Panthers Shoot Down Washington State In Hawaii

The UNI Panthers scored a 63-59 victory over Washington State in a consolation semifinal of Hawaii's Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu Wednesday night (Dec. 23, 2015).

The Panthers (8-4 overall) enjoyed a plus-15 advantage at the free throw line to hold off the Cougars down the stretch. Washington State (7-4) turned the ball over 19 times in the loss.

UNI led the Cougars at the half, 30-29, but Washington State began the second half on a 10-3 run. The Panthers then used a 9-2 spurt to retake the lead at 42-41.

Paul Jesperson knocked down a 3-pointer with 1:39 left to give UNI a two-possession lead at 60-55, its largest of the game. Jesperson scored a game-high 18 points, including 14 in the second half. Wes Washpun added 16 points and Jeremy Morgan tacked on 14 for the Panthers.

The Panthers will take on BYU in the fifth-place game on Friday at 2:30 p.m. (CT).