CEDAR FALLS – The UNI men’s basketball team defeated the Fighting Bees of St. Ambrose 98-53 on Friday night.
The Panthers got out to a big lead early in the first half and took a 52-27 lead into the break. UNI shot 54.3% (19-35) from the field and 46.7 (7-15) from beyond the arch in the first half.
James Betz knocked down 2 early three pointers and finished with a team high 12 first half points. Nate Heise led the Panthers with 5 rebounds and 2 steals while Trae Berhow dished out 5 first half assists.
The Panthers finish the game shooting 52.1% (38-73) from the field while making 37% (10-27) of their shots from beyond the arch. UNI made 12 of their 16 free throw attempts, with freshman Nate Heise and sophomore Noah Carter going 4-4 from the line.
Trae Berhow led the way in the second half, recording 12 points going 5-6 from the field and finished as the Panthers leading scorer with 19 points. Noah Carter continues to find the basket early in the season, finishing with 17 points and 4 rebounds.
Freshman contributed early and often for the Panthers, Nate Heise played just over 30 minutes, scored 11 points, hauled in 9 rebounds, and recorded 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Freshman Bowen Born totaled 16 points going 7-16 from the field.
THE PANTHERS
– UNI held the lead the entire game (39:46).
– Panthers largest lead was 45 points with 1:55 remaining in the second half.
– Panthers scored 26 points of Fighting Bee turnovers.
– Panthers added 35 points from the bench.
THE FIGHTING BEES
– Michael Williams finished with a team high 9 points.
– John Kerr hauled in a team high 10 rebounds.
– Jake Friel recorded 3 assists.
– Scored 6 points off Panther turnovers.
– Scored 23 points off the bench.
UP NEXT
The Panthers, now 1-3, will set their sights on the Spiders of Richmond. The Panthers and #19 Spiders will take the court at 5 PM (CST) in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, December 9. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.