Northern Iowa Tops Evansville in Close Contest
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Enterprise Center
Northern Iowa Panthers 68, Evansville Purple Aces 59, 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 68-59 at Enterprise Center on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Evansville Purple Aces vs Northern Iowa Panthers?
Northern Iowa Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1450 (about 94% implied). The favorite won.
In a competitive matchup at the Enterprise Center, the Northern Iowa Panthers secured a victory over the Evansville Purple Aces with a final score of 68-59. This game was notable not only for the rivalry between the two teams but also for Northern Iowa's strong home record of 20-12 compared to Evansville's struggling away record of 7-25.
Northern Iowa entered the game with a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 72.5 points scored while allowing 62.5 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games showed a solid performance with an average of 73.6 points scored and 61.0 points allowed. In contrast, Evansville had a challenging season, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and a one-game losing streak. The Purple Aces averaged 66.1 points scored and allowed 82.1 points during this period, reflecting their struggles on both ends of the court.
The Panthers have performed well at home, with a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while Evansville has struggled significantly on the road, going 0-5 away in their last five contests. This season, Northern Iowa has dominated their matchups against Evansville, winning all three meetings, including a previous encounter on January 31, 2026, where they won 71-55. The Panthers also won earlier in the season with scores of 62-48 and 73-56, demonstrating a clear advantage in their head-to-head matchups.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any notable absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their best players for this crucial game. The betting market reflected Northern Iowa's strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 13.5-point favorites, indicating a high level of confidence in their ability to win. The total for the game was set at 127.5, suggesting that a lower-scoring affair was anticipated.
The game conditions were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams vying for momentum heading into the postseason. Viewers were treated to a display of competitive basketball, with Northern Iowa managing to hold off a late charge from Evansville. Key moments in the second half included significant free throws from Max Weisbrod, who played a crucial role in maintaining the lead for the Panthers.
As the game progressed, Northern Iowa's ability to execute under pressure became evident, particularly in the closing moments where they effectively managed the clock and capitalized on free throw opportunities. The Panthers' defense also played a pivotal role, stifling Evansville's scoring efforts when it mattered most.
In summary, Northern Iowa's victory over Evansville not only solidified their dominance in this rivalry but also showcased their capability to perform well under pressure. With a strong home record and a solid performance in this game, the Panthers are well-positioned as they look ahead to the postseason.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNI -13.5 | 127.5 o -110 / u -110 | Evansville Purple Aces +850 · Northern Iowa Panthers -1450 |
Leaders
- PointsTrey Campbell23Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsTristan Smith4Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsTristan Smith13Northern Iowa Panthers
- PointsAJ Casey23Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsAJ Casey3Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsAJ Casey10Evansville Purple Aces
Recent form
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W172.5 scored · 62.5 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W75-53at Drake BulldogsMar 1
- L69-71vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 26
- L57-59vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 21
- W81-60at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 19
- W86-62vs Drake BulldogsFeb 15
- L86-91at Belmont BruinsFeb 13
- W89-60at Murray State RacersFeb 10
- W61-49vs Bradley BravesFeb 7
- W71-55vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 31
- L50-65at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 29
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 2-8Streak L166.1 scored · 82.1 allowed per game0-5 away
- L67-81vs Southern Illinois SalukisMar 1
- W80-79vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 28
- L64-98at Belmont BruinsFeb 26
- L75-88at Murray State RacersFeb 21
- L46-84vs UIC FlamesFeb 19
- L60-86at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 13
- W88-80vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 10
- L63-70at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 7
- L63-84vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 4
- L55-71at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 31
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 | 19-51 | 23-60 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 6-28 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 21 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 25 |
| Assists | 10 | 16 |
| Steals | 3 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 2 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 30 |
| Fouls | 18 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half31-33AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half32-33AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half33-33AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half33-34Trey Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half33-35Trey Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half36-35AJ Casey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Trent Hundley assists)
- 2nd Half36-37Max Weisbrod makes driving layup
- 2nd Half36-39Trey Campbell makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half36-41Will Hornseth makes layup (Tristan Smith assists)
- 2nd Half38-41Joshua Hughes makes driving layup (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half40-41Leif Moeller makes driving layup (AJ Casey assists)
- 2nd Half40-44Trey Campbell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half41-44AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-44Trent Hundley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-45Will Hornseth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-47Tristan Smith makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half44-47Leif Moeller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-48Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-48AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-48AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-51Trey Campbell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leon Bond III assists)
- 2nd Half49-51AJ Casey makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-53Trey Campbell makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half49-55Leon Bond III makes 1-foot dunk (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half52-55Trent Hundley makes 28-foot three point jumper (AJ Casey assists)
- 2nd Half52-56Leon Bond III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-57Leon Bond III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57AJ Casey makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-59Trey Campbell makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half56-59AJ Casey makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-61Tristan Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half57-61AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-63Leon Bond III makes 0-foot dunk (Tristan Smith assists)
- 2nd Half57-64Max Weisbrod makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-65Max Weisbrod makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-66Max Weisbrod makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-66Leif Moeller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-67Max Weisbrod makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-68Max Weisbrod makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Iowa Panthers, below favours Evansville Purple Aces.
Venue
- Enterprise CenterSt. Louis, MO
- Attendance8960
- OfficialsJeff Malham, Doug Sirmons, Tyler Kumpf
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