University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Saturday, January 2
Carbondale, Ill.
7 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
at
Southern Illinois
UNI Looks to Go 2-0 With Trip to Southern Illinois
12/31/2015 3:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (9-5, 1-0) at Southern Illinois (12-2, 1-0) | LIVE VIDEO | LIVE AUDIO
Sat., Jan. 2, 2016 • 7 p.m. (CT)
Carbondale, Ill. • SIU Arena (8,339)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Darren Kinnard
Analyst: Mike Trude
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 (9-5, 1-0 MVC) will head to Carbondale, Ill., to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis (12-2, 1-0 MVC). Tip is set for Sat., Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. in SIU Arena.
• UNI will be looking to start 2-0 in MVC play for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
• UNI has started 2-0 in MVC play six times (1991-92, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10).
• The Panthers have won 12 of the last 16 encounters with the Salukis.
• UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 14-6 vs. SIU.
• Jacobson ranks No. 8 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 104 league coaching victories. He has compiled an MVC mark of 104-59 (.638 winning percentage).
• SIU's Barry Hinson ranks No. 5 in league history with 221 career victories, while UNI's Jacobson ranks No. 9 with 206 career triumphs.
• UNI recorded its largest margin of victory (36 points) in Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday with its 80-44 triumph over the Bradley Braves.
• UNI leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (127).
• Wes Washpun leads the MVC in assists (6.3 apg). He ranks No. 18 in the nation in assists per game.
• Jeremy Morgan is tops in the MVC in steals (2.1 spg). Morgan also ranks No. 3 in the MVC in field goal percentage (.574).
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 509 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• UNI has secured a pair of top-five wins (AP poll) this season with triumphs over No. 1 North Carolina and No. 5 Iowa State.
• UNI has registered 16 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 13 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
• 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 AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
UNI HEADS TO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS TO TAKE ON THE SALUKIS
UNI will take to the road on Saturday to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis at 7 p.m. in Carbondale, Ill.
It will mark UNI's eighth road/neutral game in its last nine games.
The Panthers have posted two road wins (North Dakota, George Mason) and two neutral victories (Iowa State, Washington State) this season.
The Panthers completed non-conference play at 8-5 overall. UNI posted two top-five wins in non-conference play with triumphs over No. 1 North Carolina (71-67) and No. 5 Iowa State (81-79).
SCOUTING SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
The Southern Illinois Salukis are off to a 12-2 start to the season and scored a 72-62 win at Loyola to open MVC play on Wednesday.
SIU's two non-conference setbacks came vs. UTEP (71-66) and at home vs. SIU-Edwardsville (76-74).
PANTHERS SLOW DOWN BEANE
Senior guard Anthony Beane is leading the way for the Salukis by scoring 20.9 points per game and shooting 48.5 percent from the field. Beane ranks second in the league in scoring.
UNI is the only MVC school to limit Beane to less than 10.0 ppg in his matchups vs. the Panthers. Beane is averaging 9.7 ppg vs. UNI in seven career games.
Beane has scored 20 or more points against each league opponent other than UNI. Beane's career-high scoring vs. UNI is 17 points.
ALL-TIME SERIES
SIU leads the all-time series vs. UNI, 31-26.
The Panthers have won 12 of the last 16 encounters with the Salukis, including a 59-52 UNI victory last season in Carbondale.
UNI is 6-20 all-time at SIU.
EARLY RPI NUMBERS
UNI is the top-rated MVC school in the NCAA's latest RPI. Three MVC schools are ranked in the top 100.
The Panthers are ranked No. 53 with the Wichita State Shockers ranked No. 54. Evansville is ranked No. 75.
PANTHERS LOOKING FOR A 2-0 START TO LEAGUE PLAY
UNI will be looking to start 2-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
UNI has started 2-0 in MVC play six times (1991-92, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10).
COACH JAKE FARES WELL VS MVC'S ILLINOIS SCHOOLS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has taken full advantage of the four schools representing the state of Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference in his previous nine seasons as UNI's head coach.
His 19 wins over Bradley are the most vs. any Valley opponent he has faced.
He has an overall mark of 54-20 vs. Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley and Loyola.
Jacobson is 31-1 all-time in the McLeod Center against Southern Illinois (9-0), Illinois State (9-0), Bradley (10-1) and Loyola (3-0).
Jake Overall vs. MVC's Illinois Schools
Bradley 19-5
Illinois State 16-7
Southern Illinois 14-6
Loyola 5-2
200-PLUS WIN COACHES
Saturday's matchup at SIU Arena will feature of pair of coaches who have tallied 200 or more wins at MVC schools.
SIU's Barry Hinson ranks No. 5 in league history with 221 career victories, while UNI's Ben Jacobson ranks No. 9 with 206 career triumphs.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Henry Iba (Oklahoma State) 486
2. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 337
3. Dana Altman (Creighton) 327
4. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 221
6. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 220
7. Maury John (Drake) 211
8. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 210
9. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 206
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
Jake Ranks 8th in MVC Wins
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 8 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 104 league coaching victories.
Jacobson has compiled an MVC mark of 104-59 (.638 winning percentage).
Barry Hinson ranks No. 5 with 115 MVC victories combined at Missouri State and Southern Illinois.
MVC Coaching Wins (Conf. Games Only)
1. Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) 187
2. Dana Altman (Creighton) 182
3. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 163
4. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 115
6. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
7. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
8. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 104
9. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 101
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
UNI'S ALL-TIME LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY IN MVC PLAY
UNI recorded its largest margin of victory (36 points) in Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday with its 80-44 triumph over the Bradley Braves.
The previous mark of 34 points came on Jan. 1, 2014, when UNI bested Bradley, 80-46.
The 36-point win tied for the 21st-widest margin of victory in all games in UNI's program history.
UNI'S LARGEST MVC VICTORIES
36 (80-44) vs. Bradley (12/30/2015)
34 (80-46) vs. Bradley (1/1/2014)
31 (84-53) vs. Bradley (1/12/2013)
30 (85-55) vs. Drake (1/20/2013)
27 (83-56) vs. Indiana State (2/4/06)
26 (81-55) vs. Southern Illinois (2/11/09)
FOUR 500-PLUS POINT SCORERS
UNI's starting lineup features four 500-plus point collegiate scorers.
Matt Bohannon has posted 849 career points, while Wes Washpun has recorded 749 points. Paul Jesperson has tallied 562 career points and Jeremy Morgan has been credited with 553 career points.
BO KNOCKS 'EM IN FOR MVC PLAY
UNI senior guard Matt Bohannon already holds the UNI career record for most three-pointers in Missouri Valley Conference games.
Bohannon has drained 117 career three-pointers in 55 MVC games.
The previous UNI mark was set by Ben Jacobson with 113 three-pointers in MVC games only from 2002-2006.
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 first on the team in steals (29) and blocks (9). He ranks second on the team in rebounding (4.9 rpg) and fourth on the team in scoring (12.1 ppg).
He leads the MVC in steals with 29 (2.1 spg) and ranks No. 3 in the league in field goal percentage (.574).
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).
DISHING AT A RECORD PACE
Senior guard Wes Washpun is handing out assists at a record-pace this season at 6.3 assists per game, which is also tops in the Missouri Valley Conference and ranks No. 18 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.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 509 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.
13 STRAIGHT MVC HOME GAMES
UNI has won 13 consecutive Missouri Valley Conference home games dating back to the 2013-14 season.
UNI was a perfect 9-0 at home last year in league games and the Panthers won their final three home games of the 2013-14 MVC season.
UNI began league play this year at home with an 80-44 win over Bradley.
WINNING WAYS AT MCLEOD
The McLeod Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary this season and the Panthers have made winning a priority in their home venue.
UNI has posted an all-time mark of 118-29 (.802) in games played in the McLeod Center.
UNI secured a school-record 16 home wins in the 2012-13 season. The previous mark of 15 home wins was set in the 1989-90 season.
UNI has posted a trio of perfect home seasons since moving to NCAA Division I. UNI was a perfect 14-0 in both the 1983-84 and 2009-10 seasons and then UNI notched a 15-0 mark at home last season.
UNI set its home-court win streak of 21 consecutive victories between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons.
The McLeod Center opened in November 2006.
11 HOME WINS IN 8 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won 11 or more home games in the McLeod Center in eight consecutive seasons.
UNI's Home Record Since 2007-08
Year Record
2007-08 11-6
2008-09 11-4
2009-10 14-0
2010-11 13-5
2011-12 13-3
2012-13 16-4
2013-14 11-2
2014-15 15-0
2015-16 5-1
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 68.0 points per game.
In UNI's nine wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 62.0 points per game.
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 - 86 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 59 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 47 career starts
Wes Washpun - 43 career starts
Bennett Koch - 14 career starts
BO SETS CAREER 3-POINT MARK
Senior guard Matt Bohannon set UNI's all-time three-point field goals made mark against Hawaii (Dec. 22).
Bohannon has drained 214 career 3-pointers to surpass the previous record of 203 set by Ben Jacobson (2002-2006).
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 214
2. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 203
3. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 201
Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 201
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. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 551
3. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 519
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
80 OR MORE IS A GOOD SIGN - UNLESS IT'S OT
UNI is 39-5 when scoring 80 or more points in the Ben Jacobson coaching era.
Four of the five losses have occurred in overtime games.
The only time UNI has given up more than 80 points in regulation and lost under Coach Jake came in the 2013-14 season when Indiana State posted an 87-81 win over the Panthers on Feb. 1, 2014.
UNI SCORING 80+IN JACOBSON ERA
Date Opponent Results
12/30/15 Bradley W, 80-44
12/19/15 vs. Iowa State W, 81-79
11/30/15 North Texas W, 93-70
11/28/15 at North Dakota W, 97-51
11/25/15 Dubuque W, 83-63
2/11/15 Illinois State W, 83-64
12/13/14 at VCU L, 93-87 (2OT)
2/1/14 Indiana State L, 87-81
1/29/14 Evansville W, 95-81
1/25/14 at Loyola L, 93-87 (OT)
1/14/14 Missouri State W, 94-89
1/8/14 at Evansville W, 80-53
1/1/14 Bradley W, 80-46
12/28/13 Iona W, 90-78
12/7/13 vs. Iowa State L, 91-82 (OT)
11/22/13 Loyola Marymount W, 90-81
11/11/13 Coe W, 86-52
3/26/13 Bradley W, 90-77
3/2/13 Illinois State W, 80-72
1/20/13 Drake W, 85-55
1/12/13 Bradley W, 84-53
12/23/12 Saint Mary's W, 82-75
12/8/12 at George Mason W, 82-77 (OT)
11/14/12 Toledo W, 84-81 (OT)
11/10/12 Wartburg W, 103-50
1/7/12 at Drake W, 83-68
12/19/11 Loras W, 84-48
12/6/11 Iowa W, 80-60
12/3/11 Colorado State W, 83-77
3/15/11 Rider W, 84-50
2/15/11 at Bradley W, 80-70
1/9/11 Bradley W, 83-77
11/16/10 Coe W, 84-45
1/3/10 Missouri State W, 84-76
12/12/09 Siena W, 82-65
11/23/09 vs. Boston College W, 81-69
2/11/09 Southern Illinois W, 81-55
1/17/09 at Drake W, 81-59
12/28/08 Indiana State L, 85-84 (2OT)
11/25/08 Chicago State W, 81-70
12/15/07 Wartburg W, 99-48
12/20/06 Wartburg W, 83-61
12/09/06 UMKC W, 85-53
11/13/06 vs. Pepperdine W, 83-58
THE UNDER 50 CLUB
When UNI held the Bradley Braves to 44 points in the Panthers's 80-44 win on Dec. 30, it marked the 41st time in the Ben Jacobson head coaching era that the Panthers had held a team under 50 points. UNI is 40-1 in those contests.
UNI has won 33 straight games when holding the opposition to less than 50 points.
OPP. HELD UNDER 50 PTS IN JACOBSON COACHING ERA
Date Opponent Results
12/30/15 Bradley W, 80-44
3/7/15 vs. Loyola W, 63-49
(MVC Tournament)
3/6/15 vs. Bradley W, 71-46
(MVC Tournament)
2/21/15 Bradley W, 56-39
2/18/15 at Loyola W, 58-39
1/18/15 Missouri State W, 60-46
1/10/15 at Drake W, 64-40
1/7/15 Southern Illinois W, 55-39
12/20/14 vs. Iowa W, 56-44
11/26/14 vs. Northwestern W, 61-42
11/22/14 North Florida W, 66-49
1/1/14 Bradley W, 80-46
2/5/13 Missouri State W, 48-37
1/23/13 Southern Illinois W, 58-45
11/17/12 North Dakota W, 72-47
1/31/12 Southern Illinois W, 58-49
1/4/12 Indiana State W, 65-48
12/19/11 Loras W, 84-48
11/22/11 Western Carolina W, 59-39
11/12/11 Old Dominion W, 63-46
1/22/11 Drake W, 69-49
1/12/11 at Illinois State W, 46-44
12/19/10 SIU Edwardsville W, 68-47
11/16/10 Coe W, 84-45
3/6/10 vs. Bradley W, 57-40
(MVC Tournament)
3/5/10 vs. Drake W, 55-40
(MVC Tournament)
2/10/10 at Drake W, 57-48
1/16/10 vs. Indiana State W, 62-40
1/9/10 at Illinois State W, 59-44
1/6/10 at Southern Illinois W, 61-49
1/1/10 vs. Evansville W, 65-46
12/19/09 at North Dakota W, 64-41
11/28/09 vs. Northern Illinois W, 52-45
2/18/09 vs. Drake L, 47-46
12/6 /08 vs. North Dakota W, 69-49
3/7/08 vs. Southern Illinois W, 54-49
(MVC Tournament)
12/29/07 at Bradley W, 59-46
12/15/07 vs. Wartburg W, 99-48
11/27/07 at Iowa State W, 61-48
11/9/07 vs. Northern Illinois W, 75-45
12/2/06 at Bucknell W, 57-48
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.
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.
WEEKLY PRESS LUNCHEONS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly Press Luncheons held each Monday beginning at noon in the back room of Pepper's Grill and Sports Pub located on 18th Street 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 (9-5, 1-0) at Southern Illinois (12-2, 1-0) | LIVE VIDEO | LIVE AUDIO
Sat., Jan. 2, 2016 • 7 p.m. (CT)
Carbondale, Ill. • SIU Arena (8,339)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Darren Kinnard
Analyst: Mike Trude
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 (9-5, 1-0 MVC) will head to Carbondale, Ill., to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis (12-2, 1-0 MVC). Tip is set for Sat., Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. in SIU Arena.
• UNI will be looking to start 2-0 in MVC play for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
• UNI has started 2-0 in MVC play six times (1991-92, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10).
• The Panthers have won 12 of the last 16 encounters with the Salukis.
• UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 14-6 vs. SIU.
• Jacobson ranks No. 8 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 104 league coaching victories. He has compiled an MVC mark of 104-59 (.638 winning percentage).
• SIU's Barry Hinson ranks No. 5 in league history with 221 career victories, while UNI's Jacobson ranks No. 9 with 206 career triumphs.
• UNI recorded its largest margin of victory (36 points) in Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday with its 80-44 triumph over the Bradley Braves.
• UNI leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (127).
• Wes Washpun leads the MVC in assists (6.3 apg). He ranks No. 18 in the nation in assists per game.
• Jeremy Morgan is tops in the MVC in steals (2.1 spg). Morgan also ranks No. 3 in the MVC in field goal percentage (.574).
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 509 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• UNI has secured a pair of top-five wins (AP poll) this season with triumphs over No. 1 North Carolina and No. 5 Iowa State.
• UNI has registered 16 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 13 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
• 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 AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
UNI HEADS TO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS TO TAKE ON THE SALUKIS
UNI will take to the road on Saturday to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis at 7 p.m. in Carbondale, Ill.
It will mark UNI's eighth road/neutral game in its last nine games.
The Panthers have posted two road wins (North Dakota, George Mason) and two neutral victories (Iowa State, Washington State) this season.
The Panthers completed non-conference play at 8-5 overall. UNI posted two top-five wins in non-conference play with triumphs over No. 1 North Carolina (71-67) and No. 5 Iowa State (81-79).
SCOUTING SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
The Southern Illinois Salukis are off to a 12-2 start to the season and scored a 72-62 win at Loyola to open MVC play on Wednesday.
SIU's two non-conference setbacks came vs. UTEP (71-66) and at home vs. SIU-Edwardsville (76-74).
PANTHERS SLOW DOWN BEANE
Senior guard Anthony Beane is leading the way for the Salukis by scoring 20.9 points per game and shooting 48.5 percent from the field. Beane ranks second in the league in scoring.
UNI is the only MVC school to limit Beane to less than 10.0 ppg in his matchups vs. the Panthers. Beane is averaging 9.7 ppg vs. UNI in seven career games.
Beane has scored 20 or more points against each league opponent other than UNI. Beane's career-high scoring vs. UNI is 17 points.
ALL-TIME SERIES
SIU leads the all-time series vs. UNI, 31-26.
The Panthers have won 12 of the last 16 encounters with the Salukis, including a 59-52 UNI victory last season in Carbondale.
UNI is 6-20 all-time at SIU.
EARLY RPI NUMBERS
UNI is the top-rated MVC school in the NCAA's latest RPI. Three MVC schools are ranked in the top 100.
The Panthers are ranked No. 53 with the Wichita State Shockers ranked No. 54. Evansville is ranked No. 75.
PANTHERS LOOKING FOR A 2-0 START TO LEAGUE PLAY
UNI will be looking to start 2-0 in Missouri Valley Conference play for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
UNI has started 2-0 in MVC play six times (1991-92, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10).
COACH JAKE FARES WELL VS MVC'S ILLINOIS SCHOOLS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has taken full advantage of the four schools representing the state of Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference in his previous nine seasons as UNI's head coach.
His 19 wins over Bradley are the most vs. any Valley opponent he has faced.
He has an overall mark of 54-20 vs. Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley and Loyola.
Jacobson is 31-1 all-time in the McLeod Center against Southern Illinois (9-0), Illinois State (9-0), Bradley (10-1) and Loyola (3-0).
Jake Overall vs. MVC's Illinois Schools
Bradley 19-5
Illinois State 16-7
Southern Illinois 14-6
Loyola 5-2
200-PLUS WIN COACHES
Saturday's matchup at SIU Arena will feature of pair of coaches who have tallied 200 or more wins at MVC schools.
SIU's Barry Hinson ranks No. 5 in league history with 221 career victories, while UNI's Ben Jacobson ranks No. 9 with 206 career triumphs.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Henry Iba (Oklahoma State) 486
2. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 337
3. Dana Altman (Creighton) 327
4. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 221
6. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 220
7. Maury John (Drake) 211
8. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 210
9. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 206
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
Jake Ranks 8th in MVC Wins
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 8 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 104 league coaching victories.
Jacobson has compiled an MVC mark of 104-59 (.638 winning percentage).
Barry Hinson ranks No. 5 with 115 MVC victories combined at Missouri State and Southern Illinois.
MVC Coaching Wins (Conf. Games Only)
1. Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) 187
2. Dana Altman (Creighton) 182
3. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 163
4. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 115
6. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
7. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
8. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 104
9. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 101
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
UNI'S ALL-TIME LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY IN MVC PLAY
UNI recorded its largest margin of victory (36 points) in Missouri Valley Conference play on Wednesday with its 80-44 triumph over the Bradley Braves.
The previous mark of 34 points came on Jan. 1, 2014, when UNI bested Bradley, 80-46.
The 36-point win tied for the 21st-widest margin of victory in all games in UNI's program history.
UNI'S LARGEST MVC VICTORIES
36 (80-44) vs. Bradley (12/30/2015)
34 (80-46) vs. Bradley (1/1/2014)
31 (84-53) vs. Bradley (1/12/2013)
30 (85-55) vs. Drake (1/20/2013)
27 (83-56) vs. Indiana State (2/4/06)
26 (81-55) vs. Southern Illinois (2/11/09)
FOUR 500-PLUS POINT SCORERS
UNI's starting lineup features four 500-plus point collegiate scorers.
Matt Bohannon has posted 849 career points, while Wes Washpun has recorded 749 points. Paul Jesperson has tallied 562 career points and Jeremy Morgan has been credited with 553 career points.
BO KNOCKS 'EM IN FOR MVC PLAY
UNI senior guard Matt Bohannon already holds the UNI career record for most three-pointers in Missouri Valley Conference games.
Bohannon has drained 117 career three-pointers in 55 MVC games.
The previous UNI mark was set by Ben Jacobson with 113 three-pointers in MVC games only from 2002-2006.
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 first on the team in steals (29) and blocks (9). He ranks second on the team in rebounding (4.9 rpg) and fourth on the team in scoring (12.1 ppg).
He leads the MVC in steals with 29 (2.1 spg) and ranks No. 3 in the league in field goal percentage (.574).
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).
DISHING AT A RECORD PACE
Senior guard Wes Washpun is handing out assists at a record-pace this season at 6.3 assists per game, which is also tops in the Missouri Valley Conference and ranks No. 18 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.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 509 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.
13 STRAIGHT MVC HOME GAMES
UNI has won 13 consecutive Missouri Valley Conference home games dating back to the 2013-14 season.
UNI was a perfect 9-0 at home last year in league games and the Panthers won their final three home games of the 2013-14 MVC season.
UNI began league play this year at home with an 80-44 win over Bradley.
WINNING WAYS AT MCLEOD
The McLeod Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary this season and the Panthers have made winning a priority in their home venue.
UNI has posted an all-time mark of 118-29 (.802) in games played in the McLeod Center.
UNI secured a school-record 16 home wins in the 2012-13 season. The previous mark of 15 home wins was set in the 1989-90 season.
UNI has posted a trio of perfect home seasons since moving to NCAA Division I. UNI was a perfect 14-0 in both the 1983-84 and 2009-10 seasons and then UNI notched a 15-0 mark at home last season.
UNI set its home-court win streak of 21 consecutive victories between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons.
The McLeod Center opened in November 2006.
11 HOME WINS IN 8 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won 11 or more home games in the McLeod Center in eight consecutive seasons.
UNI's Home Record Since 2007-08
Year Record
2007-08 11-6
2008-09 11-4
2009-10 14-0
2010-11 13-5
2011-12 13-3
2012-13 16-4
2013-14 11-2
2014-15 15-0
2015-16 5-1
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 68.0 points per game.
In UNI's nine wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 62.0 points per game.
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 - 86 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 59 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 47 career starts
Wes Washpun - 43 career starts
Bennett Koch - 14 career starts
BO SETS CAREER 3-POINT MARK
Senior guard Matt Bohannon set UNI's all-time three-point field goals made mark against Hawaii (Dec. 22).
Bohannon has drained 214 career 3-pointers to surpass the previous record of 203 set by Ben Jacobson (2002-2006).
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 214
2. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 203
3. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 201
Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 201
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. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 551
3. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 519
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
80 OR MORE IS A GOOD SIGN - UNLESS IT'S OT
UNI is 39-5 when scoring 80 or more points in the Ben Jacobson coaching era.
Four of the five losses have occurred in overtime games.
The only time UNI has given up more than 80 points in regulation and lost under Coach Jake came in the 2013-14 season when Indiana State posted an 87-81 win over the Panthers on Feb. 1, 2014.
UNI SCORING 80+IN JACOBSON ERA
Date Opponent Results
12/30/15 Bradley W, 80-44
12/19/15 vs. Iowa State W, 81-79
11/30/15 North Texas W, 93-70
11/28/15 at North Dakota W, 97-51
11/25/15 Dubuque W, 83-63
2/11/15 Illinois State W, 83-64
12/13/14 at VCU L, 93-87 (2OT)
2/1/14 Indiana State L, 87-81
1/29/14 Evansville W, 95-81
1/25/14 at Loyola L, 93-87 (OT)
1/14/14 Missouri State W, 94-89
1/8/14 at Evansville W, 80-53
1/1/14 Bradley W, 80-46
12/28/13 Iona W, 90-78
12/7/13 vs. Iowa State L, 91-82 (OT)
11/22/13 Loyola Marymount W, 90-81
11/11/13 Coe W, 86-52
3/26/13 Bradley W, 90-77
3/2/13 Illinois State W, 80-72
1/20/13 Drake W, 85-55
1/12/13 Bradley W, 84-53
12/23/12 Saint Mary's W, 82-75
12/8/12 at George Mason W, 82-77 (OT)
11/14/12 Toledo W, 84-81 (OT)
11/10/12 Wartburg W, 103-50
1/7/12 at Drake W, 83-68
12/19/11 Loras W, 84-48
12/6/11 Iowa W, 80-60
12/3/11 Colorado State W, 83-77
3/15/11 Rider W, 84-50
2/15/11 at Bradley W, 80-70
1/9/11 Bradley W, 83-77
11/16/10 Coe W, 84-45
1/3/10 Missouri State W, 84-76
12/12/09 Siena W, 82-65
11/23/09 vs. Boston College W, 81-69
2/11/09 Southern Illinois W, 81-55
1/17/09 at Drake W, 81-59
12/28/08 Indiana State L, 85-84 (2OT)
11/25/08 Chicago State W, 81-70
12/15/07 Wartburg W, 99-48
12/20/06 Wartburg W, 83-61
12/09/06 UMKC W, 85-53
11/13/06 vs. Pepperdine W, 83-58
THE UNDER 50 CLUB
When UNI held the Bradley Braves to 44 points in the Panthers's 80-44 win on Dec. 30, it marked the 41st time in the Ben Jacobson head coaching era that the Panthers had held a team under 50 points. UNI is 40-1 in those contests.
UNI has won 33 straight games when holding the opposition to less than 50 points.
OPP. HELD UNDER 50 PTS IN JACOBSON COACHING ERA
Date Opponent Results
12/30/15 Bradley W, 80-44
3/7/15 vs. Loyola W, 63-49
(MVC Tournament)
3/6/15 vs. Bradley W, 71-46
(MVC Tournament)
2/21/15 Bradley W, 56-39
2/18/15 at Loyola W, 58-39
1/18/15 Missouri State W, 60-46
1/10/15 at Drake W, 64-40
1/7/15 Southern Illinois W, 55-39
12/20/14 vs. Iowa W, 56-44
11/26/14 vs. Northwestern W, 61-42
11/22/14 North Florida W, 66-49
1/1/14 Bradley W, 80-46
2/5/13 Missouri State W, 48-37
1/23/13 Southern Illinois W, 58-45
11/17/12 North Dakota W, 72-47
1/31/12 Southern Illinois W, 58-49
1/4/12 Indiana State W, 65-48
12/19/11 Loras W, 84-48
11/22/11 Western Carolina W, 59-39
11/12/11 Old Dominion W, 63-46
1/22/11 Drake W, 69-49
1/12/11 at Illinois State W, 46-44
12/19/10 SIU Edwardsville W, 68-47
11/16/10 Coe W, 84-45
3/6/10 vs. Bradley W, 57-40
(MVC Tournament)
3/5/10 vs. Drake W, 55-40
(MVC Tournament)
2/10/10 at Drake W, 57-48
1/16/10 vs. Indiana State W, 62-40
1/9/10 at Illinois State W, 59-44
1/6/10 at Southern Illinois W, 61-49
1/1/10 vs. Evansville W, 65-46
12/19/09 at North Dakota W, 64-41
11/28/09 vs. Northern Illinois W, 52-45
2/18/09 vs. Drake L, 47-46
12/6 /08 vs. North Dakota W, 69-49
3/7/08 vs. Southern Illinois W, 54-49
(MVC Tournament)
12/29/07 at Bradley W, 59-46
12/15/07 vs. Wartburg W, 99-48
11/27/07 at Iowa State W, 61-48
11/9/07 vs. Northern Illinois W, 75-45
12/2/06 at Bucknell W, 57-48
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.
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.
WEEKLY PRESS LUNCHEONS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly Press Luncheons held each Monday beginning at noon in the back room of Pepper's Grill and Sports Pub located on 18th Street 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
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballBen Jacobson Postgame Interview - Nov. 7, 2025.
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UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 11)
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