The UNI Panthers open Arch Madness in St. Louis Thursday afternoon by taking on Illinois State in the opening round of the Missouri Valley Tournament. The eighth seeded Panthers are 13-17 and beat the Redbirds twice, including a 65-63 win in Cedar Falls in mid-January.

That’s UNI coach Ben Jacobson. The Illinois State combination of Darius Burford and Seneca Knight is averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Panther guard Bowen Born has struggled with a calf injury but did manage to play 30 minutes in the regular season finale against Belmont.

Illinois State is 11-20. Redbird coach Ryan Pedon says his team must match UNI’s toughness.

Pedon says another key will be forcing Bowen Born to take tough shots.

The winner will advance to play top seed and regular season champion Bradley on Friday.