CEDAR FALLS – Sophomore Austin Phyfe led the Panthers to a 64-52 win over the Southern Illinois Salukis on Sunday night. UNI has now moved to a 23-5 overall record and sit at 12-4 in MVC play.
The Panthers trailed the Salukis 34-26 after the first half. UNI lead by 13 points but were unable to hold off a late 23-5 Saluki run, giving them the eight-point lead at halftime. The Panthers shot 11-33 from the field and 4-13 from behind the arc. Austin Phyfe finished the first half with 8 points and 9 rebounds.
The Panthers came to play in the second half, a huge 20-0 run lasting from 11:10 – 3:58 in the second half sparking the Panthers offense. UNI’s largest lead of the game was 17 points with 3:43 left to play. The Panthers shot 46.4% from the field and 42.9% from behind the arc.
Austin Phyfe had a career game, hauling in a career-high 18 rebounds along with totaling 17 points, 5 assists and two blocks. Isaiah Brown finished with 15 points and added 2 steals. Sophomore AJ Green finished with 9 points, bringing his season point total to 555, ranking 9th best in a single season at UNI.
Sunday’s game served as the team’s Senior Night, honoring five Panther student-athletes. Seniors Lincoln Conrey, Justin Dahl, Isaiah Brown, Spencer Haldeman and Luke McDonnell were honored by Coach Jacobson and Panther fans following the game.
KEY STATS
Austin Phyfe recorded his 8th double-double of the season
Austin Phyfe records a career-high 18 rebounds, scored 17 points and recorded 5 assists and 2 blocks.
Austin Phyfe hauled in 11 offensive rebounds.
Isaiah Brown finished with 15 points shooting 6-12 from the field
AJ Green now ranks 9th in single-season points with 555.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will host the Purple Aces of Evansville on Wednesday, February 26th. The Purple Aces are 9-19 overall and 0-15 in the MVC. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
