The Northern Iowa Panthers’ quest to expand their winning streak was halted on December 21, 2024, when they fell to the Washington State Cougars 76-68 at the Orleans Arena during the Holiday Hoops Classic. This game was notable as it marked the conclusion of the Panthers' non-conference schedule, leaving them with a 7-5 record.
From the opening tip, Washington State was quick to dominate, embarking on a 9-0 scoring run. The Panthers struggled early on with eight turnovers, which the Cougars converted to 12 points off turnovers. Northern Iowa’s shooting percentage took a hit as they managed only 31% from the field during the first half, culminating in the Cougars leading 49-26 at halftime.
Despite the rough start, the Panthers came out of the locker room showing renewed energy. Tytan Anderson played a pivotal role, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, helping spark the second-half surge. Leon Bond III also contributed significantly with 17 points and seven rebounds. The Panthers fought fervently, outscoring Washington State 42-27 but fell short in the end, unable to overcome the sizeable halftime deficit.
Washington State's Nathan Calmese led the Cougars, finishing the game with 16 points and six assists. The Cougars’ considerable height and physical play proved to be key factors, as they managed to maintain their lead even as the Panthers closed the gap. And though Northern Iowa made strides, it wasn't enough to shift the momentum completely.
After the game, Anderson reflected on the team’s resolve, stating, “We didn’t give up. We showed heart, but every possession counts against teams like this.” His sentiments echoed the tenacity the Panthers displayed, particularly during the second half, where they dominated the offensive boards.
Other notables for Northern Iowa included Ben Schwieger, who scored 10 points, and Trey Campbell, who added nine points and seven rebounds. Interest peaked when Redek Born recorded his first career points, marking special recognition for the freshman amid the loss.
With this defeat, the Panthers now sit at 1-1 all-time against Washington State. Their last encounter prior to this loss was back on December 23, 2015, when Northern Iowa emerged victorious at the Diamond Head Classic held in Hawaii.
Looking forward, UNI prepares to return to Missouri Valley Conference play, facing Southern Illinois on December 29. This matchup will provide the Panthers another opportunity to showcase their skills and recover momentum after their recent setback. With tip-off scheduled for 1 PM CT, anticipation is building around their performance as they adjust to the demands of conference play.
Northern Iowa has shown glimpses of promise with games earlier this season and their consistent scoring ability, where they have averaged nearly 79 points per game. The players understand the necessity of improving their ball protection and shooting efficiency to convert advantages during important matchups. Following this game, efforts to rectify turnovers and sharpen shooting will be pivotal as they lobby for strong MVC standings.
Fans can catch the upcoming action via ESPN+ or follow updates through the Panther Sports Radio Network. Tickets for home games are available through the UNI Ticket Office. Coverage extends through social media channels, ensuring supporters can engage with the team's progress throughout the season.
This latest tussle serves as both a learning curve and a foundation for growth as the Panthers gear up for the challenges the MVC will present. Their strong second half against Washington State showcases their tenacity, setting the stage for potential triumphs moving forward.
