Game 24: @ Loyola-Chicago

[unipanthers8907]

Sunday afternoon marks the 1st meeting between the two teams this season. A battle for 1st place in the MVC is on the line. This is a BIG one to say the least.

UNI currently stands alone in 1st place in the MVC by a half game over Loyola-Chicago and one full game over Missouri State. UNI has won five games in a row and 10 of 12 since the calendar flipped to 2022 (both losses coming in OT). LUC lost their last game at Bradley by seven, but won at Missouri State by nine over the weekend. Although Loyola has a new head coach, you know exactly what you're going to get - a hard nosed defensive team, efficient offense, and a typically slower paced game. Should be a good one. I expect the guys to come out ready to go - this is what you play for.

[Wxcpanther]

I'll be making the trip to Chicago for this one, my first trip to Gentile! LUC really struggled with the physicality Bradley had defensively last night. If UNI can play with the same physicality they've had during this 5 game win streak and can play with pace offensively, this is a game they can absolutely win.

[sivert]

I'll be making the trip to Chicago for this one, my first trip to Gentile! LUC really struggled with the physicality Bradley had defensively last night. If UNI can play with the same physicality they've had during this 5 game win streak and can play with pace offensively, this is a game they can absolutely win.

We went last year and had a good time. We stayed at the Hampton Inn, I think which was a short walk. Thought about going this year, but tough to get back to work with a later Sunday game. Have fun!

[BCPanther]

I'm hoping that the game bumping right into the Super Bowl (what the hell ESPN?) chips away at the crowd a little. They've traditionally had the same problem that we do in seats sold not actually having an ass in them so Super Bowl parties might chip a little deeper.

[Wxcpanther]

I'm hoping that the game bumping right into the Super Bowl (what the hell ESPN?) chips away at the crowd a little. They've traditionally had the same problem that we do in seats sold not actually having an ass in them so Super Bowl parties might chip a little deeper.

I do also wonder if their numbers are at all impacted by the fully vaccinated requirement. Look I'm all for the vaccine and I'm fully vaccinated and am totally fine with restrictions like that, but I recognize there is a decent sized percentage of the country that refuses to get it.

[BCPanther]

I do also wonder if their numbers are at all impacted by the fully vaccinated requirement. Look I'm all for the vaccine and I'm fully vaccinated and am totally fine with restrictions like that, but I recognize there is a decent sized percentage of the country that refuses to get it.

They're in an incredibly liberal campus in the middle of an incredibly liberal city. I don't think the inability to fill a 4000 seat building in a metro of 8 million has anything to do with the vaccine.

[sivert]

The defense is really shaping up. One thing I'd like to see if Nate connect on his contested layups - when he drives and shoots over a defender, he is consistently shorting his shot. Since he's consistent, I would think he could adjust. If the can make that adjustment, that would be huge.
Bowen is opening up our offense with his driving and if we had two doing that, it would really open up.

[06panther10]

The defense is really shaping up. One thing I'd like to see if Nate connect on his contested layups - when he drives and shoots over a defender, he is consistently shorting his shot. Since he's consistent, I would think he could adjust. If the can make that adjustment, that would be huge.
Bowen is opening up our offense with his driving and if we had two doing that, it would really open up.

Seems like he has some dead legs right now. Short on everything, including layups. Hope we can get him going by March. He’s a huge energy type player for us.

[ronfitch]

The defense is really shaping up. One thing I'd like to see if Nate connect on his contested layups - when he drives and shoots over a defender, he is consistently shorting his shot. Since he's consistent, I would think he could adjust. If the can make that adjustment, that would be huge.
Bowen is opening up our offense with his driving and if we had two doing that, it would really open up.

I love watching Bowen drive the lane. No second guessing, just head down and go.

[achrist70]

Every time he got switched on a slower defender last night I was begging for him to drive every time. I really don't care if he is only 5'11", if he has a step on someone to there is a very small chance of that shot being blocked.

[Blue42]

I love watching Bowen drive the lane. No second guessing, just head down and go.

He finishes pretty damn well for a guy that size...and can hit a 8-10 footer as well.

Love watching that kid play.

Plays beyond his years and size.

[CyCarp]

He finishes pretty damn well for a guy that size...and can hit a 8-10 footer as well.

Love watching that kid play.

Plays beyond his years and size.

And that's night and day from last year. I used to dread watching him try to score inside. Kudos to him, he's clearly worked on that part of his game, the improvement is very impressive imo - especially for an underclassman.

[English77]

Sat next to a couple from Norwalk last night. They’d been on campus a week ago since their daughter (high school senior) has decided to attend UNI this fall. Had a good experience, so they decided to drive up again last night.

Said they’ve been watching Bowen play ball since he was a 6 yo, and recognized even then that there was just something special about him. Sure, that’s easy to say now, but I don’t doubt their sincerity.

[MVCBeat]

Honestly, I think a good crowd helps us. Our guys seem to play well in good atmospheres, regardless of whether they're supportive or not.

[BrockLesnar]

Northern Iowa 62 Loyola 61 despite fouling us all game.