CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — The afternoon commenced with recognition and admiration, as two of Northern Iowa’s most pivotal pieces said their McLeod Center goodbyes. Seniors Jordan Ashton and Jeremy Morgan were planted at midcourt pregame — a solid purple-clad crowd applauding with approval.
And that’s where the Panther positivity stopped.
Stuck in another sluggish offensive performance thanks to an Illinois State defensive effort that held UNI to four points over the final nine minutes, the Panthers faltered in Saturday’s regular-season finale, 63-42, for their third straight loss. The senior day result gives UNI (14-15, 9-9 Missouri Valley Conference) its first losing regular season since the 2003 campaign and elevates Illinois State (25-5, 17-1) to its first conference title since 1998.