Northern Iowa isn't flashy, but a stellar defense and a deep bench have allowed it to shine bright as the No. 23 Panthers begin their Missouri Valley Conference season with a stiff challenge when they visit Evansville on Thursday. "I told (the team) they can feel really good about what they've done in November and December," coach Ben Jacobson told reporters after Northern Iowa's 74-63 victory over South Dakota State on Sunday. "Now that ends. The real season comes now."