CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Seth Tuttle scored 17 points as Northern Iowa outlasted Savannah State, holding off a final-minute rally for a 55-50 win on Tuesday night.
Northern Iowa (4-5) led 35-32 midway through the second half before seven straight points from Nate Buss spurred a 14-8 run that opened a 49-40 lead for the Panthers.
Savannah State (2-8) trailed by nine with 30 seconds left, but hit a pair of 3-pointers and Stephen Wilson's layup with 2 seconds remaining brought Savannah State within 53-50. The rally proved too little too late as Tuttle was fouled and sunk a pair of free throws to preserve the win for Northern Iowa.
Deon Mitchell scored 11 points to go along with five steals for the Panthers and Buss added 10 points.
Deven Williams had a game-high 18 points and Jyles Smith had 11 for the Tigers, who have dropped six games in a row.
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