The Northern Iowa Panthers are riding a four-game winning streak, averaging 78.6 points per game over their last five, and outscoring opponents by 15.2 points in that stretch, which sets up an intriguing matchup against the Indiana State Sycamores, who have been struggling to find consistency, with a 1-4 record over their last five games, averaging 73.6 points per game while allowing 73.8 points per game. Northern Iowa's recent form has been impressive, with wins over Drake, Murray State, Bradley, and Evansville, and they want to continue this momentum against an Indiana State team that has been struggling to defend, allowing 73.8 points per game over their last five. The Sycamores have had some close games, including a 75-76 loss to Valparaiso and a 72-74 loss to Murray State, but they have not been able to string together consecutive wins, which has hindered their ability to build a strong tournament resume.
The Panthers' offense has been clicking, with an average of 78.6 points per game over their last five, and they have been able to dominate their opponents on the glass, outrebounding them by an average of 5.4 rebounds per game. This has allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit their opponents' scoring opportunities. On the other hand, Indiana State has struggled to find a consistent scoring threat, with no player averaging more than 15 points per game over their last five. The Sycamores have also struggled with turnovers, averaging 14.2 turnovers per game over their last five, which has hindered their ability to sustain scoring runs.
Northern Iowa's AJ Green on a Hot Streak
Key Matchups
The matchup between Northern Iowa's AJ Green and Indiana State's Cooper Neese will be an interesting one, as both players have been on a hot streak lately, with Green averaging 19.4 points per game over his last five and Neese averaging 17.2 points per game over his last five. Green's ability to score from both inside and outside the arc has made him a difficult matchup for opponents, and Neese's quick release and accuracy from three-point range have made him a threat from beyond the arc. The battle between these two players matters in determining the outcome of the game, as both teams want to their star players to lead them to victory.
The Panthers' defense has been stout, allowing just 63.4 points per game over their last five, and they have been able to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities by forcing an average of 12.6 turnovers per game. This has allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit their opponents' ability to sustain scoring runs. On the other hand, Indiana State's defense has struggled, allowing 73.8 points per game over their last five, and they have been unable to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities, allowing an average of 45.6% shooting from the field. The Sycamores have also struggled to defend the three-point line, allowing an average of 37.5% shooting from three-point range over their last five.
CHD Scout Prediction
Northern Iowa
74
Indiana State
66
The CHD Scout prediction has Northern Iowa winning by 7.7 points, with a 25.3% win probability for Indiana State, which is largely due to the Panthers' ability to dominate the glass and limit their opponents' scoring opportunities. The Panthers' offense has been clicking, and their defense has been stout, which has allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit their opponents' ability to sustain scoring runs. The Sycamores, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency, and their defense has been unable to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities, which has hindered their ability to build a strong tournament resume.
The outcome of this game will have real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes, as a win for Northern Iowa would further solidify their position as a top contender in the MVC, while a loss for Indiana State would make it even more difficult for them to build a strong tournament resume.
Tournament Stakes
A win for Indiana State would be a much-needed boost to their tournament resume, as it would give them a quality win over a top contender in the MVC. On the other hand, a loss would make it even more difficult for them to build a strong tournament resume, as they would need to win out and get some help from other teams in order to have a chance at making the tournament. For Northern Iowa, a win would further solidify their position as a top contender in the MVC, and would give them a significant advantage in terms of seeding and positioning for the conference tournament. A loss, on the other hand, would be a significant setback, as it would give Indiana State a much-needed boost to their tournament resume and would make the conference standings even more congested.
The Panthers' ability to dominate the glass and limit their opponents' scoring opportunities has been the key to their success, and they want to continue this trend against an Indiana State team that has struggled to defend. The Sycamores have been unable to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities, and have allowed an average of 45.6% shooting from the field over their last five. The battle between Northern Iowa's AJ Green and Indiana State's Cooper Neese will be an interesting one, as both players have been on a hot streak lately, and the outcome of this game will have real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. The Panthers' defense has been stout, allowing just 63.4 points per game over their last five, and they have been able to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities by forcing an average of 12.6 turnovers per game. This has allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit their opponents' ability to sustain scoring runs.
HEADLINE: Northern Iowa Panthers at Indiana State Sycamores: MVC Showdown SUBHEADLINE: Northern Iowa looks to extend their four-game winning streak against an Indiana State team that has struggled to find consistency, with a 1-4 record over their last five games, averaging 73.6 points per game while allowing 73.8 points per game.