CEDAR FALLS — A total Missouri Valley Conference manipulation still couldn't have created a better championship stage than what naturally unfolded Saturday in Cedar Falls.
The town was ready. The McLeod Center was ready. Those who've ridden this Northern Iowa rollercoaster from November to now were certainly ready. With a MVC regular-season title on the line against departing league member Loyola, the Panthers did all they could to keep those home-friendly elements relevant.
The UNI grind to get here made the postgame jubilation more than worth it.
The Panthers ripped off a regulation rally and found enough separation to squeeze by in overtime,102-96, to clinch their second Valley regular-season title in the last three season.