ISU Sycamores fall to UNI Panthers, 48-47

TERRE HAUTE, IN (2-28-2004) - Erik Crawford’s layup with twelve seconds to play lifted the University of Northern Iowa Panthers over the Indiana State Sycamores, 48-47, on Saturday (Feb. 28) in front of 8,120 fans at Hulman Center. Crawford stole an inbounds pass from Tyson Schnitker (Robinson, Ill.) intended for Wilfred Antoine (New Orleans, La./Coffeyville JC) and laid the ball in. It was the first time all game the Panthers had the lead.

ISU’s David Moss (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS) came down the floor with the ball on the final possession of the game and penetrated into the paint before Crawford came up with a steal to seal the win for UNI. The Sycamores failed to score a field goal the final 2:43 of the game. The Trees established a ten points lead (24-14) at halftime, but shot just 37 percent (10-of-27) from the floor in the second stanza.

Ben Jacobson led the Panthers (17-9, 11-6 MVC) with 14 points, while Matt Schneiderman added 11 for UNI. David Gruber finished with seven points, and a team-high seven rebounds. The Panthers enjoyed a 28-12 advantage on points scored in the paint.

Moss led the Sycamores with ten points and a game-high ten rebounds. He also added a team-high four assists in the loss. Jerod Adler (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central HS) posted seven points and five rebounds for the Trees. The game marked the final home contest for seniors Marcus Howard (Elgin, Ill.), Catrel Green (Aurora, Ill./Feather River CC), and Antoine.

Prior to the game, Indiana State University officially retired the jerseys of Sycamore greats Duane Klueh (1946-49), and Larry Bird (1976-79). Jersey numbers 54 (Klueh), and 33 (Bird) now hang in the rafters of Hulman Center.

The Sycamores return to action on Monday (March 1), when ISU travels to face the University of Evansville in Missouri Valley Conference regular-season finale. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m., CST at Roberts Stadium.

The entire Sycamores' 2003-2004 men's basketball season will be carried live via Internet Audio streaming on USA-365.com. Brian Fritz calls the play-by-play and Jim Waugh provides the color commentary. Monday's pregame shows start at 6:40 p.m. and the tip-off is at 7:05 p.m., CST / 8:05 p.m., EST.

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