Anna 
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) men’s basketball team overcame a 19-point first-half deficit to secure an 82-75 road victory against the Belmont Bruins on Wednesday night. The Panthers’ impressive comeback, fueled by a season-high 19 offensive rebounds, marked their sixth consecutive win—the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and their best run since 2020.
Despite Belmont’s strong start, UNI outscored the Bruins 46-38 in the paint and held their opponent to just eight points in the final seven minutes to clinch the win. This victory also extended UNI’s winning streak against Belmont to three games.
How the Game Unfolded
Belmont came out strong, hitting their first six shots and building a 14-4 lead early in the game. The Bruins, known for their high-scoring offense, sank five three-pointers in the first ten minutes. They also capitalized on UNI’s early mistakes, outscoring the Panthers 11-0 off turnovers in the first half.
However, UNI began to find their rhythm. Cael Schmitt and Ben Schwieger sparked the offense with back-to-back three-pointers, cutting into Belmont’s 18-point lead. Max Weisbrod also contributed, hitting three three-pointers in the first half. Schwieger and Tytan Anderson drove the offense inside, helping UNI shoot 45.2% in the first half and reduce Belmont’s lead to seven points (44-37) at halftime.
Second-Half Rally
The Panthers continued their comeback in the second half, scoring the first four points to pull within three. UNI dominated the paint, scoring 12 quick points and grabbing 11 of their 19 offensive rebounds in the final frame. This effort led to 13 second-chance points, helping the Panthers take their first lead of the game midway through the half.
Anderson’s jump shot at 59-58 gave UNI the lead as part of a 7-0 scoring run. The game remained tight, but Weisbrod’s fourth three-pointer of the night and a strong defensive effort sealed the win. UNI held Belmont to just eight points in the final seven minutes, including only three made field goals.
Key Performances
Tytan Anderson: Tied his career-high with 27 points and made a career-best 11 field goals. He also grabbed nine rebounds.
Ben Schwieger: Recorded his second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. He played all 40 minutes and made a season-high eight field goals.
Nate Heise and Max Weisbrod: Both scored 12 points each. Heise added eight rebounds and five assists, while Weisbrod hit four three-pointers.
Jacob Hutson: Contributed eight points and 10 rebounds, including a team-high six offensive boards.
Cael Schmitt and Will Hornseth: Each scored three points, with Schmitt hitting a crucial three-pointer in the first half.
What This Win Means
UNI’s victory extends their winning streak to six games, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Panthers’ strong second-half performance, particularly on the boards and in the paint, highlights their depth and determination.
With this win, UNI continues to solidify its position as a top contender in the MVC. The team’s ability to overcome a significant deficit and secure a road win against a tough opponent like Belmont demonstrates their growth and potential as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers will aim to extend their winning streak in their next game, carrying the momentum from this hard-fought victory. Fans can expect more thrilling performances as UNI continues to compete at a high level in the MVC.
This comeback win not only boosts the team’s confidence but also sends a clear message to the rest of the league: UNI is a force to be reckoned with.
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