Both the UNI Panthers and Iowa State Cyclones basketball teams fell in the final game of the 2019 calendar year portion of their schedule. Iowa State was upset at home in their final non-conference game of the year 70-68 to Florida A&M. ISU led 33-24 at the break but the Rattlers would come roaring back to outscore them 46-35 in the 2nd half. Standout guard Tyrese Haliburton did not play for Iowa State as he was sidelined with a sprained wrist. Florida A&M shot 57% from 3 point land and had 13 steals in the game. ISU got a game high 29 points from Soph. Rasir Bolton. However, Florida A&M would have players in double figures and were led by Guard Rod Melton Jr. who had 20. Iowa State opens Big 12 play Saturday at TCU.

The UNI Panthers opened Missouri Valley Conference play with a loss at Illinois State 76-70. UNI came out strong on the defensive end holding Illinois St. to just 20 1st half points and led 30-20 at the break. Illinois St. would get going after the break outscoring UNI 56-40 in the 2nd half. The Redbirds won the battle of ball security as they forced 17 UNI turnovers. Panther Soph. AJ Green led all scorers with 23. Illinois State had 4 players in double figures including a season high 22 from Freshman D.J. Horne.