University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Murray State
Panther men’s basketball falls to Murray State
2/3/2024 4:25:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UNI offense struggles in home loss to Racers. Panthers return home next Wednesday to host Missouri State.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- First half turnovers by the home team and a hot-shooting opponent painted a tough picture for the UNI men's basketball team as the Panthers dropped a difficult home contest to the Murray State Racers on Saturday at the McLeod Center by a score of 71-43.
Northern Iowa was held to just 18 points in the opening period and shot a season-low 30.8% from the field as Murray State drained 47.5% of its shots, including six three-point baskets. UNI's defense also struggled to capitalize on takeaways, forcing just four turnovers with no steals.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Saturday's first half kicked off with an early back-and-forth as UNI and Murray State traded baskets with the Panthers attacking the glass. Nine turnovers in the opening 20 minutes of play would plague Northern Iowa as the Panthers would struggle to find the bottom of the net on just 28% with a season-low 18 first half points. While able to draw late contact and get into the bonus, UNI found difficulty in slowing down Murray State's Nick Ellington and Quincy Anderson, who combined for 23 points in the opening period. Tytan Anderson led the Panthers with seven first-half points, with six points from Nate Heise as UNI went into the locker room trailing, 35-18.
The Panthers would clean up their struggles with turnovers in the second stanza, but continued to connect on its shots with just 33% of their attempts falling through the net. As Murray State continued its offensive output on 48.1% shooting, key reserves in Cole Henry, Landon Wolf, Kyle Pock, Michael Duax, RJ Taylor and Drew Daniel all saw valuable playing experience in the final 14 minutes of the game. Wolf contributed from long range with a trio of three-point baskets, as Duax and Heise both combined for seven points in the final stretch.
Wolf finished the game with a team-high nine points thanks to his second-half performance, while Tytan Anderson posted eight points and a team-leading seven rebounds in the loss. Heise ended the afternoon with six points, as Trey Campbell posted five points. Duax notched four points for the Panthers, with Henry tallying three points and two points each from Jacob Hutson, Taylor, Pock and Daniel.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Saturday's loss was UNI's first-ever to Murray State. The Panthers lead the all-time series, 2-1.
- UNI's 28% shooting clip in the first half was its second-lowest of any half this season, second only to its 25% shooting mark in November in a loss at South Florida.
- Murray State's four turnovers were the fewest forced by the Panther defense this season.
- Tytan Anderson has now scored at least one point in 55 consecutive games, the longest streak among active Panthers.
- Cole Henry surpassed 300 career points in Saturday's game as part of his three-point performance.
UP NEXT
UNI returns to action on Wednesday, February 7 as the Panthers host the Missouri State Bears. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at the McLeod Center with live coverage available on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network.
Tickets can be purchased online at UNIpanthers.com/ticket, or by calling the ticket office at 319-273-4849. Fans are encouraged to wear white as part of their annual White Out Game. The Panthers will also celebrate Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night, as well as CAB Night.
