16-2 UNI needs work, especially on offense

CEDAR FALLS - Ben Jacobson, the foreman of the Northern Iowa men, hopes to see his crew streamline its production.

“There's some things we certainly have to do better,” said the fourth-year basketball coach. “We're going to have to clean some things up.

“One of the important things that we've been working on for a couple weeks - and continue to hammer away at - is just the way we play offense, and our movement offensively. The players have to do a great job of cutting and screening.”

By this stage in the Panthers' 16-2 run this winter, Jacobson knows his players' unselfish nature will likely help them bounce back quickly from Tuesday's nine-point setback at Wichita State. But the coach's fears about his offense aren't completely unfounded.

UNI entered the weekend last in the Missouri Valley Conference in offense at 65.1 points per game.

The Panthers have shot just 26.3 percent from 3-point range in their last five games. Rebounding remains a concern after Wichita State out-rebounded UNI, 37-29. And, for what it's worth, UNI also ranks 303rd nationally in assists per game (10.6).

“I think we're going to bounce back well,” said guard Johnny Moran, peering ahead to today's 1:05 p.m. contest at Indiana State. “We're going to come out with a lot of energy, I think.”

Moran's positivity is noteworthy, considering his health. The sophomore sprained an ankle with 11:04 remaining in the first half at Wichita State, though he returned to the court and logged 29 total minutes.

By Thursday Moran was relegated to the sideline during practice, with his injured ankle sitting in a tub of ice water. His availability against Indiana State won't be known for certain until gametime.

“Kerwin (Dunham), Marc Sonnen, A.J. (Anthony James), Brian Haak, they all need to be ready,” Jacobson said. “Any one of those guys could play more if Johnny can't play or is limited.”

By Kelly Beaton, Waterloo Courier