Northern Iowa Panthers @ Evansville Purple Aces
Northern Iowa holds off Evansville for 54-52 win
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Wes Washpun made four free throws down the stretch and blocked a shot with three seconds left to secure Northern Iowa's 54-52 win over Evansville on Saturday.
The win assures Northern Iowa (19-12, 11-7), which has won nine of its last ten games, the No. 4 seed in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
Washpun had 14 points, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Klint Carlson added 10 points.
Northern Iowa held Evansville to just 16 points in the first half; the lowest UNI has held any opponent in the initial half this season.
Evansville, tied for second in the conference, rallied in the second period to close to 53-52 with 13 seconds remaining. Northern Iowa's Jeremy Morgan split a pair of free throws and the Purple Aces missed their last two shots.
D.J. Balentine led Evansville (23-8, 12-6) with 19 points. Egidiju Mockevicius added 14 with 16 rebounds.
Game Information
Evansville, IN
Referee:Zelton Steed
Referee:Paul Janssen
Referee:Brad Ferrie
2025-26 Standings
| Missouri Valley ConferenceMissouri Valley Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 16-4 | - | 26-6 |
| Bradley | 13-7 | 3 | 21-13 |
| Illinois State | 12-8 | 4 | 23-13 |
| Murray State | 12-8 | 4 | 20-13 |
| UIC | 12-8 | 4 | 19-16 |
| Northern Iowa | 11-9 | 5 | 23-13 |
| Valparaiso | 11-9 | 5 | 18-15 |
| Southern Illinois | 10-10 | 6 | 16-16 |
| Drake | 6-14 | 10 | 14-20 |
| Indiana State | 4-16 | 12 | 11-21 |
| Evansville | 3-17 | 13 | 7-25 |
Men's College Basketball News

Elliot Cadeau plans to remain at Michigan after May's exit
7h

Clippers draft pick Narcisse Ngoy plans to play at Auburn
8h
Ex-NCAA players expected to change pleas in point-shaving case
1d

