Tarise Bryson scored 20 points and Shawn Jeppson added 16 as Illinois State withstood a late rally to defeat Northern Iowa, 69-66, Saturday at the UNI Dome.
The victory coupled with Bradley's 69-55 loss at Wichita State moved the Redbirds back into a second-place tie with Bradley. The entire league completes regular season play Monday night.
At Northern Iowa, Illinois State (19-7, 11-6) led 32-27 at halftime, but opened the second half with a flurry. Four different Redbirds scored as ISU moved out to a 40-29 lead.
That was one of three 11-point leads Illinois State would enjoy over the remainder of the game. The gap narrowed when the homestanding Panthers nailed six of their last seven 3-point shots.
UNI (6-21, 3-13) had possession with 1.7 seconds remaining, but could not get a shot off.
Illinois State dominated on the glass, 42-29, with Bryson and Rich Beyers each garnering eight. The 'Birds shot 51.0% from the field and made the only three-point shot they attempted (by Shawn Jeppson).
Northern Iowa canned just 38.7% form the field and 11-of-28 outside the arc. Martin Coon led the Panthers with a game-high 22 points, including 15 on five 3-point shots over the final 5:57.
Monday night, Illinois State will gun for its 20th win and a second-place finish in the MVC. Tip-off at Redbird Arena is set for 7:05 p.m.
