UNI’s Upset Hopes Tied to the Defensive End
Northern Iowa leads the nation in scoring defense. They allow just 61.1 points per game. Part of their defensive prowess is tied to their pedestrian offensive pace. The Panthers are 319th in the average length of their offensive possessions.
Senior Trey Campbell is coming off an MVC Tournament MVP performance. The 6’4 Campbell was a second-teamer in the Valley and named to its all-defensive team. The Panthers rebound by committee. Campbell, the 6’9 Hornseth, Tristan Smith and Ben Schwieger all average four or more rebounds per game.
The 6’5 Smith is an ‘X-Factor’ for the Panthers. His mid-season absence due to injury coincided with UNI’s mid-season struggles. He’s healthy now and the Panthers are humming. UNI is 21-6 with the former NAIA all-American in the lineup and 2-6 without him.
Jacobson says Smith’s energy, aggressiveness and positive attitude fuel his teammates.
Campbell, Hornseth, Leon Bond III and Schwieger are all double-digit scorers.
If UNI is to pull off the 5/12 upset, they will slow the pace of play, limit turnovers and rebound with authority. If St. John’s can push the pace, create fast break opportunities they will win. Northern Iowa must play sound defense without fouling.
The Red Storm are eighteenth nationally in free throws made. They create mis-matches and exploit them to their advantage in the paint and at the line.
Pitino has is 55-22 in NCAA Tournaments for a reason. He always has outstanding players, but he knows how to win on the biggest stage.
Jacobson’s teams have earned the reputation as “Jake and the Giant Killers” for a reason. His teams have defeated two, different number one teams, including Kansas to move to the 2010 Sweet Sixteen.
UNI must play its game and not get caught up in the hype. The Panthers have a real shot to shock the world again.