Northern Iowa Defeats Evansville 71-55 at Home
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · McLeod Center
Northern Iowa Panthers 71, Evansville Purple Aces 55, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Evansville Purple Aces vs Northern Iowa Panthers?
Northern Iowa Panthers beat Evansville Purple Aces 71-55 at McLeod Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Evansville Purple Aces vs Northern Iowa Panthers?
Northern Iowa Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -800 (about 89% implied). The favorite won.
The Northern Iowa Panthers secured a convincing 71-55 victory over the Evansville Purple Aces at the McLeod Center. This matchup was notable as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Northern Iowa boasting a home record of 14-9 compared to Evansville's away record of just 5-17. The Panthers have been performing at a slightly below-average level recently, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, while the Purple Aces have struggled significantly, managing only one win in their last ten outings, resulting in a record of 1-8-1.
In the lead-up to this game, Northern Iowa had a mixed bag of results. They lost their most recent game against Southern Illinois Salukis with a score of 50-65. Prior to that, they had a narrow win against Murray State Racers, 81-76, at home. Their scoring average in the last ten games stood at 61.9 points per game, while they allowed an average of 63.8 points. Notably, their last five games had them averaging only 58.0 points scored and 64.6 points allowed, indicating a dip in offensive output.
On the other hand, Evansville's recent form has been troubling. They lost their last game against Drake Bulldogs, 78-82, and have only managed to score an average of 58.6 points while allowing 67.7 points in their last ten games. Their last five games have seen them average 57.8 points scored and 64.2 points allowed, further highlighting their struggles on both ends of the court.
Historically, Northern Iowa has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Evansville, winning both encounters this season and last. In their previous meeting on January 4, 2026, Northern Iowa defeated Evansville 62-48. Last season, they also triumphed with a score of 73-56. This ongoing dominance likely contributed to the confidence the Panthers displayed in this latest matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing for either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this contest. This is significant as it allows for the best available talent to compete, impacting the overall quality of play.
The betting market reflected Northern Iowa's expected dominance, with odds from DraftKings showing the Panthers favored by 11.5 points. The total points line was set at 128.5, with the over at -112.0 and the under at -108.0. The moneyline indicated strong confidence in Northern Iowa, priced at -800.0, while Evansville's moneyline was set at 550.0, reflecting their underdog status.
The game conditions in the McLeod Center were conducive to a solid performance from the home team, and the Panthers took full advantage. Northern Iowa's offensive strategy was on display, particularly in the second half, where they executed several key plays. Leif Moeller made a significant impact with a 26-foot three-point jumper, assisted by AJ Casey, which helped extend their lead. Will Hornseth also contributed with a dunk and a layup, showcasing the Panthers' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The final score of 71-55 not only underscores Northern Iowa's strength at home but also highlights the ongoing struggles of Evansville. As the Panthers continue to build on their home-court advantage, they will look to improve their overall record and maintain momentum in the upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNI -11.5 | 128.5 o -112 / u -108 | Evansville Purple Aces +550 · Northern Iowa Panthers -800 |
Leaders
- PointsWill Hornseth21Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsTrey Campbell10Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsBen Schwieger10Northern Iowa Panthers
- PointsAJ Casey17Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsAJ Casey4Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsAJ Casey11Evansville Purple Aces
Recent form
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L161.9 scored · 63.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L50-65at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 29
- W81-76vs Murray State RacersJan 24
- L54-59at Illinois State RedbirdsJan 22
- L44-54at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 17
- L61-69vs UIC FlamesJan 14
- L69-75at Bradley BravesJan 10
- L65-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 8
- W62-48at Evansville Purple AcesJan 4
- W75-66vs Indiana State SycamoresJan 2
- W58-48vs Valparaiso BeaconsDec 30
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 1-8-1Streak L158.6 scored · 67.7 allowed per game1-4 away
- L78-82at Drake BulldogsJan 29
- D0-0vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 25
- L49-76at UIC FlamesJan 21
- L90-94vs Bradley BravesJan 14
- W72-69at Indiana State SycamoresJan 10
- L69-79vs Murray State RacersJan 8
- L48-62vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 4
- L47-73at Illinois State RedbirdsJan 1
- L68-76at Bradley BravesDec 30
- L65-66vs Drake BulldogsDec 21
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Evansville Purple Aces | Northern Iowa Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-52 | 29-53 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 7-26 | 10-28 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 36 |
| Free throws | 6-7 | 3-4 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 25 |
| Assists | 8 | 22 |
| Steals | 7 | 0 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 34 |
| Fouls | 9 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 26 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 5 | 92 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half13-24Trent Hundley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half13-27Kyle Pock makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 1st Half13-29Will Hornseth makes layup (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 1st Half14-29Leif Moeller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half14-31Trey Campbell makes 17-foot jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 1st Half14-33Will Hornseth makes layup
- 1st Half16-33Leif Moeller makes 21-foot jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 1st Half16-36Leon Bond III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 1st Half16-38Ismael Diouf makes 1-foot dunk (Trey Campbell assists)
- 1st Half18-38Bryce Quinet makes 10-foot jumper
- 1st Half18-41Trey Campbell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Leon Bond III assists)
- 1st Half21-41Alex Hemenway makes 25-foot three point jumper (AJ Casey assists)
- 2nd Half21-44Ben Schwieger makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half21-46Will Hornseth makes layup
- 2nd Half23-46AJ Casey makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half23-48Ben Schwieger makes 5-foot alley oop dunk (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half25-48AJ Casey makes layup
- 2nd Half27-48AJ Casey makes layup
- 2nd Half27-50Will Hornseth makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half29-50AJ Casey makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half29-52Ben Schwieger makes 2-foot dunk (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half29-55Geon Hutchins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half31-55AJ Casey makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half31-57Leon Bond III makes layup (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half33-57Trent Hundley makes layup
- 2nd Half34-57Trent Hundley makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half37-57Leif Moeller makes 23-foot three point jumper (AJ Casey assists)
- 2nd Half39-57AJ Casey makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-60Trey Campbell makes 27-foot three point jumper (Leon Bond III assists)
- 2nd Half39-62Will Hornseth makes 5-foot dunk (Max Weisbrod assists)
- 2nd Half39-65Max Weisbrod makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half42-65AJ Casey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half45-65Leif Moeller makes 26-foot three point jumper (AJ Casey assists)
- 2nd Half45-67Will Hornseth makes 2-foot dunk (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half48-67Alex Hemenway makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-67Leif Moeller makes layup
- 2nd Half50-69Will Hornseth makes layup
- 2nd Half52-69AJ Casey makes layup
- 2nd Half52-71Trey Campbell makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-71Joshua Hughes makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alex Hemenway assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Iowa Panthers, below favours Evansville Purple Aces.
Venue
- McLeod CenterCedar Falls, IA
- Attendance4136
- OfficialsGary Maxwell, Ervin Wilson, Justin Albrecht
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