COL BKB: Northern Iowa 67, Drake 51

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Adam Koch scored 14 points Wednesday and No. 25 Northern Iowa got off to a quick start en route to a 67-51 victory over Drake.

The Panthers built a 34-24 lead at halftime and coasted to their 17th win in 18 games. Northern Iowa improved to 18-2 for the season and 9-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Panthers own a two-game lead over Wichita State atop the conference race, with their only loss in league play coming against the Shockers.

Jordan Eglseder and Ali Farokhmanesh each scored 10 for Northern Iowa.

Drake (10-12, 5-5), which had won its previous five games, was led by 12 points by Josh Young.