Missouri State was unable to extend its 15-game home winning streak, losing to Northern Iowa 75-65 Thursday night.
The Bears rallied all the way back from a 13-point deficit in the second half tying the game with three minutes to play.
“We had all the momentum,” Missouri State forward Nathan Bilyeu said.
Yes they did, and it was easy to see with many of the 8,923 fans packed in the Hammons Student Center screaming and stomping their feet in support.
But consecutive baskets by the Panthers Travis Brown snatched the momentum away from MSU and Northern Iowa was able to escape with a rare conference victory on the road.
“They just made big plays,” Bilyeu said. “To come into our building and win, it’s impressive.”
Brown and Grant Stout led all scorers with 15 points apiece. Stout recorded a double-double adding 12 rebounds. Three other Panthers finished with double-figure scoring.
The Bears had more balanced scoring. Only two players scored in double-digits; Bilyeu had a team-high 12 and Drew Richards chipped in with 11.
MSU hits the road for their next Valley game, a 3:35 p.m. contest at Evansville Sunday.
