Preview: Northern Iowa Panthers at Indiana State Sycamores TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (Interstat) — A surging Northern Iowa squad looks to solidify its position in the Missouri Valley Conference when it visits a struggling Indiana State team at Hulman Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. The Panthers (17-10) enter on a strong run, having won three of their last four games, including an emphatic 86-62 home victory over Drake on Sunday. In that win, forward Tristan Smith was highly efficient, scoring 14 points with seven rebounds and four assists in just 17 minutes. Smith has been a key contributor during this stretch, averaging 11 points over his last three games where he saw significant action. Conversely, the Sycamores (10-17) are mired in a difficult stretch, having lost eight of their last nine contests. Their most recent outing was a heartbreaking 76-75 road loss at Valparaiso on Sunday. Despite the team’s struggles, guard Ian Scott has been a consistent bright spot. He nearly posted a triple-double in that narrow defeat, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Over his last five games, Scott is averaging 12.2 points and 4.2 assists. The Panthers won the first meeting this season, a 75-66 home victory over Indiana State on Jan. 1. Northern Iowa’s current form, marked by defensive efforts like holding Bradley to 49 points on Feb. 6, contrasts with Indiana State’s recent challenges in close games. Four of the Sycamores’ last six losses have been by four points or fewer. For Northern Iowa, maintaining momentum is critical as they chase a favorable seed in the upcoming conference tournament. For Indiana State, the game represents a chance to halt their skid and find a winning formula at home, where they are just 6-7 this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday at Hulman Center.