Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson hopes the Panthers are closer to full strength Tuesday night when they host Illinois-Chicago. Forwards Will Hornseth and Tristan Smith both missed Saturday’s 75-69 loss at Bradley. The Panthers are 4-2 in Missouri Valley play.

Jacobson says Smith’s loss hurts the Panthers defensively and they may continue with a smaller lineup.

Illinois-Chicago is 2-4 in the Valley but is coming off an overtime win at Illinois State.

The Panthers beat the Flames 60-54 in Chicago back in mid-December.