This is a very fishy line. Northern Iowa is off four straight wins and playing their best basketball of the season. However, they played some below average competition in that span. The Sycamores have two road losses on the year, but they came against Michigan State and Alabama. They’re still shooting above 60% effectively on the season and a top-50 free-throw shooting team. The Panthers are improving, but Indiana State is the better team on both sides of the ball, especially offensively.

Indiana State has been dynamic this season but in recent games has played about 35 of the 40 minutes, as a tight game until the final minutes vs. Michigan State last weekend instead ended as a 12-point loss, and the Sycs let a 25-point lead dwindle to 10 at midweek vs. Evansville before settling for an 87-73 win. But Josh Schertz has assembled a dynamite squad scoring at an electric 87.2 ppg pace (ranks ninth nationally) and featuring five DD scorers led by Southern Indiana transfer G Isaiah Swope (19.5 ppg). Have duly noted for straight wins by UNI, and never underestimate HC Bon Jacobson, though this does not appear a vintage Panthers side. Play Indiana State

Four starters returned from Northern Iowa’s 14-18 team last season but they look the same at 7-7 so far. Indiana State won both meetings last season and has begun this season 12-2 while shooting 51% from the field and 40% from 3-land, both are fourth-best in the nation. They average an 87-72 score and have gotten Over 10 out of 13 games. NIU is a tough place to play, but Indiana State is going to keep rolling. Indiana State moneyline.

Indiana State has one of the best shooting teams in college basketball. They shoot 41% from threes and 61% on two's with the 39th best free throw shooting team. Ben Jacobson has been the head coach at Northern Iowa for 18 years and his is only 53 years old. His team have had a losing record in two of the last three season and they no longer play at a snails pace. There defense has also taken a big hit. To me it looks like Jacobson needs another challange.