March 2, 2012
Box Score 
Postgame Interview with Tim Jankovich
Play-by-Play Highlights
ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Jackie Carmichael rallied the Redbirds from a four-point first-half deficit, as he collected 16 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots in a 54-42 quarterfinal victory over Northern Iowa at the Scottrade Center Friday afternoon.
With the victory, Illinois State will face No. 15-ranked Wichita State in the first semifinal, after the Shockers beat Indiana State, 72-48. The game is scheduled to tipoff at 1:35 p.m. CT on Saturday.
The Redbirds improved to 19-12 overall, while UNI fell to 19-13 on the season. With the game tied, 31-31, Carmichael drove home a dunk and added a free throw on a traditional three-point play. The Redbirds pushed the lead to seven points, at 38-31, and never relinquished control of the game.
Illinois State and UNI traded the lead six times in the first half, but the Panthers outscored the Redbirds 7-3 in the final 3:58 of the half to take a 25-21 lead at the intermission. Both teams struggled from the field offensively, as Illinois State shot 26.9 percent and scored a season-low 21 first-half points and Northern Iowa shot 25.9 percent from the floor.
Carmichael was the only player from Illinois State in double-digit scoring, while Johnny Moran led UNI with 13 points.
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