Evansville, IN -- (Sports Network) - Adam Koch scored 20 points to pace the Northern Iowa Panthers in their 71-68 victory over the Evansville Purple Aces in a Missouri Valley Conference clash.

Eric Coleman pitched in 15 points and 12 rebounds for Northern Iowa (17-13, 9-9 MVC), which got 14 points from Travis Brown.

Darin Granger poured in 26 points in defeat for Evansville (9-20, 3-15). Shy Ely contributed 18 points for the Purple Aces.

Evansville led by as many as seven points in the first half and owned a 34-32 advantage at intermission.

The Panthers held a narrow lead for much of the second half, and Koch hit two free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.

A 28-18 advantage in points in the paint contributed to the win for Northern Iowa.