CEDAR FALLS, Iowa- Despite 20 points from Carl Hall, No. 15 Wichita State lost to Northern Iowa, 57-52, on Saturday at the McLeod Center.

Cleanthony Early scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Shockers before fouling out. Nick Wiggins added eight points, going 2-for-3 from behind the arc. Malcolm Armstead scored seven points and handed out three assists.

Anthony James led the Panthers in scoring with 16 points. Seth Tuttle scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Wichita State (19-4, 8-3) went over seven minutes without scoring in the first half, allowing Northern Iowa (12-11, 5-6) to take an early edge, but the Shockers steadied themselves long enough to pull even at halftime, 23-all.

In the first half, the Shockers shot 9-for-23 (.391) from the field including 3-for-8 (.375) from behind the arc.

Wichita State jumped on top at the beginning of the second half with seven quick points, which can be huge against a slow-paced team such as Northern Iowa. The Panthers responded behind a pair of Marc Sonnen 3's, jumping back ahead 37-36. Sonnen had three 3's and James had 13 in the second half for Northern Iowa, who scored 23 of the game's next 29 points after falling behind 30-23.

The Panthers took control with a 14-0 run and became just the fourth Valley team in the last 23 games to beat Wichita State at home. The Shockers pulled within 52-50 on Hall's steal and bucket with 1:18 left. Tuttle blocked the Wiggins try that would have tied it with 15 seconds left and then sealed the win with a breakaway dunk after an Armstead turnover.

The Shockers play again, Tuesday, February 5 when they travel to Carbondale, Ill., for a game against Southern Illinois at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on Kansas 22.

-WICHITA STATE-