Defense has always been a focal point of Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ben Jacobson. Scoring in bunches is not the norm, nor is it how the team usually garners wins.

This trend continued on Sunday.

The purple and gold were able to take down Drake University in a low scoring game, 57-54. The Bulldogs own the best overall record in the Missouri Valley Conference thus far.

Although the Panthers were able to walk away victorious, it was no easy task.

Both teams had a chance,” said Coach Jacobson following the game. “[We were] so fortunate to have it go our way by the time it was all said and done.”

The Panthers led the majority of the contest, taking a six-point lead at the end of the first half and stretching it to 11 at one point in the second half. Drake was able to close the gap down the stretch, tying the game at 52 with 6:42 remaining.

In the last 5:40 of regulation, not a single bucket was scored by either team, other than from the free throw line.

However, there was ample opportunity to toss There was a total of 13 missed shots as well as four turnovers in that time span.

However, when the time came to make a big play, the UNI men were able to take advantage by using their strong defense.

In the final seconds of the contest, not one, but two defensive stops were made by the Panthers. Drake was able to attempt a layup, which would have gained the Bulldogs the lead, and a three-pointer, which would have sent the game into overtime. In clutch fashion, the UNI men were able to make stops on both occasions, resulting in free throws as well as time running off the clock in order to secure the win.

Leading the way in scoring for the Panthers was senior guard Wyatt Lohaus with 14, followed by the Cedar Falls freshman, A.J. Green with 11. Luke McDonnell also added 10 points, six rebounds and two late game steals in the winning effort.

Up next, the Panthers will take on the Sycamores of Indiana State in the McLeod Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16.