Indiana State vs. UNI: A Comprehensive Overview
When it comes to college basketball, the matchup between Indiana State and UNI is always one to watch. Both teams have a rich history and a passionate fan base. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, recent performances, and key players of both teams, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the Indiana State vs. UNI rivalry.
Team History
Indiana State, founded in 1865, is a public university located in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Sycamores, as they are known, have a storied basketball history, with their most notable era being the 1970s under the guidance of head coach Bill Hodges. During this time, the team won three consecutive NCAA championships from 1979 to 1981.
On the other hand, UNI, or the University of Northern Iowa, is a public university located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Panthers have a rich basketball tradition as well, with their most successful period occurring in the late 1980s and early 1990s under the leadership of head coach Larry Brown. During this time, UNI reached the NCAA tournament three times, including a Final Four appearance in 1987.
Recent Performances
In recent years, both teams have had their ups and downs. Let’s take a look at their performance in the past few seasons.
Season | Indiana State | UNI |
---|---|---|
2019-2020 | 18-16 | 20-12 |
2020-2021 | 15-17 | 18-14 |
2021-2022 | 16-15 | 19-13 |
As you can see from the table above, both teams have had their share of success in recent seasons. Indiana State has been more consistent, while UNI has shown flashes of brilliance.
Key Players
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the key players on each team.
Indiana State
One of the standout players for Indiana State is senior guard Jalen Graham. The 6’4″ guard has been a consistent performer for the Sycamores, averaging 15.2 points and 4.5 assists per game this season. Graham has been instrumental in leading Indiana State to a 16-15 record.
Another key player for the Sycamores is junior forward D.J. Steward. The 6’8″ forward has been a dominant presence inside, averaging 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Steward’s ability to score and rebound has been crucial for Indiana State’s success.
UNI
For UNI, senior guard Alex Young has been the team’s leading scorer this season, averaging 18.9 points per game. The 6’2″ guard has been a threat from both inside and outside the arc, making him a difficult player to defend.
Senior forward Alex Porter has also been a key player for the Panthers. The 6’8″ forward has been averaging 10.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, providing a solid inside presence for UNI.
Head Coaches
Both teams have experienced head coaches who have been instrumental in their success.
Indiana State’s head coach, Greg Lansing, has been with the program since 2012. Under his guidance, the Sycamores have made the NCAA tournament in three of his six seasons.
UNI’s head coach, Ben Jacobson, has been with the program since 2011. During his tenure, the Panthers have made the NCAA tournament in four of his nine seasons.
Conclusion
The Indiana State vs. UNI rivalry is one of the most storied matchups in college basketball. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, this matchup is always a must-watch. As both teams continue to develop their talent and strive for success, the future of this rivalry looks bright.