Lots of positives during UNI men’s basketball winning streak

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa’s five-game winning streak has included a number of positive developments.

The Panthers (9-7, 5-1 MVC) have averaged 81.8 points per game, committed only 9.6 turnovers per game and out-rebounded each of the five opponents.

Other impactful numbers have come from sophomore forward Noah Carter.

Since entering the starting lineup against Evansville on Jan. 2, Carter has averaged 17 points per game and sparked multiple scoring runs that helped keep UNI’s winning streak intact.

Carter’s entry into the Panthers’ starting lineup came at center as Coach Ben Jacobson said it was going to be best for Austin Phyfe (long COVID) to settle into a reserve role.

Despite being undersized for the position at 6-foot-6, the former Dubuque Senior prep has provided an interior scoring punch the Panthers needed.

“Noah’s just doing a terrific job,” Jacobson said. “He’s been tremendous in terms of being more physical. His ability to get points in the paint, around the basket (and) be a presence for us down there (has) really been critical for us with Austin’s situation.”

Carter’s move to the starting lineup’s center spot seems to have become a comfortable decision for Jacobson and his staff given how well he finished last season.

“In particular, the last 10, 11, 12 games last year — even when Phyfe was playing and Noah was playing more at the power forward position — his last month of the season last year he was playing about 30 minutes a game, he was getting more touches and we were able to get him the ball on the block,” Jacobson said. “That’s something that we’ve always liked about Noah, is his ability to score at different spots on the floor.”

Next up for UNI is a rematch against Valparaiso (8-10, 1-5).

The Beacons are one of the Panthers’ five victims in their current winning streak, but will have starting forward Ryan Kithier back in their lineup at 6 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+). The Michigan State transfer averages 9.6 points per game and a team-leading 6.7 rebounds.

“Watching (Kithier) in the league games, his skill level is really good (and) his passing is really good,” Jacobson said. “It looks like they’re getting a little bit healthier. Watching their last couple games I just think when you’ve got your full roster you’re able to do some things on the practice floor — when you’ve got everybody available it certainly makes a difference.”