Jesperson buries 8 3s, UNI’s losing streak ends at Bradley

Northern Iowa snapped a four-game losing streak with a 68-50 victory over Bradley Wednesday night in Peoria, Ill.

Paul Jesperson led the Panthers (11-11, 3-6 MVC) with 28 points, tying a school record with eight 3-pointers. Matt Bohannon added 12 points, while Jeremy Morgan chipped in 10 points and seven steals.

The Panthers led by as much as 12 in the first half, but the Braves closed within 35-32 at the break.

Anoine Pittman's 3-pointer with 17:25 to go gave Bradley (3-19, 1-8) its first lead, but Morgan answered with a 3 just 21 seconds later and UNI never trailed again.

UNI out-scored the Braves 31-12 over the last 17 minutes.

The Panthers shot 47.8 percent and were a magnificent 15 of 25 from 3-point range, with Jesperson leading the charge at an 8-for-11 clip.

Bradley turned it over 17 times and shot just 37 percent, including 27.3 percent (6 of 22) in the second half.

Northern Iowa hosts Southern Illinois at 3 p.m. Sunday.