Purple Pride

We found out Tuesday that Iowa State probably isn't as good as its early season record would indicate. Transversely, UNI is a little better than it's looked early on.

Despite the loss of three starters from last year's Sweet 16 team, I still think the Panthers can contend for their third Valley title in as many years. Why? Because the Panthers play defense. UNI held Iowa State to 54 points Wednesday night. The Cyclones averaged 84 points in their first six games of the season. I would feel better about the Panthers outlook this season if they had a better post presence, but that's so much less important in the college game that it was 15-20 years ago. Not many 7-footers play in the Valley.

Shawn