Redbirds Close – Panthers Streaking

(St. Louis, MO) – Illinois State came close to slaying the giant and Northern Iowa has won five games in a row. ISU has played a murderous schedule and for the second time in a week they played one of the top two teams in the nation. Monday they dropped a hard fought 75-63 decision to #1 Kentucky.

Northern Iowa (5-1) scored over 90 points for the second straight game in dispatching North Texas 93-70. Bennett Koch led the way with 18 points. Wes Washpun dished out seven assists. It was the first time a UNI team had back-to-back 90 point games since the 1993-94 season.

The Redbirds (3-5) have played six games in 12 days, including the trip to Cancun where they lost by 11 to second ranked Maryland. In Monday’s loss to top ranked Kentucky, fouls were a major factor. Point guard Paris Lee fouled out and the Redbirds only attempted 10 free throws and the Wildcats made 29 of the 46 they were awarded.

Head Coach Dan Muller told ISU play-by-play man Dick Luedke (WJBC radio), that he was proud of the team’s effort, but the foul situation was a major factor.

“Fouls hurt our psyche and we lost a little confidence,” said Muller.

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell led the Birds with 22 points.

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