UNI's Farokhmanesh buries treys and Old Dominion

CEDAR FALLS - Disrespect of small schools makes Blaine Taylor gnash his teeth.

“I kind of bristle at the ‘mid-major' moniker,” said Old Dominion's men's basketball coach recently. “I think we play basketball at a pretty high level, and I know UNI does, too.”

Last night proved Taylor's point.

Each team had its moments, but the final 20 minutes belonged to Ali Farokhmanesh, who scored a career-high 23 points - all in the second half - to propel Northern Iowa past Old Dominion, 71-62.

The Panthers (24-3 overall) established a school record for season victories and won their 14th straight game at home, tying the program's Division I record.

The game featured two of the nation's top three defenses. UNI won that matchup early, limiting the Monarchs to nine first-half field goals while taking a 31-22 advantage at halftime.

Old Dominion (21-8, 41 RPI), which beat Big East power Georgetown, went 1 of 7 from 3-point territory in the first 20 minutes. Meanwhile, UNI forwards Adam Koch and Adam Rodenberg combined for 14 early points.

An air raid ensued in the second half, as UNI began bombing away from 3-point range.

After Old Dominion drew to within four at 34-30 with 16:48 to go, Farokhmanesh produced a four-point play - leaving him pumping his fist emphatically.

Farokhmanesh, who made 5 of 9 3-point shots, continued to torment the Monarchs. Near the five-minute mark, the Iowa City West grad hit a hanging, double-clutch layup to beat the shot clock. He followed that by splashing in a 3-pointer from the corner, handing UNI a 59-49 lead with 4:30 to go.

By Kelly Beaton, Waterloo Courier