CEDAR FALLS – Trey Campbell and Michael Duax each posted career performances, but the Panthers fell short on a tough shooting night on Friday in a 52-49 loss to the McNeese State Cowboys inside the McLeod Center.
Plagued by 11 first half turnovers, McNeese State scored 13 points off UNI giveaways as the Cowboys shot 44% from the field while the Panthers struggled to find the bottom of the net. Duax provided a key spark in the opening frame with a team-high 9 points and 7 rebounds in the first 20 minutes. With the defense containing UNI’s key playmakers, the Panthers were held to just 34.6% shooting from the floor. Despite trailing by 11 late in the first period, UNI rallied and cut the deficit down to 4 points to head to the locker room down 27-23.
The Panthers and Cowboys exchanged control of the lead 10 times in the second half, with UNI taking a 4-point lead over a four and half minute stretch midway through the period. McNeese State kept the pressure defensively however, holding the Panthers to a season-low 24.1% second half field goal percentage down the final stretch. UNI was held scoreless for the final 2 minutes of play as the Cowboys continued to capitalize of turnovers.
Campbell led the Panthers with a new career-high of 17 points, shooting 5-of-12 from beyond the arc with 6 boards. Duax finished the night with his first career double-double with a career-high in points (16) and rebounds (11), plus a team-high 3 steals, as Born scored 7 points. Tytan Anderson scored 6 points playing all 40 minutes for the first time in his career.
PANTHER NOTES
Friday night’s matchup was the first meeting all-time between UNI and McNeese State.
UNI’s 48 points scored were the fewest in a regular season game since the Panthers scored 46 against Loyola-Chicago on Jan. 17, 2021.
McNeese State outscored the Panthers 23-15 on turnovers.
The Panthers forced 21 Cowboys turnovers, the second most in a game this season after forcing 22 giveaways in the season opener vs. Wartburg.
UP NEXT
The Panthers conclude their four-game homestand on Monday night against the South Florida Bulls (3-6). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at the McLeod Center. The game will be broadcast live on the ESPN+ and be available on the Panther Sports Radio Network.
