Making the Grade: UNI men’s basketball Dec. 30-Jan. 6

No. 23 Northern Iowa wasn't going to go undefeated in conference play, but it's safe to assume not many had them losing their opening game in the Missouri Valley Conference. Nonetheless, it was a 1-1 week with the loss at Evansville and win at home against Loyola.

The Panthers stayed inside the coaches poll, but fell out of the AP Top 25 to 26, and a solid week this week could find them ranked in both polls again. To do that, they'll have to correct some of the things that have plagued them beyond just the last two games, as noted by Coach Ben Jacobson in his weekly media availability Monday.

Despite the loss, and some iffy moments against Loyola, it's certainly far from panic time in Cedar Falls.

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

UNI at Evansville; L, 52-49

UNI vs Loyola; W, 67-58

OFFENSE

Grade:

B-

Why:

It would be easy to look back on the last two games' numbers and say the Panthers struggled on offense – especially at Evansville, where UNI only managed 49 points and shot just seven free throws all game. But as Jacobson pointed out after the Loyola game, the offense executed the game plan well, it just didn't finish as much as it could've or should've.

In the second half against Evansville and the first half against Loyola, various UNI players missed eight to 10 point blank shots – either within the offense or in transition. Leaving 16 to 20 points on the table for UNI at their pace (still 345th in the nation according to KenPom at 60.2 possessions per 40 minutes) is like Iowa State (21st in pace at 70.2 per 40) leaving 35 to 40. Just two of those easily-makeable shots would've beat Evansville, and a few more against Loyola would've buried them at halftime.

They ran their offense well in both games, finding plenty of good looks and open shots, they just didn't fall at a rate good enough to win in Evansville. That would be OK, too, with their defense, if the rebounding wasn't as much of an issue as it was. Additionally, shot selection was curious at times in both games and there were a few costly turnovers, but that has as much to do with the tough defenses they have faced and will face in MVC play. Overall, they've had better weeks offensively, but also much worse.

DEFENSE

Grade:

A-

Why:

Even in a loss, UNI only allowed Evansville 52 points, which was one of 10 times in 14 games where the Panthers held their opponents to less than 60 points. That trend continued against Loyola, which was held to 58. As of Jan. 6, UNI sits 24th in the nation allowing 57.6 points per game, and ranks 35th in Adjusted Defense, allowing 0.919 points per possession to opponents.

They play fantastic help defense, which forced bad shots and 30 combined turnovers in the last two games. Evansville shot 32.7 percent from the field and 9.1 from 3-point range, while Loyola shot 42 percent and 37.5 percent from deep. Their defensive rotations are crisp, and they talk as well as any team in the country when switching off or getting through screens. The attention to detail on that end of the floor was on display in both games, save for one glaring and – for both Jacobson and UNI fans – frustrating exception: rebounding.

Jacobson addressed it for the millionth time on Monday, and said it's time for players to take ownership of it and improve what they've lacked in a hurry. They were outrebounded 36-27 against Evansville and 32-29 against Loyola. That includes 14 offensive rebounds for Evansville and eight for Loyola. And while those only turned into seven second-chance points apiece, it took away valuable possessions for the offense. Rebounding is the only thing keeping this defense from being at the elite level.

PLAYERS (in last two games)

Seth Tuttle, forward

(2 GP, 2 GS) – 13.5 points, 61.1 FG (11 of 18), 40.0 3FG (2 of 5), 42.9 FT (3 of 7), 4.5 reb, 3.0 ast.

Tuttle was the only guy on the floor who could seem to finish against Evansville, finishing with 18 points, but fouled out before the crucial final possessions on an offensive foul – a hook of Egidiju Mockevicius that, if not called and the ensuing basket had counted, would've sealed the game. He's still anchoring this team, especially on defense.

Jeremy Morgan, guard

(2 GP, 2 GS) – 12.5 points, 61.5 FG (8 of 13), 37.5 3FG (3 of 8), 75.0 FT (6 of 8), 3.5 reb, 2.0 ast.

One of his best weeks in a UNI uniform. His defensive effort and energy have been easy to see all year – and showed up again this week, with six steals and two blocks combined – but his offense caught up this week. He shot with confidence in both games, and save for a few lapses, his focus is extremely high on both ends of the floor.

Wes Washpun, guard

(2 GP, 0 GS) – 7.5 points, 41.7 FG (5 of 12), 50.0 3FG (1 of 2), 80.0 FT (4 of 5), 6.5 reb, 1.0 ast.

Didn't have a great game against Loyola, and made some questionable shot selections in that game, but overall still had a very productive week. He led the team in rebounds at Evansville with eight, and ran the break well against Loyola.

Nate Buss, forward

(2 GP, 0 GS) – 7.5 points, 36.4 FG (4 of 11), 33.3 3FG (1 of 3), 100.0 FT (6 of 6), 2.0 reb, 0.0 ast.

Played extended minutes in both games, while Marvin Singleton sat for much of the second half against Evansville. His impact wasn't as great as it was against South Dakota State, but was definitely enough to justify his playing time. His biggest struggle seemed to come under the basket, where he forced a bad shot or turned the ball over a few times.

Deon Mitchell, guard

(2 GP, 2 GS) – 6.5 points, 41.7 FG (5 of 12), 40.0 3FG (2 of 5), 33.3 FT (1 of 3), 1.5 reb, 1.5 ast.

Was nice to see Mitchell have a breakout game against Loyola, and the way he started the second half was as good as he's looked all year. He scored the first nine UNI points, and got a confidence boost watching some shots fall. If he can carry that boost forward, it'll be a boon for the UNI offense.

Marvin Singleton, forward

(2 GP, 2 GS) – 5.0 points, 60.0 FG (3 of 5), 0.0 3FG (0 of 1), 100.0 FT (4 of 4), 4.5 reb, 1.0 ast.

Jacobson admitted after the Loyola game Singleton should've played more against Evansville, and that's probably because of how he played against Loyola. Singleton returned to the form seen early in the season, especially on defense and in rebounding. His toughness is what makes him so important, especially in league play.

Wyatt Lohaus, guard

(2 GP, 0 GS) – 3.0 points, 37.5 FG (3 of 8), 0.0 3FG (0 of 1), 0.0 FT (0 of 0), 0.0 reb, 1.0 ast.

Got his first taste of conference play, and seemed to respond well. Was active offensively against Loyola, finding a few really good looks – and one or two not-so-good looks – even if only two fell. His intelligence in the offense and physical skill defensively keeps him on the floor.

Matt Bohannon, guard

(2 GP, 2 GS) – 1.5 points, 14.3 FG (1 of 7), 14.3 3FG (1 of 7), 0.0 FT (0 of 0), 2.5 reb, 0.0 ast.

Didn't get a ton of opportunities to shoot in the last two games, and likewise didn't convert when he did. His experience in the Valley says he'll come out of this funk eventually – and maybe even soon – but the Panthers need it to be sooner than later.

Paul Jesperson, guard

(2 GP, 0 GS) – 0.0 points, 0.0 FG (0 of 3), 0.0 3FG (0 of 3), 0.0 FT (0 of 0), 1.5 reb, 0.0 ast.

An entirely forgettable stretch – unless he's going to use the last two games as a form of motivation. He couldn't get open and didn't hit the few shots he took. Jacobson said Monday he's hoping a couple Valley games will be enough to integrate Jesperson into this style of play and allow him to adjust.

UPCOMING WEEK

UNI vs Southern Illinois, 7 p.m. Wednesday at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls

UNI at Drake, 3 p.m. Saturday at the Knapp Center in Des Moines

Past weeks: Nov. 15-22; Nov. 23-30; Dec. 1-8; Dec. 8-15; Dec. 16-23; Dec. 23-30

l Comments: (319) 368-8884; jeremiah.davis@thegazette.com