Koch, Carlson combine for 53, N. Iowa downs UNLV 77-68, OT
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Bennett Koch poured in 30 points, Northern Iowa missed a chance to win in regulation, but the Panthers dominated in overtime to upend previously unbeaten UNLV 77-68 Wednesday night.
Koch, whose 30 points is a career high, made a jump shot to pull Northern Iowa (6-2) to 61-60 inside the final minute of regulation. Klint Carlson stole the ball from UNLV, Koch was fouled and made one to tie, but missed the second with 16 seconds left. UNLV's Jordan Johnson's final shot didn't fall and the teams went overtime.
Koch scored five in the extra period, including a dunk that gave the Panthers a 68-63 lead.
Carlson opened overtime with a layup and scored six of his career-high 23 points in the period. Carlson and Koch each had three steals for the Panthers, who scored 19 points off 20 UNLV turnovers.
UNLV (6-1) had its best start in six seasons, but 22 fouls gave UNI 27 chances at the free throw line and the Panthers made 21.
Kris Clyburn led the Runnin' Rebels with 20 points, Shakur Juston scored 13 before fouling out and Jovan Mooring added 10 but was held to 3-for-17 shooting.
KOCHS TURN 30: Adam Koch scored 30 points against Missouri State in 2009, Jake Koch scored 34 against Bradley in 2011 and now the youngest Koch's also scored 30.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Verne Harris
- Larry Spaulding
- Randy McCall
2024-25 Mountain West Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 1-0 | - | 11-1 |
| San Diego State | 1-0 | - | 8-2 |
| Boise State | 1-0 | - | 9-3 |
| New Mexico | 1-0 | - | 9-3 |
| Colorado State | 1-0 | - | 7-5 |
| UNLV | 0-0 | 0.5 | 6-5 |
| Nevada | 0-1 | 1 | 8-4 |
| Wyoming | 0-1 | 1 | 7-5 |
| San José State | 0-1 | 1 | 7-6 |
| Fresno State | 0-1 | 1 | 4-8 |
| Air Force | 0-1 | 1 | 3-9 |
2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State | 2-0 | - | 8-4 |
| Drake | 1-0 | 0.5 | 11-0 |
| Bradley | 1-0 | 0.5 | 10-2 |
| Belmont | 1-0 | 0.5 | 9-3 |
| Northern Iowa | 1-0 | 0.5 | 7-5 |
| Murray State | 1-1 | 1 | 6-5 |
| Illinois State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 8-4 |
| UIC | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-4 |
| Missouri State | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-5 |
| Valparaiso | 0-1 | 1.5 | 7-5 |
| Southern Illinois | 0-1 | 1.5 | 5-7 |
| Evansville | 0-1 | 1.5 | 3-9 |
Men's College Basketball News
