University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Saturday, December 19
Des Moines, Iowa
6 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
vs
Iowa State
UNI Set For Big Four Classic vs. Iowa State
12/14/2015 3:58:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (6-3) vs. #2/#5 Iowa State (9-0)
Sat., Dec. 19, 2015 • 6 p.m. (CT)
Des Moines, Iowa • Wells Fargo Arena (15,124)
BROADCAST INFO
Television
ESPNU
Play-by-Play: Shawn Keeney
Analyst: Reid Gettys
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship - NewsTalk 1540-AM KXEL
On the Web - UNIPanthers.com, TuneIn
Live Stats - uni.StatBroadcast.com
OPENING TIP
• UNI (6-3 overall) will head to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, to take part in the 2015 Hy-Vee Big Four Classic against the No. 4-ranked Iowa State Cyclones (9-0 overall).
• UNI has won six of the last nine meetings vs. Iowa State.
• Head Coach Ben Jacobson is 5-2 vs. the Cyclones - with both losses coming in overtime.
• UNI has registered 15 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 12 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
• UNI's junior and senior classes are scoring 81.8 percent (57.4 ppg) of its points on the season.
• UNI leads the Missouri Valley Conference in 3-pointers made (84).
• In UNI's six wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 62.7 points per game.
• Wes Washpun leads the MVC in assists per game (6.0). He has 54 assists in UNI's first nine games.
• Matt Bohannon ranks No. 4 on UNI's all-time 3-pointers made list with 200. He is three three-point makes away from tying Ben Jacobson's school-record of 203 3-pointers set from 2002-2006.
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 504 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• The NCAA recognizes teams in the top-10 percent of the Academic Progress Report. The UNI men's basketball program is the only Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball school to be listed in the top 10 percent in each of the last three years.
• UNI is one of 14 schools to have won 30 or more games twice in the last six seasons.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES VS. IOWA STATE
BIG FOUR CLASSIC
UNI and Iowa State will square off in the second game of this year's Hy-Vee Big Four Classic in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. Tip is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. with a live telecast on ESPNU.
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Drake Bulldogs will also meet on Saturday in Wells Fargo Arena in the first game of the Hy-Vee Big Four Classic. The Hawkeyes and Bulldogs will tip at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
A LONG DECEMBER
The Counting Crows had a hit song in 1996 by the title of A Long December and it will seem like that this month for the UNI men's basketball team.
UNI will embark on its fourth game of a seven-game road trip this Saturday in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena against the Iowa State Cyclones.
Following the game, UNI will travel to Hawaii on Sunday for the 2015 Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
UNI will play three games in the tournament with its opener set against the host Hawaii Rainbows on Tues., Dec. 22 (8:30 p.m. Hawaii time).
SCOUTING IOWA STATE
The Iowa State Cyclones are off to a perfect 9-0 start to the season. The Cyclones are ranked No. 2 in the Coaches poll and No. 5 in the Associated Press poll.
Iowa State is led by Georges Niang (17.4 ppg), Monte Morris (15.1 ppg, 7.9 apg) and Jameel McKay (15.0 ppg, 11.2 rpg).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa State holds a 36-11 lead in the all-time series. UNI has won six of the last nine matchups.
COACH JAKE'S SUCCESS AGAINST IOWA STATE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has recorded a 5-2 all-time mark against the Iowa State Cyclones.
UNI and Iowa State last met on Dec. 20, 2013, when the No. 17-ranked Cyclones posted a 91-82 overtime win over the Panthers in Wells Fargo Arena.
Both of Jacobson's losses to Iowa State have come in overtime.
Jacobson vs. Iowa State
W, 70-57 vs. Iowa State (11/29/06)
W, 61-48 at Iowa State (11/27/07)
L, 71-66 (OT) vs. Iowa State (12/3/08)
W, 63-60 at Iowa State (12/2/09)
W, 60-54 vs. Iowa State (12/1/10)
W, 69-62 at Iowa State (11/30/11)
L, 91-82 (OT) vs. Iowa State (12/7/13)
UNI AGAINST RANKED FOES
UNI has registered 15 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 12 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
UNI already owns a win over No. 1-ranked North Carolina this season when the Panthers scored a 71-67 victory vs. the Tar Heels in the McLeod Center on Nov. 21.
UNI has posted two wins over ranked foes on neutral courts - with both of those victories occurring in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI defeated No. 11-ranked Missouri in the 1990 NCAA Tournament, 74-71. UNI scored a 69-67 victory over No. 1-ranked Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
MULTIPLE WINS OVER RANKED FOES IN NON-CONFERENCE PLAY
UNI will be looking to record its second win this season over a ranked foe. It would be the second time in school history that UNI has posted two wins over ranked foes in the non-conference portion of its schedule in a single season.
UNI defeated No. 12 Iowa (12/6/05), 67-63 in overtime and then posted a victory over No. 24 Bucknell (2/18/06) in double overtime, 65-61.
The last MVC team to record two non-conference victories over ranked foes in the same season came when the Wichita State Shockers knocked off No. 6 LSU (11/25/06) and No. 15 Syracuse (12/2/06) in the 2006-07 season.
UPPERCLASS SCORING
UNI's junior and senior classes are scoring 81.8 percent (57.4 ppg) of the teams points this season through the first nine games.
Seniors Matt Bohannon (13.2 ppg), Paul Jesperson (12.2 ppg) and Wes Washpun (15.2 ppg) are accounting for 40.7 points per game.
BO KEEPS KNOCKING 'EM IN
Senior guard Matt Bohannon has made a team-best 25 three-pointers through the first nine games.
He has made at least one 3-pointer in 19 straight games - dating back to last season.
Bohannon ranks No. 4 on UNI's all-time 3-pointers made list with 200. He is three three-point makes away from tying Ben Jacobson's school-record 203 3-pointers set from 2002-2006.
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 203
2. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 201
Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 201
4. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 199
5. Nick Nurse (1985-89) 170
6. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 166
7. Robbie Sieverding (1998-02) 157
8. Ali Farokhmanesh (2008-10) 152
9. Maurice Newby (1987-91) 146
10. Chris Foster (2000-05) 144
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS ATTEMPTS
1. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 601
2. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 519
3. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 510
4. Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 480
5. Chris Foster (2000-05) 422
6. Robbie Sieverding (1998-02) 418
7. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 407
8. Ali Farokhmanesh (2008-10) 405
9. Maurice Newby (1987-91) 391
10. Brooks McKowen (2003-07) 376
THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT
UNI has drained a Missouri Valley Conference-best 84 three-pointers. Iowa State has connected on 82 three-pointers.
PLENTY OF PANTHER POINTS
UNI is scoring 76.6 points per game in 2015-16, which is the highest per game average since the Panthers put up 77.2 points per game for Eldon Miller in the 1995-96 season.
UNI set its single-season per game secoring averag of 85.1 points per game in the 1988-89 season.
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 67.8 points per game.
In UNI's six wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 62.7 points per game.
UNI VS. RANKED TEAMS
Since the 1979-80 season, UNI has compiled a mark of 15-34 vs. ranked opponents.
UNI is 12-6 at home against ranked opponents. The Panthers have won four of their last five home games against ranked foes.
Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in 2001-02, since then the Panthers have posted 12 victories over ranked opponents.
UNI is 2-0 all-time against No. 1- ranked opponents. UNI secured a 71-67 win over North Carolina in the McLeod Center on Nov. 21, 2015. The Panthers also recorded a 69-67 win over No. 1 Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
UNI vs. Ranked Opponents (since 1979-80)
#1 North Carolina W, 71-67 (H) - 11/21/15
#17 Louisville L, 66-53 (N) - 3/22/15
#11 Wichita State L, 74-60 (A) - 2/28/15
#12 Wichita State W, 70-54 (H) - 1/31/15
#4 Wichita State L, 82-73 (H) - 2/8/14
#8 Wichita State L, 67-53 (A) - 1/5/14
#17 Iowa State L, 91-82 OT (N) - 12/7/13
#15 Wichita State W, 57-52 (H) - 2/2/13
#12 Creighton L, 79-68 (A) - 1/15/13
#21 UNLV L, 73-59 (A) - 12/19/12
#19 Memphis L, 52-47 (N) - 11/24/12
#2 Louisville L, 51-46 (N) - 11/22/12
#13 Creighton W, 65-62 (H) - 2/4/12
#23 Creighton L, 63-60 (A) - 1/10/12
#10 Syracuse L, 68-46 (A) - 11/12/10
#13 Michigan State L, 59-52 (N) - 3/26/10
#1 Kansas W, 69-67 (N) - 3/20/10
#15 Marquette L, 73-43 (N) - 11/28/08
#14 Drake L, 65-55 (H) - 2/16/08
#22 Drake L, 58-54 (A) - 1/26/08
#11 Nevada L, 79-64 (A) - 2/17/07
#16 Wichita State W, 63-59 (A) - 12/30/06
#17 Washington L, 70-61 (A) - 11/14/06
#23 Georgetown L, 54-49 (N) - 3/17/06
#24 Bucknell W, 65-61 (H) - 2/18/06
#12 Iowa W, 67-63 (H) - 12/6/05
#20 Wisconsin L, 57-52 (N) - 3/18/05
#17 Iowa L, 76-73 (A) - 12/7/05
#14 Georgia Tech L, 65-60 (N) - 3/19/04
#15 Southern Illinois W, 68-52 (H) - 3/1/04
#20 Creighton W, 82-73 (H) - 1/14/04
#24 Iowa W, 77-66 (H) - 12/9/03
#13 Creighton L, 84-75 (H) - 2/4/03
#11 Iowa W, 78-76 (H) - 12/4/01
#17 Alabama L, 64-56 (N) - 12/20/00
#10 Iowa W, 84-78 (H) - 12/9/97
#12 Iowa L, 78-73 (H) - 12/5/95
#11 Iowa State L, 81-62 (H) - 1/25/95
#8 Iowa L, 64-44 (A) - 12/8/92
#16 Iowa L, 108-85 (H) - 12/19/91
#20 Minnesota L, 81-78 (N) - 3/18/90
#11 Missouri W, 74-71 (N) - 3/16/90
#20 Iowa W, 77-74 (H) - 1/3/90
#3 Georgetown L, 83-49 (N) - 12/29/89
#5 Iowa L, 95-76 (A) - 12/6/88
#14 Missouri L, 91-62 (A) - 1/12/83
#6 Iowa L, 84-53 (A) - 12/21/81
#14 Iowa L, 86-52 (A) - 12/30/80
#20 Iowa L, 78-46 (A) - 12/6/79
NOTE: Associated Press poll used
UNI's Record vs. Ranked Opponents
Overall Home Away Neutral
15-34 12-6 1-16 2-12
AUSTIN GRANTED RELEASE
Junior guard Aarias Austin has asked for and been granted his release from the University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team according to UNI head coach Ben Jacobson.
"We appreciate Aarias's contributions to our men's basketball program," Jacobson said. "We also understand his desire for an opportunity to have a different and larger role at another program. We wish Aarias all the best going forward."
Austin saw action in all nine games this season for the Panthers. Austin joined the Panthers after playing the previous two seasons at Des Moines Area Community College.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 504 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The last time UNI failed to make a 3-point basket came Feb. 3, 2000, vs. Southern Illinois in a 72-58 Panther victory in the UNI-Dome. UNI went 0-for-4 from 3-point land vs. the Salukis in that contest.
JESPERSON ENJOYS RETURN TRIP TO VIRGINIA
UNI senior Paul Jesperson started his collegiate basketball career at the University of Virginia before transferring to UNI. Jesperson returned to Virginia this past week with the Panthers playing at Richmond and at George Mason.
Jesperson performed well in his return to Virginia by notching his first career double-double at George Mason with 19 points and 12 rebounds in UNI's 73-65 triumph.
Both his 19 points and 12 rebound were career-highs for Jesperson.
PAULIE IS MONEY AT THE LINE
Paul Jesperson salted away the UNI victory at George Mason (12/8) by making all six free throws in the final 1:09 of the second half.
He is 21-of-23 this season and has made 24 of his last 26 free throws dating back to 2014-15.
Jesperson has made 40-of-45 career free throws at UNI for a 88.9 percent clip.
DISHING AT A RECORD PACE
Senior guard Wes Washpun is handing out assists at a record-pace this season at 6.0 assists per game, which is also tops in the Missouri Valley Conference and ranks No. 21 in the country.
Jay Imhoff (1979-80) and Brooks McKowen (2006-07) hold the UNI single-season assist record at 5.8 assists per game.
MORGAN IS MAKING PLAYS
Junior guard Jeremy Morgan has shown he can do it all this season from scoring and rebounding to defending.
Morgan ranks fourth in scoring (11.3 ppg), second in rebounding (5.7 rpg), second in free throws made (27) and first in steals (16).
Morgan's steal of Joel Berry II's pass with :08 left and ensuing free throw helped clinch UNI's 71-67 victory over No. 1 North Carolina (Nov. 21).
LOHAUS NETS CAREER-HIGH
Sophomore guard Wyatt Lohaus registered a career-high 12 points in Saturday's contest at New Mexico. His previous career-best came last season at Stephen F. Austin when he scored 11.
FOR STARTERS
UNI's starting five consists of Matt Bohannon, Paul Jesperson, Bennett Koch, Jeremy Morgan and Wes Washpun.
Bohannon and Morgan are the two returning starters from last year's 31-4 Panther squad.
Jesperson started 33 career games at the University of Virginia before transferring to UNI. Prior to this season, Jesperson's last start came at Virginia on March 27, 2013 vs. Iowa in the NIT.
Washpun started 29 games as a sophomore for the Panthers. His last start previous the pair this season came March 7, 2014, in the MVC Tournament vs. Southern Illinois.
Koch came off the bench in all 28 games he played as a redshirt freshman.
No. of Starts for UNI's Starters
Matt Bohannon - 81 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 54 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 42 career starts
Wes Washpun - 38 career starts
Bennett Koch - 9 career starts
TWO 30-WIN SEASONS IN THE LAST SIX YEARS
UNI is one of 14 schools to have won 30 or more games twice in the last six seasons, joining Duke (4 times), Kansas (4), Kentucky (3), Louisville (3), Syracuse (3), Wichita State (3), BYU (2), Gonzaga (2), Murray State (2), Ohio State (2), San Diego State (2), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (2).
7TH OVERALL NCAA APPEARANCE FOR UNI PANTHERS
UNI made its seventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Panthers are 4-7 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
6TH NCAA TOURN. SINCE 2004
The Panthers made their sixth NCAA appearance since the 2004 season. The six appearances since 2004 is the most of any member of the MVC in that time frame.
Wichita State has appeared in five NCAA Tournaments since 2004, to rank second in the MVC behind the Panthers.
MVC'S NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (6) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015
Wichita St. (5) - 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Creighton (4) - 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
UNI MBB IN APR TOP-10 PERCENT
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball, men's golf, women's golf, women's cross country and women's volleyball teams have been recognized by the NCAA for their latest multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. These teams posted multi-year APR scores in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports.
The UNI men's basketball team has been recognized with a perfect APR score (1,000) in each of the last three seasons - the only MVC school to do that in each of the past three years.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
MBB INKS 3 IN EARLY SIGNING
UNI has announced the signing of Isaiah Brown, Tanner Lohaus, Juwan McCloud to National Letters-of-Intent to play for UNI Beginning in 2016-17.
Brown (Flower Mound, Texas/Flower Mound HS) is a 6'5", 170-pound, guard from Flower Mound, Texas. Brown averaged 14 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals as a junior at Flower Mound High School for head coach Eric Littleton. Flower Mound finished third in their district in 2014-15. He earned second-team all-district honors as a junior. He is the No. 25-ranked recruit in the 2016 recruiting class in the state of Texas according to Texas Hoops. He played AUU ball for Marcus Smart YGC36 for head coach Vonzell Thomas. He is the son of Craig and Sophia Brown. He has two siblings, Landon (10) and Maliyah (2).
Lohaus (North Liberty, Iowa/Iowa City West HS) is a 6'7" 205-pound forward. Lohaus helped Iowa City West to the 2014 state championship for head coach Steve Bergman and a 23-3 record. Lohaus guided Iowa City West to a third-place finish in the 2015 state tournament with a 25-1 record. As a junior, Lohaus averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He earned second-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference honors as a junior. He is the son of Anne Lohaus and Brad Lohaus. He is the younger brother of UNI sophomore guard Wyatt Lohaus.
Juwan McCloud (Germantown, Wis./Germantown HS) is a 5'11" 150-pound guard. McCloud was named the North Shore Conference player of the year after helping lead the Warhawks to their sixth consecutive league crown. McCloud led Germantown HS to the Division I state championship game as a junior. He averaged 16.7 points per game as Germantown posted a mark of 27-1 in 2014-15 for then head coach Steve Showalter. McCloud played AAU with the Wisconsin Swing coached by Justin Litscher. He is the son of Brian and Mellisa McCloud. He has an older brother, Jalen.
UNI TO PLAY IN THE 2016 PUERTO RICO TIP-OFF
UNI will take part in the 2016 Puerto Rico Tip-Off set for Nov. 17, 18 and 20, 2016.
The tournament will be held in San Juan and will showcase Arizona State, Clemson, Davidson, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tulane, UNI and Xavier.
RADIO INFORMATION
This year's UNI men's basketball games can be heard on the UNI Sports Radio Network, with KXEL (1540 AM, Waterloo, Iowa) serving as flagship station. Affiliates include KBGG (1700 AM, Des Moines), KGYM (1600 AM, Cedar Rapids), KCHA (1580 AM, Charles City), KQCR (98.9 FM, Hampton), KILJ (105.5 FM, Mount Pleasant), KFXE (1160 AM, Decorah-Waukon) and KVFD (1400 AM, Fort Dodge).
Long-time Panthers announcer Gary Rima handles play-by-play duties, while Kevin Boyle serves as analyst. Head coach Ben Jacobson's weekly radio call-in show will air on Thursdays, beginning in December at 6 p.m., live from The Other Place in Cedar Falls.
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER & YOUTUBE
Fans of UNI Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
UNI Athletics on Facebook will give fans the chance to connect with other Panther fans, as well as providing information on upcoming events. Followers on Twitter will be able to access news and scoring updates. Followers on YouTube will be able to access game highlights and press conference footage.
FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/UNIAthletics
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
TWITTER
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
UNI (6-3) vs. #2/#5 Iowa State (9-0)
Sat., Dec. 19, 2015 • 6 p.m. (CT)
Des Moines, Iowa • Wells Fargo Arena (15,124)
BROADCAST INFO
Television
ESPNU
Play-by-Play: Shawn Keeney
Analyst: Reid Gettys
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship - NewsTalk 1540-AM KXEL
On the Web - UNIPanthers.com, TuneIn
Live Stats - uni.StatBroadcast.com
OPENING TIP
• UNI (6-3 overall) will head to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, to take part in the 2015 Hy-Vee Big Four Classic against the No. 4-ranked Iowa State Cyclones (9-0 overall).
• UNI has won six of the last nine meetings vs. Iowa State.
• Head Coach Ben Jacobson is 5-2 vs. the Cyclones - with both losses coming in overtime.
• UNI has registered 15 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 12 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
• UNI's junior and senior classes are scoring 81.8 percent (57.4 ppg) of its points on the season.
• UNI leads the Missouri Valley Conference in 3-pointers made (84).
• In UNI's six wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 62.7 points per game.
• Wes Washpun leads the MVC in assists per game (6.0). He has 54 assists in UNI's first nine games.
• Matt Bohannon ranks No. 4 on UNI's all-time 3-pointers made list with 200. He is three three-point makes away from tying Ben Jacobson's school-record of 203 3-pointers set from 2002-2006.
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 504 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• The NCAA recognizes teams in the top-10 percent of the Academic Progress Report. The UNI men's basketball program is the only Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball school to be listed in the top 10 percent in each of the last three years.
• UNI is one of 14 schools to have won 30 or more games twice in the last six seasons.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES VS. IOWA STATE
BIG FOUR CLASSICUNI and Iowa State will square off in the second game of this year's Hy-Vee Big Four Classic in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. Tip is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. with a live telecast on ESPNU.
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Drake Bulldogs will also meet on Saturday in Wells Fargo Arena in the first game of the Hy-Vee Big Four Classic. The Hawkeyes and Bulldogs will tip at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
A LONG DECEMBER
The Counting Crows had a hit song in 1996 by the title of A Long December and it will seem like that this month for the UNI men's basketball team.
UNI will embark on its fourth game of a seven-game road trip this Saturday in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena against the Iowa State Cyclones.
Following the game, UNI will travel to Hawaii on Sunday for the 2015 Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
UNI will play three games in the tournament with its opener set against the host Hawaii Rainbows on Tues., Dec. 22 (8:30 p.m. Hawaii time).
SCOUTING IOWA STATE
The Iowa State Cyclones are off to a perfect 9-0 start to the season. The Cyclones are ranked No. 2 in the Coaches poll and No. 5 in the Associated Press poll.
Iowa State is led by Georges Niang (17.4 ppg), Monte Morris (15.1 ppg, 7.9 apg) and Jameel McKay (15.0 ppg, 11.2 rpg).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Iowa State holds a 36-11 lead in the all-time series. UNI has won six of the last nine matchups.
COACH JAKE'S SUCCESS AGAINST IOWA STATE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has recorded a 5-2 all-time mark against the Iowa State Cyclones.
UNI and Iowa State last met on Dec. 20, 2013, when the No. 17-ranked Cyclones posted a 91-82 overtime win over the Panthers in Wells Fargo Arena.
Both of Jacobson's losses to Iowa State have come in overtime.
Jacobson vs. Iowa State
W, 70-57 vs. Iowa State (11/29/06)
W, 61-48 at Iowa State (11/27/07)
L, 71-66 (OT) vs. Iowa State (12/3/08)
W, 63-60 at Iowa State (12/2/09)
W, 60-54 vs. Iowa State (12/1/10)
W, 69-62 at Iowa State (11/30/11)
L, 91-82 (OT) vs. Iowa State (12/7/13)
UNI AGAINST RANKED FOES
UNI has registered 15 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 12 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
UNI already owns a win over No. 1-ranked North Carolina this season when the Panthers scored a 71-67 victory vs. the Tar Heels in the McLeod Center on Nov. 21.
UNI has posted two wins over ranked foes on neutral courts - with both of those victories occurring in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI defeated No. 11-ranked Missouri in the 1990 NCAA Tournament, 74-71. UNI scored a 69-67 victory over No. 1-ranked Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
MULTIPLE WINS OVER RANKED FOES IN NON-CONFERENCE PLAY
UNI will be looking to record its second win this season over a ranked foe. It would be the second time in school history that UNI has posted two wins over ranked foes in the non-conference portion of its schedule in a single season.
UNI defeated No. 12 Iowa (12/6/05), 67-63 in overtime and then posted a victory over No. 24 Bucknell (2/18/06) in double overtime, 65-61.
The last MVC team to record two non-conference victories over ranked foes in the same season came when the Wichita State Shockers knocked off No. 6 LSU (11/25/06) and No. 15 Syracuse (12/2/06) in the 2006-07 season.
UPPERCLASS SCORING
UNI's junior and senior classes are scoring 81.8 percent (57.4 ppg) of the teams points this season through the first nine games.
Seniors Matt Bohannon (13.2 ppg), Paul Jesperson (12.2 ppg) and Wes Washpun (15.2 ppg) are accounting for 40.7 points per game.
BO KEEPS KNOCKING 'EM IN
Senior guard Matt Bohannon has made a team-best 25 three-pointers through the first nine games.
He has made at least one 3-pointer in 19 straight games - dating back to last season.
Bohannon ranks No. 4 on UNI's all-time 3-pointers made list with 200. He is three three-point makes away from tying Ben Jacobson's school-record 203 3-pointers set from 2002-2006.
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 203
2. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 201
Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 201
4. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 199
5. Nick Nurse (1985-89) 170
6. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 166
7. Robbie Sieverding (1998-02) 157
8. Ali Farokhmanesh (2008-10) 152
9. Maurice Newby (1987-91) 146
10. Chris Foster (2000-05) 144
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS ATTEMPTS
1. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 601
2. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 519
3. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 510
4. Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 480
5. Chris Foster (2000-05) 422
6. Robbie Sieverding (1998-02) 418
7. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 407
8. Ali Farokhmanesh (2008-10) 405
9. Maurice Newby (1987-91) 391
10. Brooks McKowen (2003-07) 376
THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT
UNI has drained a Missouri Valley Conference-best 84 three-pointers. Iowa State has connected on 82 three-pointers.
PLENTY OF PANTHER POINTS
UNI is scoring 76.6 points per game in 2015-16, which is the highest per game average since the Panthers put up 77.2 points per game for Eldon Miller in the 1995-96 season.
UNI set its single-season per game secoring averag of 85.1 points per game in the 1988-89 season.
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 67.8 points per game.
In UNI's six wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 62.7 points per game.
UNI VS. RANKED TEAMS
Since the 1979-80 season, UNI has compiled a mark of 15-34 vs. ranked opponents.
UNI is 12-6 at home against ranked opponents. The Panthers have won four of their last five home games against ranked foes.
Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in 2001-02, since then the Panthers have posted 12 victories over ranked opponents.
UNI is 2-0 all-time against No. 1- ranked opponents. UNI secured a 71-67 win over North Carolina in the McLeod Center on Nov. 21, 2015. The Panthers also recorded a 69-67 win over No. 1 Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
UNI vs. Ranked Opponents (since 1979-80)
#1 North Carolina W, 71-67 (H) - 11/21/15
#17 Louisville L, 66-53 (N) - 3/22/15
#11 Wichita State L, 74-60 (A) - 2/28/15
#12 Wichita State W, 70-54 (H) - 1/31/15
#4 Wichita State L, 82-73 (H) - 2/8/14
#8 Wichita State L, 67-53 (A) - 1/5/14
#17 Iowa State L, 91-82 OT (N) - 12/7/13
#15 Wichita State W, 57-52 (H) - 2/2/13
#12 Creighton L, 79-68 (A) - 1/15/13
#21 UNLV L, 73-59 (A) - 12/19/12
#19 Memphis L, 52-47 (N) - 11/24/12
#2 Louisville L, 51-46 (N) - 11/22/12
#13 Creighton W, 65-62 (H) - 2/4/12
#23 Creighton L, 63-60 (A) - 1/10/12
#10 Syracuse L, 68-46 (A) - 11/12/10
#13 Michigan State L, 59-52 (N) - 3/26/10
#1 Kansas W, 69-67 (N) - 3/20/10
#15 Marquette L, 73-43 (N) - 11/28/08
#14 Drake L, 65-55 (H) - 2/16/08
#22 Drake L, 58-54 (A) - 1/26/08
#11 Nevada L, 79-64 (A) - 2/17/07
#16 Wichita State W, 63-59 (A) - 12/30/06
#17 Washington L, 70-61 (A) - 11/14/06
#23 Georgetown L, 54-49 (N) - 3/17/06
#24 Bucknell W, 65-61 (H) - 2/18/06
#12 Iowa W, 67-63 (H) - 12/6/05
#20 Wisconsin L, 57-52 (N) - 3/18/05
#17 Iowa L, 76-73 (A) - 12/7/05
#14 Georgia Tech L, 65-60 (N) - 3/19/04
#15 Southern Illinois W, 68-52 (H) - 3/1/04
#20 Creighton W, 82-73 (H) - 1/14/04
#24 Iowa W, 77-66 (H) - 12/9/03
#13 Creighton L, 84-75 (H) - 2/4/03
#11 Iowa W, 78-76 (H) - 12/4/01
#17 Alabama L, 64-56 (N) - 12/20/00
#10 Iowa W, 84-78 (H) - 12/9/97
#12 Iowa L, 78-73 (H) - 12/5/95
#11 Iowa State L, 81-62 (H) - 1/25/95
#8 Iowa L, 64-44 (A) - 12/8/92
#16 Iowa L, 108-85 (H) - 12/19/91
#20 Minnesota L, 81-78 (N) - 3/18/90
#11 Missouri W, 74-71 (N) - 3/16/90
#20 Iowa W, 77-74 (H) - 1/3/90
#3 Georgetown L, 83-49 (N) - 12/29/89
#5 Iowa L, 95-76 (A) - 12/6/88
#14 Missouri L, 91-62 (A) - 1/12/83
#6 Iowa L, 84-53 (A) - 12/21/81
#14 Iowa L, 86-52 (A) - 12/30/80
#20 Iowa L, 78-46 (A) - 12/6/79
NOTE: Associated Press poll used
UNI's Record vs. Ranked Opponents
Overall Home Away Neutral
15-34 12-6 1-16 2-12
AUSTIN GRANTED RELEASE
Junior guard Aarias Austin has asked for and been granted his release from the University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team according to UNI head coach Ben Jacobson.
"We appreciate Aarias's contributions to our men's basketball program," Jacobson said. "We also understand his desire for an opportunity to have a different and larger role at another program. We wish Aarias all the best going forward."
Austin saw action in all nine games this season for the Panthers. Austin joined the Panthers after playing the previous two seasons at Des Moines Area Community College.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 504 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The last time UNI failed to make a 3-point basket came Feb. 3, 2000, vs. Southern Illinois in a 72-58 Panther victory in the UNI-Dome. UNI went 0-for-4 from 3-point land vs. the Salukis in that contest.
JESPERSON ENJOYS RETURN TRIP TO VIRGINIA
UNI senior Paul Jesperson started his collegiate basketball career at the University of Virginia before transferring to UNI. Jesperson returned to Virginia this past week with the Panthers playing at Richmond and at George Mason.
Jesperson performed well in his return to Virginia by notching his first career double-double at George Mason with 19 points and 12 rebounds in UNI's 73-65 triumph.
Both his 19 points and 12 rebound were career-highs for Jesperson.
PAULIE IS MONEY AT THE LINE
Paul Jesperson salted away the UNI victory at George Mason (12/8) by making all six free throws in the final 1:09 of the second half.
He is 21-of-23 this season and has made 24 of his last 26 free throws dating back to 2014-15.
Jesperson has made 40-of-45 career free throws at UNI for a 88.9 percent clip.
DISHING AT A RECORD PACE
Senior guard Wes Washpun is handing out assists at a record-pace this season at 6.0 assists per game, which is also tops in the Missouri Valley Conference and ranks No. 21 in the country.
Jay Imhoff (1979-80) and Brooks McKowen (2006-07) hold the UNI single-season assist record at 5.8 assists per game.
MORGAN IS MAKING PLAYS
Junior guard Jeremy Morgan has shown he can do it all this season from scoring and rebounding to defending.
Morgan ranks fourth in scoring (11.3 ppg), second in rebounding (5.7 rpg), second in free throws made (27) and first in steals (16).
Morgan's steal of Joel Berry II's pass with :08 left and ensuing free throw helped clinch UNI's 71-67 victory over No. 1 North Carolina (Nov. 21).
LOHAUS NETS CAREER-HIGH
Sophomore guard Wyatt Lohaus registered a career-high 12 points in Saturday's contest at New Mexico. His previous career-best came last season at Stephen F. Austin when he scored 11.
FOR STARTERS
UNI's starting five consists of Matt Bohannon, Paul Jesperson, Bennett Koch, Jeremy Morgan and Wes Washpun.
Bohannon and Morgan are the two returning starters from last year's 31-4 Panther squad.
Jesperson started 33 career games at the University of Virginia before transferring to UNI. Prior to this season, Jesperson's last start came at Virginia on March 27, 2013 vs. Iowa in the NIT.
Washpun started 29 games as a sophomore for the Panthers. His last start previous the pair this season came March 7, 2014, in the MVC Tournament vs. Southern Illinois.
Koch came off the bench in all 28 games he played as a redshirt freshman.
No. of Starts for UNI's Starters
Matt Bohannon - 81 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 54 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 42 career starts
Wes Washpun - 38 career starts
Bennett Koch - 9 career starts
TWO 30-WIN SEASONS IN THE LAST SIX YEARS
UNI is one of 14 schools to have won 30 or more games twice in the last six seasons, joining Duke (4 times), Kansas (4), Kentucky (3), Louisville (3), Syracuse (3), Wichita State (3), BYU (2), Gonzaga (2), Murray State (2), Ohio State (2), San Diego State (2), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (2).
7TH OVERALL NCAA APPEARANCE FOR UNI PANTHERS
UNI made its seventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Panthers are 4-7 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
6TH NCAA TOURN. SINCE 2004
The Panthers made their sixth NCAA appearance since the 2004 season. The six appearances since 2004 is the most of any member of the MVC in that time frame.
Wichita State has appeared in five NCAA Tournaments since 2004, to rank second in the MVC behind the Panthers.
MVC'S NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (6) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015
Wichita St. (5) - 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Creighton (4) - 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
UNI MBB IN APR TOP-10 PERCENT
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball, men's golf, women's golf, women's cross country and women's volleyball teams have been recognized by the NCAA for their latest multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. These teams posted multi-year APR scores in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports.
The UNI men's basketball team has been recognized with a perfect APR score (1,000) in each of the last three seasons - the only MVC school to do that in each of the past three years.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
MBB INKS 3 IN EARLY SIGNING
UNI has announced the signing of Isaiah Brown, Tanner Lohaus, Juwan McCloud to National Letters-of-Intent to play for UNI Beginning in 2016-17.
Brown (Flower Mound, Texas/Flower Mound HS) is a 6'5", 170-pound, guard from Flower Mound, Texas. Brown averaged 14 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals as a junior at Flower Mound High School for head coach Eric Littleton. Flower Mound finished third in their district in 2014-15. He earned second-team all-district honors as a junior. He is the No. 25-ranked recruit in the 2016 recruiting class in the state of Texas according to Texas Hoops. He played AUU ball for Marcus Smart YGC36 for head coach Vonzell Thomas. He is the son of Craig and Sophia Brown. He has two siblings, Landon (10) and Maliyah (2).
Lohaus (North Liberty, Iowa/Iowa City West HS) is a 6'7" 205-pound forward. Lohaus helped Iowa City West to the 2014 state championship for head coach Steve Bergman and a 23-3 record. Lohaus guided Iowa City West to a third-place finish in the 2015 state tournament with a 25-1 record. As a junior, Lohaus averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He earned second-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference honors as a junior. He is the son of Anne Lohaus and Brad Lohaus. He is the younger brother of UNI sophomore guard Wyatt Lohaus.
Juwan McCloud (Germantown, Wis./Germantown HS) is a 5'11" 150-pound guard. McCloud was named the North Shore Conference player of the year after helping lead the Warhawks to their sixth consecutive league crown. McCloud led Germantown HS to the Division I state championship game as a junior. He averaged 16.7 points per game as Germantown posted a mark of 27-1 in 2014-15 for then head coach Steve Showalter. McCloud played AAU with the Wisconsin Swing coached by Justin Litscher. He is the son of Brian and Mellisa McCloud. He has an older brother, Jalen.
UNI TO PLAY IN THE 2016 PUERTO RICO TIP-OFF
UNI will take part in the 2016 Puerto Rico Tip-Off set for Nov. 17, 18 and 20, 2016.
The tournament will be held in San Juan and will showcase Arizona State, Clemson, Davidson, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tulane, UNI and Xavier.
RADIO INFORMATION
This year's UNI men's basketball games can be heard on the UNI Sports Radio Network, with KXEL (1540 AM, Waterloo, Iowa) serving as flagship station. Affiliates include KBGG (1700 AM, Des Moines), KGYM (1600 AM, Cedar Rapids), KCHA (1580 AM, Charles City), KQCR (98.9 FM, Hampton), KILJ (105.5 FM, Mount Pleasant), KFXE (1160 AM, Decorah-Waukon) and KVFD (1400 AM, Fort Dodge).
Long-time Panthers announcer Gary Rima handles play-by-play duties, while Kevin Boyle serves as analyst. Head coach Ben Jacobson's weekly radio call-in show will air on Thursdays, beginning in December at 6 p.m., live from The Other Place in Cedar Falls.
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER & YOUTUBE
Fans of UNI Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
UNI Athletics on Facebook will give fans the chance to connect with other Panther fans, as well as providing information on upcoming events. Followers on Twitter will be able to access news and scoring updates. Followers on YouTube will be able to access game highlights and press conference footage.
www.facebook.com/UNIAthletics
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
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