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MVC schools will meet for the first time this season when the Indiana State Sycamores (12-2; 8-5-0 ATS) take on the Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers (7-7; 7-6-0 ATS) on Sunday afternoon. This 3:00 p.m. EDT battle will take place in UNI's McLeod Center. Indiana State swept last season's series between these schools. Will the Sycamores make it three in a row or are the Panthers going to pounce at home? There's only one way to find out.
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Currently, KenPom has the Sycamores rated as the best Missouri Valley Conference program. A 3-0 start in conference play, all by double-digits, supports that theory thus far. Their strength is undeniably scoring, as Indiana State's lowest-scoring performance was 75 points when they visited Michigan State. The team averages 87.1 points per game (9th in the nation) on 51.5% shooting (5th). They also hit 40.7% of their three-pointers (6th) and 75.4% of their free throws. They only grab 7.1 offensive rebounds per game despite a furious tempo, but efficiency plays a role in that. The Sycamores are tough to slow down.
Their defense is solid, holding enemies to 72.1 points per game. They allow 16.4 free throw attempts per game and hold foes to 31.6% shooting from deep. Overall, opponents shoot 43.5% against the Sycamores. Indiana State is typically ahead in rebounding (+0.9) and turnovers (+1.7). They haven't had any issues keeping conference opponents under 80 points, which is good enough for the Sycamores to win most games. Sunday presents another opportunity.