The Northern Iowa Panthers dominated the Drake Bulldogs 86-62, with Max Weisbrod and Will Hornseth leading the charge with 18 points each, showcasing their team's depth and versatility. This win marked the Panthers' 17th victory of the season, improving their record to 17-10, while the Bulldogs fell to 12-16. The Panthers' 86 points were a reflection of their high-powered offense, which has averaged 71.4 points per game over their last 5 contests. In contrast, the Bulldogs have struggled on defense, allowing 87.4 points per game over their last 5 games, and their 62 points tonight were a season-low in points scored in a half, with only 29 points in the first half.
The game was essentially over by halftime, with the Panthers leading 38-29, and they never looked back, outscoring the Bulldogs 48-33 in the second half. The Panthers' defense was stifling, holding the Bulldogs to 36.4% shooting from the field, including 3-for-14 from three-point range. The Bulldogs' Jalen Quinn was the lone bright spot, scoring 20 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Panthers' balanced attack. The Panthers' Tristan Smith chipped in with 14 points and 7 rebounds, and their bench outscored the Bulldogs' bench 23-15. Over the last 5 games, the Panthers have outscored their opponents by 7.4 points per game, while the Bulldogs have been outscored by 10.4 points per game.
The Panthers' Weisbrod and Hornseth were the stars of the show, combining for 36 points on 14-for-24 shooting. Weisbrod was particularly effective in the second half, scoring 12 of his 18 points, including 2 three-pointers. Hornseth, on the other hand, did most of his damage in the first half, scoring 10 of his 18 points. The Bulldogs' Quinn was the only player to reach double figures, but he received little help from his teammates, with Eli Shetlar and Owen Larson combining for just 19 points. The Panthers' Smith was a force on the glass, grabbing 7 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive end, which led to 6 second-chance points for the Panthers. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were outrebounded 37-26, including 12-6 on the offensive glass.
The Panthers' victory was not surprising, given their recent form and the Bulldogs' struggles. The Panthers had won 3 of their last 5 games, including a 89-60 thrashing of Murray State, while the Bulldogs had lost all 5 of their last games, including a 90-103 loss to Belmont. The Panthers' offense has been clicking, averaging 71.4 points per game over their last 5 contests, while the Bulldogs' defense has been porous, allowing 87.4 points per game over their last 5 games. The Panthers' 86 points tonight were their highest total in 5 games, and their 24-point margin of victory was their largest in 7 games. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, have lost 10 of their last 12 games, and their 62 points tonight were their lowest total in 9 games.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The CHD Scout prediction of a 12.9-point victory for the Panthers was spot on, as they dominated the Bulldogs from start to finish. The prediction was likely based on the Panthers' strong offense and the Bulldogs' struggles on defense, as well as the Panthers' recent form and the Bulldogs' losing streak. The Panthers' ability to score from both inside and outside, as well as their strong rebounding and defense, made them a formidable opponent for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm on offense, and their defense was unable to contain the Panthers' balanced attack. The Panthers' 48 points in the second half were the most they have scored in a half in 6 games, and their 24-point margin of victory was a reflection of their dominance.
The Panthers' victory has real consequences for their tournament resume, as they improved their NET ranking to 89 and picked up a Quad 4 win. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, fell to 192 in the NET rankings and suffered a Quad 2 loss. The Panthers' win also marked their 4th victory in their last 6 games, and they are now 10-5 in their last 15 games. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, have lost 10 of their last 12 games, and their tournament hopes are all but extinguished. The Panthers' 17 wins are their most in 5 years, and they are now in position to make a push for a top-4 seed in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are struggling to stay out of the conference basement, and their 12 wins are their fewest in 7 years.
The Panthers' win tonight was a significant boost to their tournament resume, as they picked up a much-needed Quad 4 win and improved their NET ranking to 89. The win also marked their 4th victory in their last 6 games, and they are now 10-5 in their last 15 games. The Panthers' 17 wins are their most in 5 years, and they are now in position to make a push for a top-4 seed in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, suffered a Quad 2 loss and fell to 192 in the NET rankings. Their 12 wins are their fewest in 7 years, and their tournament hopes are all but extinguished. The Panthers' win tonight was a reflection of their strength and depth, and they are now a team to watch in the conference. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, need to regroup and refocus if they hope to salvage their season. The Panthers' 86 points tonight were their highest total in 5 games, and their 24-point margin of victory was their largest in 7 games. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, have lost 10 of their last 12 games, and their 62 points tonight were their lowest total in 9 games.