University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Southwest Minnesota State (Exhib.)
UNI Routs SMSU 71-40
11/15/2004 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 13, 2004
Cedar Falls, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team defeated the Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU) Mustangs 71-40 Saturday afternoon in the West Gym. The Panthers open their 2004-05 regular season next Sunday against Wayne St. in the UNI-Dome at 5:05 p.m.
For the second straight game the Panthers were led by newcomers, as true freshman Atila Santos scored a team-high 13 points, making 5-of-7 from the free throw line. Redshirt freshman Eric Coleman and junior Erik Crawford added 11 points. Coleman, a 6-6 forward, finished with a team-high seven rebounds and two steals. New Sharon (IA) native Grant Stout tallied three blocked shots, a career high.
The Mustangs kept on the Panthers heels early in the game, scoring first and keeping the point margin within five. Close to the 10-minute mark, two free throws and a jumper by sophomore Stout provoked a Panther streak. UNI went on to outscore SMSU 23-5 in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
SMSU's Robin Jackson nailed a jumper as the second half started, but the Mustangs failed to rally from their deficit. Overall, UNI forced 22 turnovers to its 11 and outrebounded SMSU 40-34. Ben Jacobson was sidelined this game, due to an injury sustained in the first exhibition game, but he will likely suit up against Wayne State.
