The Northern Iowa Panthers return to Missouri Valley Conference action tonight by visiting Illinois State. The Panthers are 6-3 and alone in third place in the conference race. Illinois State is part of a three-way tie for fourth at 5-4. U-N-I coach Greg McDermott says after struggling early following the loss of leading scorer Tarise Bryson, the Redbirds have bounced back.McDermott says the Panthers have been successful when they’ve executed well and that will be a key tonight. He says they’re not athletic or big enough to make up for a lack of execution.Illinois State coach Tom Richardson says while Robbie Sieverding garners most of the attention, the Panthers have a number of weapons. He says they have three guards though that can score.Richardson says getting Sieverding back from a knee injury has been a big part of U-N-I’s surprising success.