Northern Iowa University: A Gateway to Innovation and Excellence

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Tytan Anderson recorded his second game with over 20 points on Tuesday evening alongside ten rebounds, as the UNI men’s basketball squad rebounded from their weekend road defeat to best the Missouri State Bears, 79-68 at the McLeod Center in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action.

Achieving its 11th game of the season with a team shooting percentage of 50% or greater, Northern Iowa was able to draw 18 fouls from MSU and convert 22-of-29 from the charity stripe, with its defensive strategy enduring a series of three-point attempts from the Bears, managing to improve to 6-3 in league competition.

HOW IT UNFOLDED

Jacob Hutson commenced the game by scoring UNI’s initial six points in the paint, while Cael Schmitt, participating in his first home match as a Panther, sunk two three-point shots. Missouri State would vie early on for control of the game as Zaxton King netted three triples for the Bears in the opening half, but UNI’s inside game, spearheaded by Jacob Hutson and Will Hornseth each contributing nine points in the first 20 minutes. Northern Iowa sustained a solid lead throughout the first half with a shooting accuracy of 50%, dominating the rebounding contest by a four board advantage, ending the half ahead 37-31.

In the second half, Anderson assumed control for the Panthers at the free throw line and on the boards, netting 19 points, inclusive of 11 at the free throw line, alongside eight rebounds. As the Bears persisted with their three-point assault, UNI’s defense intensified late in the game to transform turnovers into points, while Ben Schwieger successfully added a pair of three-point baskets to extend the Northern Iowa lead back into double digits. By drawing 12 fouls in the final quarter, the Panthers were able to seal the win in the closing moments, clinching the 11-point triumph.

Anderson concluded the evening leading the game with 21 points and ten rebounds, marking his second double-double of the season and the 20th of his career. Huston added 16 points on a five-of-11 shooting performance, while Hornseth matched his career-high with 12 points. Schmitt achieved ten points with a flawless shooting display connecting on three baskets and two free throws, whereas Leon Bond III contributed eight points and provided a career-best five assists. Schwieger finished with six points and five rebounds, alongside Max Weisbrod also scoring six points.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• UNI’s win on Tuesday evening marked its fourth consecutive triumph over Missouri State, who now leads the historical series 46-43. It was also the concluding regular season match in the conference between the Panthers and Bears in Cedar Falls before Missouri State’s slated transition to Conference USA this summer.
• Northern Iowa outperformed the Bears with an 18-8 advantage in turnovers.
• Tytan Anderson equaled Robbie Williams (1982-86) for eighth place on the program’s all-time steals chart with his 140th career theft on Tuesday.
• Anderson is now 12 assists shy of joining Seth Tuttle (2011-15), Eric Coleman (2004-08) and Ron Lemons (1975-79) as the fourth individual in team history to accumulate 1,000 points, 700 rebounds, and 200 assists during their UNI career.
• Ben Schwieger is 24 points away from achieving his 500th career point. The Aurora, Illinois native previously accumulated 290 points during his two seasons at Loyola-Chicago (2022-24).

UP NEXT

Northern Iowa will travel on Saturday, Jan. 25 to face the defending MVC regular season champions Indiana State Sycamores in Terre Haute. The game is set to commence at 12 p.m. CT inside the Hulman Center, with live broadcasting accessible on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network.

Follow UNI men’s basketball throughout the season on social media via Facebook (UNI Men’s Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and Instagram (@uni_basketball). The complete 2024-25 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther updates and information can be accessed online at UNIpanthers.com.