U-N-I got behind early and the Panthers saw their Missouri Valley Conference title hopes come to an end in a 71-49 loss to Bradley as the Panthers fell to 11-6 in the Valley. Panther coach Greg McDermott on his post game show on the U-N-I Sports Network, says Bradley was really good and his team was not very good. McDermott says he doesn’t know if it would have done them any good to play better.
The Braves shot 59-percent for the game and seven foot center Patrick O’Bryan who poured in a game high 18 points. McDermott says they tried to take O’Bryan away early and Bradley had some guys hit three points shots that hadn’t hit them all season. McDermott says Bradley “was really good tonight.”
It was the final game in the UNI-Dome and a disappointing close to the home career of three U-N-I seniors. Guard Ben Jacobsen who finished with 16 points for the Panthers and says guys should hold themselves accountable for not being ready. Jacobsen says its “inexcusable” to not be ready. U-N-I finishes the regular season at Southern Illinois and could finish as low as sixth in the Valley race.
Unfortunately for Drake it was a fitting end to the home season. Paul Miller tipped in a missed shot with three seconds remaining as Wichita State pulled out a 60-58 win as the Shockers clinched at least a share of the Valley title.
Tom Davis on his post game show on KRNT radio says they have to get smarter and focused more on executing. Drake led by three late in the game but the Shockers scored the final five points of the game and will try too wrap up sole possession of the Valley title this weekend. The Bulldogs close the regular season at Bradley.
The Iowa State Cyclones followed the advice of coach Wayne Morgan and posted an impressive win. The Cyclones bounced back from a devastating loss at Oklahoma with a spirited effort in a 68-52 win over Oklahoma State in Ames.
Morgan on his post-game show on the Cyclone Network says if things aren’t going well, you work harder, and he says the team has understood that. The Cyclones mixed things up on defense and held the Cowboys to 38-percent shooting. He says they played a lot of halfcourt defense instead of pressing. The Cyclones are 5-8 in the Big-12 and 15-11 overall.