The U.N.I. Panthers begin the week with a three game lead in the Missouri Valley Conference with five to play.

The Panthers moved to 12-1 in the Valley but it was not easy as they had to rally for a 55-52 win over Southern Illinois in the McLeod center on Saturday night.

Adam Koch score 11 straight points in the final minutes as the Panthers rallied from a 47-42 deficit. Koch finished with 21 points as U.N.I. survive cold shooting in which they managed just 37% for the game.

The Panthers remained unbeaten at home this season and improve to 21-2 overall. Next up will be a Wednesday night visit to Drake.