CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Colt Ryan scored 21 points, including two free throws with 18 seconds left that proved to be the game-winning points, as Evansville hung on Wednesday night for a 62-59 win over Northern Iowa. Ryan’s foul shots put the Purple Aces (10-6, 3-1 Missouri Valley) ahead 60-57 before UNI’s Anthony James’ layup made it a one-point game. Ned Cox made two more free throws with 10 seconds left, and James missed a tying 3-pointer to end the game in Cedar Falls.

Evansville led by as many as 14 in the second half but saw the Panthers (8-8, 1-3) take their only lead since the opening minutes, 57-55, on James’ jumper with 53 seconds left. Lewis Jones then put Evansville back in front with a three-point play. James led UNI with 19 points. Seth Tuttle, last week’s MVC player of the week after scoring 43 points in two games, was held to nine Wednesday.