EVANSVILLE, IN – The UNI men’s basketball team fell to the Aces of Evansville 65-61. The Panthers now sit at 2-6 overall and 1-2 in the MVC.
The Panthers never led in the game, falling behind early the Panthers were able to enter halftime trailing 32-28. The Panthers have been known for efficient three-point shooting but did not knockdown a shot from beyond the arc for the first time since Feb 3, 2000.
UNI finished the first half shooting 50% from the field. Austin Phyfe finished with a first half high of 6 points with 6 rebounds and 1 assist. The Panthers out rebounded the Aces 19-11 in the first half.
The Panthers kept digging throughout the second half, tying the game with 7:24 remaining in the game. Austin Phyfe finished with 17 points, going 8-11 from the field. The ALL-MVC big man hauled in 10 rebounds and finished with 1 assist and 1 block. Trae Berhow recorded his first career triple double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist. Tywhon Pickford went 3-3 from the field for 6 points and hauled in 7 rebounds and 1 steal.
UNI hauled in 40 rebounds compared to the Aces 24. UNI shot 45.1% from the field and 0-11 from beyond the three-point arc. The Panthers were consistently at the free throw line throughout the game, going 15-17 from the charity stripe.
THE PANTHERS
UNI was unable to make a three pointer in the first half.
UNI tied the game 49-49 with 7:24 remaining in the game.
Panthers went 15-17 from the free throw line
Austin Phyfe scored a team high 17 points
Trae Berhow recorded his first career triple double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Berhow also led the Panthers with 3 steals.
THE ACES
Evan Kuhlman finished the first half with 10 points, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds.
Aces held an 8-point lead with 4:51 remaining in the first half.
Evan Kuhlman led the Aces with 21 points going 7-14 from the field and 4-11 from distance.
Samari Curtis added 14 points with 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
UP NEXT
The Panthers and Aces will take the floor at 3 PM on Sunday in the final game of the series. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
