Morgan’s 3-pointer at the buzzer did not draw iron and the Purple Aces claimed the victory.
UNI will return home to take on the Loyola Ramblers on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the McLeod Center. The game will be shown on ESPN3.
