SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – The UNI men’s basketball team fell to the Gaels of Saint Mary’s 66-64 in the consolation semifinals of the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic. The Panthers now move to 0-2 on the season.
The Panthers entered halftime leading the Gaels 39-31 led by sophomore Antwon Kimmons with 10 points. Kimmons made several athletic moves in the paint, going 4-7 from the field and 1-1 from beyond the arc. Austin Phyfe added 8 first half points and AJ Green added 7.
The Panthers shot 60% (15-25) from the field and knocked down 50% (4-8) of their shots from beyond the arc. The Panthers turned the ball over 10 times in the opening 20 minutes while recording 4 steals and 2 blocks. The Panthers out rebounded the Gaels 16-11 and held the Gaels to 39% (11-28) from the field.
The Panthers again started hot in the second half and moved out to a 16-point lead before the Gaels mounted their comeback. The Gauls outscored the Panthers 35-25 to pull off the two-point win. UNI was out rebounded 32-22 and committed 15 turnovers, 6 coming in the second half.
Junior guard AJ Green led the Panthers with 15 points followed by Austin Phyfe with 14 and Antwan Kimmons and Bowen Born each finished with 13. AJ Green and Noah Carter finished with a team high 5 rebounds while Austin Phyfe dished out a team high 3 assists.
