Koch Leads Northern Iowa Past Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois' Kevin Dillard, right, tries to escape from Northern Iowa's Kerwin Dunham, left, and Johnny Moran, back during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Feb 6, 2010 at 7:54 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2010 at 10:56 PM CST

CEDAR FALLS (AP) — Adam Koch scored 11 consecutive points for Northern Iowa down the stretch and the 24th-ranked Panthers rallied to beat Southern Illinois 55-52 on Saturday.

The Panthers (21-2, 12-1 Missouri Valley) improved to 11-0 at home this season with their seventh straight win over the Salukis in Cedar Falls. Koch had 16 of his 21 points in the second half.

Tony Freeman scored 17 points and Justin Bocot finished with 10 for Southern Illinois (13-10, 5-8).

The Panthers trailed 47-42 before Koch took over. He hit two free throws, a 3-pointer and scored inside to tie it at 49. He added four straight free throws in the final minute, and Ali Farokhmanesh also had two foul shots in the final seconds for Northern Iowa.

Kwadzo Ahelegbe scored 10 points for the Panthers, all in the second half.

Next Article Iowa State to face Rutgers in Pinstripe Bowl

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