| MATCHUP | Northern Iowa Panthers | Evansville Purple Aces |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-3 | 4-12 |
| Where | Ford Center, Evansville, IN | |
| When | Sunday, January 4, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Evansville Purple Aces Betting Preview
The Evansville Purple Aces enter Sunday’s game with a 4–11 win-loss record, including an 0–4 mark in conference play and an 0–5 record on the road this season. The Purple Aces have compiled wins over Ball State and the Oregon State Beavers, while losing games to Bradley, Drake, SMU, Notre Dame and the Akron Zips. More recently, in the Evansville Purple Aces 76–68 loss to the Bradley Braves earlier this season, Purple Aces forward AJ Casey tallied 21 points (8 of 14 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Evansville frontcourt.The Evansville Purple Aces average 65.3 points on 39.8 percent shooting from the field and 29.9 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Purple Aces are allowing opponents 77.2 points per contest.
Senior forward Connor Turnbill leads the Evansville Purple Aces frontcourt averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. Junior forward Joshua Hughes averages 9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1 assist per contest, while freshman guard Leif Moeller provides additional scoring depth in the backcourt contributing 7.5 points per game.
Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview
The Northern Iowa Panthers enter Sunday’s matchup with an 11–3 overall record and a 3–0 mark in MVC play. The Panthers have been one of the most consistent teams in the Missouri Valley Conference, winning five of its last six games, including victories over Indiana State, Valparaiso, and Oakland. The Panthers have lost games to Tulsa and the Wichita State Shockers.The Northern Iowa Panthers average 68.3 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 34.1 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Panthers are allowing just 59.8 points per contest which ranks first in the country.
Guard Trey Campbell leads the Northern Iowa Panthers averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game, while forward Leon Bond III contributes 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.
Why the Evansville Purple Aces will win
• Frontcourt production. Senior forward Connor Turnbill leads the Evansville Purple Aces frontcourt averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. Junior forward Joshua Hughes adds 9 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest.• Enhanced motivation. The Evansville Purple Aces arrive at tomorrow’s game on the heels of six consecutive losses.
Why the Northern Iowa Panthers will win
• Elite defense. The Northern Iowa Panthers are allowing 59.8 points per game which ranks first in the country.• Efficient scoring. Through 14 games played in 2025, the Panthers are averaging shooting 45.8% from the field.
• Balanced attack. Trey Campbell and Leon Bond III combine for over 26 points per game.
• Momentum. The Northern Iowa Panthers have won four of the team’s last five games played this season.
Evansville Purple Aces vs. Northern Iowa Panthers Prediction
This matchup features Northern Iowa’s elite defensive identity and efficient scoring against an Evansville team that has struggled to generate offense and has yet to win a conference game in 2025. The Northern Iowa Panthers ability to control tempo, defend the perimeter, and force opponents into low‑efficiency possessions gives them a clear statistical advantage.Evansville’s best path to competitiveness lies in perimeter shooting and Turnbull’s rim protection, but Northern Iowa’s defensive discipline and scoring balance make them the stronger side in this game. I think the Panthers easily cover the 4.5 points.