CHICAGO – The UNI men’s basketball team fell to the Ramblers of Loyola in overtime 82-73 on Saturday night. The Panthers now fall to 22-4 overall and 11-3 in the MVC.
The Panthers were slowed by turnovers to start the game, recording nine first half turnovers. The Ramblers quick to respond to the Panthers turnovers, scoring 12 points on the Panthers first half turnovers and went out to an early 16 point lead. The Panthers fought back to within five at halftime.
While trailing by five points, the Panthers shot 56 percent from the field and held the Ramblers to just 48 percent. UNI out rebounded the Ramblers 16-13 with Austin Phyfe hauling in 10 total rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.
The Panthers fought back and tied the game on four separate times in the second half. Isaiah Brown recorded 11 second half points while sophomore AJ Green added 10 and Spencer Haldeman added nine. With 48 seconds remaining in regulation and the Panthers trailing 71-68, Trae Berhow hit a three pointer to bring the Panthers within three points. As the clock ticked down AJ Green found himself with the ball, with hands in his face he side stepped and downed the three pointer to tie the game at 71-71 to force overtime.
The Panthers luck turned in overtime, going 1-12 from the field in the five minute period. Five Panthers would finish in double digit scoring on Saturday night. AJ Green led the way with 19 points, followed by Spencer Haldeman (16), Trae Berhow (13), Austin Phyfe (12), and Isaiah Brown (11).
KEY STATS
– AJ Green led the Panthers with 19 points
– Austin Phyfe recorded his 7th double-double of the season with 17 rebounds and 12 points while leading the team with seven assists and three blocks.
– Trae Berhow would finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds and one steal.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will now look to Indiana State, as they travel to Terre Haute, Indiana on Thursday, February 20. The Panthers beat the Sycamores 68-60 in the McLeod Center on January 7. Thursday’s game will tip off at 6 PM CST and can be viewed on ESPN+.
