UNI vs Michigan State Live Scores Updates

Northern Iowa (30-4) is just good. Not small-conference good. Not might-pull-off-an-upset good. Flat-out good, enough to stare down big programs, not bow to them.

So when the ninth-seeded Panthers take the floor against No. 5 Michigan State (26-8) on Friday, it won't be as underdogs. Northern Iowa has earned the right to be called equals, maybe even favorites with all the injuries the Spartans have.

Michigan State lost its best player against Maryland in the second round, when point guard Kalin Lucas ruptured his Achilles' tendon. He was the Big Ten player of the year in 2008-09, Michigan State's leading scorer, assists leader, its go-to guy.


Worse yet, Chris Allen, the team's best 3-point shooter, has an injured right foot and forward Delvon Roe is bothered by a sore right knee. Allen and Roe made it through a few drills in practice Thursday, but may still limited against Northern Iowa.

Filed Under: Basketball