Dec 31, 2006, 5:00 GMT
Wichita, KS - Grant Stout scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds, as Northern Iowa upended 16th-ranked Wichita State, 63-59, in a Midwest Valley Conference clash at Charles Koch Arena.
Brooks McKowen added 13 points and eight boards for Northern Iowa (10-2), winners in three straight. Eric Coleman contributed a double-double on 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Kyle Wilson posted a game-high 18 points for Wichita State (9-3), losers of three heartbreakers in a row. Philip Thomasson recorded 12 points and five boards, while Matt Braeuer added 10 points and four rebounds.
Wichita State has lost three games by a combined 10 points.
It was the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams.
Reflecting the closeness of the rivalry, Northern Iowa hung tough with their ranked opponent in the early stages, never letting the Shockers go ahead by more than four points, until Thomasson's make with 3:30 to go gave Wichita State a 22-17 lead. McKowen's three-point play with 40 seconds to go brought the Panthers within three, 25-22 at the half.
Adam Viet's three-pointer with 6:39 played gave the Panthers their first lead of the night, 38-36, and it would be extended to 44-38 on Stout's lay-in with 9:45 to play.
Wilson's shot with 5:59 to go brought the Shockers within 50-49, but that was as close as they would come to re-taking the lead. McKowen's foul shot with 43 seconds to play gave Northern Iowa a seven-point lead, their largest of the game, and Wichita State was no threat to come back thereafter.
Game Notes
Northern Iowa leads the all-time series 18-15.The Panthers outrebounded the Shockers, 40-37, and shot 50 percent from the field.Northern Iowa hosts Evansville on Wednesday, while Wichita State looks to get on the winning track at Southern Illinois on Monday.
Northern Iowa leads the all-time series 18-15.
The Panthers outrebounded the Shockers, 40-37, and shot 50 percent from the field.
Northern Iowa hosts Evansville on Wednesday, while Wichita State looks to get on the winning track at Southern Illinois on Monday.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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