NORMAL, Ill – The UNI men’s basketball team defeated the Redbirds of Illinois State 70-56 on Friday night, led by senior Trae Berhow’s15-point performance. The win marked head coach Ben Jacobson’s 299thcareer victory.
Neither team opened the game shooting well, after four minutes of play UNI went 2-8 while the Redbirds went 3-7 from the field. The Panthers were able to get things going midway through the half, going on a 12-2 run to take a 23-14 lead with 7:43 reaming in the half.
The Panthers continued strung runs together through the end of the first half, and took a 34-25 lead into the break. The Panthers finished shooting 37.9% (11-29) from the field while making all 9 free throw attempts. The Redbirds shot 34.6% (9-26) from the field with 11 first half turnovers.
The Redbirds heated up to start the second half, starting the half 5-8 from the field and cutting the Panther lead to 3 with 12:47 remaining in the game. Both teams’ mad plays down the stretch but it was the Panthers gong on a 10-0 run with 7:26 remaining that sealed the win. The Panthers extended to lead to 17, the largest lead of the game, at 69-52 with 2:22 remaining in the game. The Panthers would hold off the Redbirds and picked up the 70-56 win.
The Panthers had four players in double digits for the third consecutive game. Trae Berhow led the way with 15 points while Austin Phyfe hauled in a team high 8 rebounds followed by Nate Hiese with 7.
THE PANTHERS
The Panthers shot 42% (23-55) from the field.
The Panthers made 86% (19-22) of their free throw attempts
The Panthers scored 22 points off turnovers.
The Panthers scored 36 points in the Paint.
Trae Berhow led the team with 15 points
Austin Phyfe hauled in a team high 8 rebounds.
UNI held the lead for 33:40.
THE REDBIRDS
The Redbirds shot 40% (20-50) from the field.
The Redbirds made 69% (11-16) of their free throw attempts.
The Redbirds scored 20 points off the bench.
Dusan Mahorcic led the team with 18 points (7-10 FG-FGA) and hauled in a team high 8 rebounds.
Redbirds led for 6:04.
The Panthers and Redbirds will be back in action on Saturday night. The two teams will take the court at 5 pm at Redbird Arena. The game will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.
