| 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIU | 22 | 34 | 56 |
| UNI | 25 | 28 | 53 |
Southern Illinois holds off Northern Iowa 56-53 in MVC
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Marcus Bartley hit back-to-back a 3-pointers as Southern Illinois fought into the lead early in the second quarter, and Armon Fletcher hit a big 3 inside the final minute as the Salukis had just enough to hold off Northern Iowa 56-53 in the opener of Missouri Valley Conference play Thursday night.
Kavion Pippen led with 14 points, Bartley added 12 and Fletcher eight for Southern Illinois (9-5), which won for the first time in 12 games at Northern Iowa's McLeod Center and the first win at UNI since 2003.
Trailing 25-22 at halftime, Bartley wrapped two of his four 3-pointers around a Northern Iowa turnover as the Salukis scrapped into a 39-35 lead with 9:38 to play. Southern Illinois never trailed again, but didn't get any daylight on the Panthers until Fletcher's 3 made it 55-48 with 58 seconds left.
The lead was just enough as SIU missed five of six free throws in the last 40 seconds.
Tywhon Pickford led UNI (8-5) with 13 points. Northern Iowa had played the nation's second-toughest nonconference schedule.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Mike Stuart
- Gerry Pollard
- Gene Grimshaw
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