University of Northern Iowa Athletics

Panthers Look to Slow Down Shockers in McLeod
1/18/2016 2:11:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
Wichita State (12-5, 6-0) at UNI (10-9, 2-4) | LIVE VIDEO | LIVE AUDIO | LIVE STATS
Wed., Jan. 20, 2016 • 7 p.m. (CT)
Cedar Falls, Iowa • McLeod Center (6,650)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
Panther Sports Network/ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Brad Wells
Analyst: Kevin Lehman
Clearances: CFU Ch. 15/HD415; KCRG Ch. 9.2; WHO Ch. 13 D-2; KMEG Ch. 14 D-2, KGCW Ch. 26; CSN Chicago-PLUS
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
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 (10-9, 2-4 MVC) will look to end a two-game losing skid on Wednesday when the Panthers play host to the Wichita State Shockers (12-5, 6-0 MVC). Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center.
• UNI holds a narrow one-game lead in the all-time series vs. Wichita State, 26-25.
• Wednesday's game will feature a pair of coaches who have topped the 200-win plateau at MVC schools. Gregg Marshall ranks No. 7 in league history with 215 wins at Wichita State. Ben Jacobson ranks No. 9 with 207 wins at UNI.
• UNI shot a season-low 27.1 percent from the field in its 51-41 loss to Loyola. UNI had shot 40.0 percent or better in its previous 18 games this season.
• Bennett Koch is shooting 70.6 percent (24-of-34 FGs) from the field and averaging 10.3 points per game since starting MVC play.
• Wes Washpun leads the MVC in assists (5.4 apg).
• Jeremy Morgan is tops in the MVC in FT percentage (.828).
• Matt Bohannon leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (55). Bohannon has made three or more 3-pointers 12 times this season.
• UNI leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (164).
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 514 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 VS. WICHITA STATE
UNI LOOKS TO SNAP 2-GAME SKID BY HOSTING WICHITA STATE
UNI (10-9, 2-4 MVC) will look to end a two-game losing skid on Wednesday when the Panthers play host to the Wichita State Shockers (12-5, 6-0 MVC). Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center.
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 WICHITA STATE
The Wichita State Shockers have won seven games in a row heading into Wednesday's clash.
Overall, Wichita State has won 10 of its last 11 games - with its only loss in overtime at Seton Hall (80-76 - Dec. 19)
The Shockers are led in scoring by Ron Baker (14.9 ppg) and Fred Van Vleet (12.5 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. SHOCKERS
UNI holds a narrow one-game lead in the all-time series vs. Wichita State, 26-25.
The Shockers have won seven of the last nine meetings between the two schools.
Wichita State has a 4-5 mark in the McLeod Center - tied with Indiana State for the most wins by an opponent in UNI's home building.
UNI'S HOME MVC STREAK ENDS
UNI's 14-game home winning streak against Missouri Valley Conference foes came to an end Saturday when the Loyola Ramblers claimed a 51-41 victory in the McLeod Center.
Prior to Saturday's loss to Loyola, UNI's last home MVC loss came Feb. 8, 2014, vs. Wichita State (82-73).
The loss to Wichita State in 2014 was also the last time UNI has dropped back-to-back home games.
UNI'S LOWEST MCLEOD OUTPUT
UNI's 41-point performance against Loyola was the lowest scoring effort by the Panthers in the McLeod Center.
UNI's previous record low scoring output in the McLeod Center came in a 47-46 loss to Drake on Feb. 18, 2009.
SHOTS NOT FALLING VS LOYOLA
UNI shot a season-low 27.1 percent from the field in its 51-41 loss to Loyola (1/16). UNI had shot 40.0 percent or better in its previous 18 games this season.
It was UNI's lowest shooting percentage in 123 games. The last time UNI shot a worse percentage came when the Panthers shot 25.5 percent against the Illinois State Redbirds in the quarterfinals of 2012 MVC Tournament (March 2, 2012).
UNI's 27.1 percent shooting vs. Loyola was the lowest field goal percentage shooting game for the Panthers in the 10-year history of the McLeod Center. The previous low came when the Panthers shot 27.5 percent against SMU in the quarterfinals of the 2011 CollegeInsider.com Tournament (3/21/2011).
LOWEST FIELD GOAL % UNDER JAKE
.239 at Indiana State (1/7/2011)
.255 vs. Illinois State (3/2/2012)
.271 LOYOLA (1/16/16)
.271 at Saint Mary's (11/14/2011)
.273 at Iowa (12/7/2010)
.273 at Syracuse (11/12/2010)
.275 SMU (3/21/2011)
.290 CREIGHTON (2/8/2009)
PANTHERS HELD UNDER 50 FOR 20TH TIME IN JACOBSON ERA
UNI was limited to less than 50 points for the 20th time under head coach Ben Jacobson. UNI is 1-19 when scoring less than 50 points in the Jacobson era.
UNI has lost eight games in a row when it has failed to surpass the 50-point mark.
UNI's last win when scoring less than 50 came Jan. 12, 2011, when the Panthers notched a 46-44 win at Illinois State. Prior to the win in 2011, UNI had last 15 straight games when failing to score 50 points. On Feb. 28, 2004, UNI scored a 48-47 win at Indiana State. UNI assistant coach Erik Crawford scored the go-ahead layup with :12 left in the Hulman Center to clinch the win.
41 POINTS FOR UNI VS. LOYOLA
UNI's 41 points vs. Loyola tied for the second-lowest scoring output by UNI under Jacobson.
The Panthers were limited to 39 points at Iowa in a 51-39 setback on Dec. 7, 2010. UNI also scored 41 points in a 66-41 loss at Wichita State on Dec. 30, 2012, and 41 points in a 57-41 loss at Saint Mary's on Nov. 14, 2011.
LOWEST SCORING OUTPUTS UNDER JAKE
39 (L, 51-39) at Iowa (12/7/2010)
41 (L, 51-41) Loyola (1/15/2016)
41 (L, 66-41 at Wichita State (12/30/2012)
41 (L, 57-41) at Saint Mary's (11/14/2011)
42 (L, 54-42) vs. Illinois State (3/2/2012)
42 (L, 56-42) vs. Illinois State (3/8/2008)
43 (L, 57-43) at Virginia (12/21/2013)
43 (L, 73-43) vs. Marquette (11/28/2008)
FIRST HALF SUCCESS OF LATE
UNI has held the halftime time in each of its last four games. However, UNI has faltered in the second half dropping three of its last four outcomes.
UNI led Missouri State at the half, 28-26. The Bears then outscored the Panthers in the second half, 33-30, en route to a 59-58 win at JQH Arena.
UNI took a 41-20 halftime lead vs. Drake and then added to it in the second half in a 77-44 win in the McLeod Center.
The Panthers held a 37-30 halftime lead at Indiana State. But the Sycamores recorded a 44-23 advantage in the second half for a 74-60 win at the Hulman Center.
On Saturday, UNI took a 22-19 lead in the break vs. Loyola, only to see the Ramblers outscore the home team in the second half, 32-19, en route to a 51-41 Loyola win.
HALFTIME LEADS UNDER JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has posted a career mark of 165-38 (.813) when leading at the half.
UNI Leading at Half Under Jacobson
165-38 (.813)
UNI Trailing at Half Under Jacobson
31-73 (.298)
UNI Tied at Half Under Jacobson
11-3 (.786)
RARE DOUBLE-DIGIT HOME LOSS
Loyola recorded only the sixth double-digit victory for a road team in the 10-year history of the McLeod Center.
UNI'S DOUBLE-DIGIT MCLEOD LOSSES
18 - Wichita State 73, UNI 55 (2/11/11)
17 - Ohio 76, UNI 59 (12/20/11)
12 - Illinois-Chicago 70, UNI 58 (2/23/08)
11 - Evansville 76, UNI 65 (1/1/12)
10 - Loyola 51, UNI 41 (1/16/16)
10 - Drake 65, UNI 55 (2/16/08)
200-PLUS WINS FOR JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has tallied 206 career wins to rank No. 9 in MVC history.
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
Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 225
6. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 220
7. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 215
8. Maury John (Drake) 211
9. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 207
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
Jake Ranks 9th in MVC Wins
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 9 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 105 league coaching victories.
Jacobson has compiled an MVC mark of 105-62 (.629 winning percentage).
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) 119
6. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
7. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
8. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 106
9. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 105
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
UNI TOPS FIRST TWO MVC FOES BY WIDE MARGINS
UNI has recorded two of its three largest victory margins ever in Missouri Valley Conference play this season.
UNI scored its largest win over an MVC opponent in a 36-point triumph over Bradley on Dec. 30.
UNI tallied its third-largest margin of victory in MVC play with a 33-point win over Drake on Jan. 9.
UNI'S LARGEST MVC VICTORIES
36 (80-44) vs. Bradley (12/30/2015)
34 (80-46) vs. Bradley (1/1/2014)
33 (77-44) vs. Drake (1/9/2015)
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)
FEAST OR FAMINE IN MVC PLAY
UNI has won its two MVC games by an average of 34.5 ppg.
UNI has lost its four MVC games by an average of 6.8 ppg.
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 66.1 points per game.
In UNI's 10 wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 60.2 points per game.
FOUR 500-PLUS POINT SCORERS
UNI's starting lineup features four 500-plus point collegiate scorers.
Matt Bohannon has posted 910 career points, while Wes Washpun has recorded 815 points. Paul Jesperson has tallied 622 career points and Jeremy Morgan has been credited with 592 career points.
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 230 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.) 230
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 ATT.
1. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 601
2. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 590
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
BOHANNON PREFERS THREES
Senior guard Matt Bohannon leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (55).
Bohannon has made three or more 3-pointers in a game 12 times so far this season.
BO FOR 3 IN MVC PLAY
UNI senior guard Matt Bohannon holds the UNI career record for most three-pointers in Missouri Valley Conference games.
Bohannon has drained 133 three-pointers in 60 MVC games.
The previous UNI mark was set by Ben Jacobson with 113 three-pointers in MVC games only from 2002-2006.
KOCH'S CONTRIBUTIONS
Sophomore center Bennett Koch is shooting a league-best 70.6 percent (24-of-34 FGs) from the field and averaging 10.3 points per game since starting MVC play.
Koch tied his career-high at Indiana State with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Koch also tallied a team-best seven rebound vs. the Sycamores (1/13).
TED ON THE BOARDS
Redshirt sophomore Ted Friedman ranks second on the team with eight offensive rebounds in Missouri Valley Conference games.
JESPERSON DRAINS TRIPLES TWO AT A TIME
Senior guard Paul Jesperson has made at least two 3-pointers in 13 games this season. Jesperson ranks second on the team with 43 3-pointers.
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 (34) and blocks (10). He ranks second on the squad in rebounding (94). He ranks fourth on the team in scoring (11.0 ppg).
He leads the MVC free throw percentage (.828). He ranks No. 4 in the league in field goal percentage (.523).
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).
WASHPUN TOP 10 IN ASSISTS
Senior guard Wes Washpun has cracked the top-10 list at UNI in career assists. Washpun has dished out 312 assists at UNI.
Washpun also handed out 23 assists at Tennessee as a freshman in the 2011-12 season, giving him 335 for his collegiate career.
UNI CAREER ASSISTS
1. Dale Turner (1988-1992) 520
2. Brooks McKowen (2003-07) 425
3. Robbie Williams (1982-1986) 418
4. Mark Long (1975-1979) 387
5. Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 373
6. Chris Foster (2000-2005) 370
7. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 357
8. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-2011) 342
9. Nick Nurse (1985-1989) 340
10. Wes Washpun (2013-present) 312
WES LEADS MVC IN ASSISTS
Senior guard Wes Washpun is leading the Panthers and the Missouri Valley Conference in assists this season (5.4 apg).
Washpun was held without an assist for the first time in 21 games in UNI's 51-41 loss to Loyola. It also marked the first home game in Washpun's career that he did not record an assist - a streak that had reached 35 games in a row.
Jay Imhoff (1979-80) and Brooks McKowen (2006-07) hold the UNI single-season assist record at 5.8 assists per game.
WASHPUN NAMED TO MIDSEASON LOU HENSON AWARD WATCH LIST
The Lou Henson award mid-season watch list was announced by CollegeSportsInsider.com and UNI senior guard Wes Washpun is among the honorees.
The Lou Henson Award is presented annually to the Mid-Major player in NCAA Division I college basketball.
The award is named in honor of Lou Henson who coached 41 years. When he left the game in 2005 he was sixth all-time in career Division I wins with 779. He is the winningest coach at both Illinois and New Mexico State. He is one of only 12 coaches in the history of the game to take two schools to the Final Four.
The recipient of the 2016 award will be announced at the CollegeInsider.com Award Presentation on April 1 in Houston, site of the men's division I national championship.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 514 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.
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 - 91 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 64 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 52 career starts
Wes Washpun - 48 career starts
Bennett Koch - 19 career starts
FOUR HAVE SCORED 30 OR MORE THIS YEAR ON THE PANTHERS
Indiana State's Brenton Scott scored 30 points in the Sycamores's 74-60 win over UNI in the Hulman Center (Jan. 13) to become the fourth opposing player this year to score 30 or more against the Panthers.
30-Plus Point Scorers vs. UNI This Year
32, Anthony Beane Jr. (SIU) - Jan. 2, 2016
30, Brenton Scott (INS) - Jan. 13, 2016
30, Georges Niang (Iowa State) - Dec. 19, 2015
30 - Thomas Walkup (SFA) - Nov. 17, 2015
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.
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
Wichita State (12-5, 6-0) at UNI (10-9, 2-4) | LIVE VIDEO | LIVE AUDIO | LIVE STATS
Wed., Jan. 20, 2016 • 7 p.m. (CT)
Cedar Falls, Iowa • McLeod Center (6,650)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
Panther Sports Network/ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Brad Wells
Analyst: Kevin Lehman
Clearances: CFU Ch. 15/HD415; KCRG Ch. 9.2; WHO Ch. 13 D-2; KMEG Ch. 14 D-2, KGCW Ch. 26; CSN Chicago-PLUS
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
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 (10-9, 2-4 MVC) will look to end a two-game losing skid on Wednesday when the Panthers play host to the Wichita State Shockers (12-5, 6-0 MVC). Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center.
• UNI holds a narrow one-game lead in the all-time series vs. Wichita State, 26-25.
• Wednesday's game will feature a pair of coaches who have topped the 200-win plateau at MVC schools. Gregg Marshall ranks No. 7 in league history with 215 wins at Wichita State. Ben Jacobson ranks No. 9 with 207 wins at UNI.
• UNI shot a season-low 27.1 percent from the field in its 51-41 loss to Loyola. UNI had shot 40.0 percent or better in its previous 18 games this season.
• Bennett Koch is shooting 70.6 percent (24-of-34 FGs) from the field and averaging 10.3 points per game since starting MVC play.
• Wes Washpun leads the MVC in assists (5.4 apg).
• Jeremy Morgan is tops in the MVC in FT percentage (.828).
• Matt Bohannon leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (55). Bohannon has made three or more 3-pointers 12 times this season.
• UNI leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (164).
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 514 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 VS. WICHITA STATE
UNI LOOKS TO SNAP 2-GAME SKID BY HOSTING WICHITA STATE
UNI (10-9, 2-4 MVC) will look to end a two-game losing skid on Wednesday when the Panthers play host to the Wichita State Shockers (12-5, 6-0 MVC). Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center.
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 WICHITA STATE
The Wichita State Shockers have won seven games in a row heading into Wednesday's clash.
Overall, Wichita State has won 10 of its last 11 games - with its only loss in overtime at Seton Hall (80-76 - Dec. 19)
The Shockers are led in scoring by Ron Baker (14.9 ppg) and Fred Van Vleet (12.5 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. SHOCKERS
UNI holds a narrow one-game lead in the all-time series vs. Wichita State, 26-25.
The Shockers have won seven of the last nine meetings between the two schools.
Wichita State has a 4-5 mark in the McLeod Center - tied with Indiana State for the most wins by an opponent in UNI's home building.
UNI'S HOME MVC STREAK ENDS
UNI's 14-game home winning streak against Missouri Valley Conference foes came to an end Saturday when the Loyola Ramblers claimed a 51-41 victory in the McLeod Center.
Prior to Saturday's loss to Loyola, UNI's last home MVC loss came Feb. 8, 2014, vs. Wichita State (82-73).
The loss to Wichita State in 2014 was also the last time UNI has dropped back-to-back home games.
UNI'S LOWEST MCLEOD OUTPUT
UNI's 41-point performance against Loyola was the lowest scoring effort by the Panthers in the McLeod Center.
UNI's previous record low scoring output in the McLeod Center came in a 47-46 loss to Drake on Feb. 18, 2009.
SHOTS NOT FALLING VS LOYOLA
UNI shot a season-low 27.1 percent from the field in its 51-41 loss to Loyola (1/16). UNI had shot 40.0 percent or better in its previous 18 games this season.
It was UNI's lowest shooting percentage in 123 games. The last time UNI shot a worse percentage came when the Panthers shot 25.5 percent against the Illinois State Redbirds in the quarterfinals of 2012 MVC Tournament (March 2, 2012).
UNI's 27.1 percent shooting vs. Loyola was the lowest field goal percentage shooting game for the Panthers in the 10-year history of the McLeod Center. The previous low came when the Panthers shot 27.5 percent against SMU in the quarterfinals of the 2011 CollegeInsider.com Tournament (3/21/2011).
LOWEST FIELD GOAL % UNDER JAKE
.239 at Indiana State (1/7/2011)
.255 vs. Illinois State (3/2/2012)
.271 LOYOLA (1/16/16)
.271 at Saint Mary's (11/14/2011)
.273 at Iowa (12/7/2010)
.273 at Syracuse (11/12/2010)
.275 SMU (3/21/2011)
.290 CREIGHTON (2/8/2009)
PANTHERS HELD UNDER 50 FOR 20TH TIME IN JACOBSON ERA
UNI was limited to less than 50 points for the 20th time under head coach Ben Jacobson. UNI is 1-19 when scoring less than 50 points in the Jacobson era.
UNI has lost eight games in a row when it has failed to surpass the 50-point mark.
UNI's last win when scoring less than 50 came Jan. 12, 2011, when the Panthers notched a 46-44 win at Illinois State. Prior to the win in 2011, UNI had last 15 straight games when failing to score 50 points. On Feb. 28, 2004, UNI scored a 48-47 win at Indiana State. UNI assistant coach Erik Crawford scored the go-ahead layup with :12 left in the Hulman Center to clinch the win.
41 POINTS FOR UNI VS. LOYOLA
UNI's 41 points vs. Loyola tied for the second-lowest scoring output by UNI under Jacobson.
The Panthers were limited to 39 points at Iowa in a 51-39 setback on Dec. 7, 2010. UNI also scored 41 points in a 66-41 loss at Wichita State on Dec. 30, 2012, and 41 points in a 57-41 loss at Saint Mary's on Nov. 14, 2011.
LOWEST SCORING OUTPUTS UNDER JAKE
39 (L, 51-39) at Iowa (12/7/2010)
41 (L, 51-41) Loyola (1/15/2016)
41 (L, 66-41 at Wichita State (12/30/2012)
41 (L, 57-41) at Saint Mary's (11/14/2011)
42 (L, 54-42) vs. Illinois State (3/2/2012)
42 (L, 56-42) vs. Illinois State (3/8/2008)
43 (L, 57-43) at Virginia (12/21/2013)
43 (L, 73-43) vs. Marquette (11/28/2008)
FIRST HALF SUCCESS OF LATE
UNI has held the halftime time in each of its last four games. However, UNI has faltered in the second half dropping three of its last four outcomes.
UNI led Missouri State at the half, 28-26. The Bears then outscored the Panthers in the second half, 33-30, en route to a 59-58 win at JQH Arena.
UNI took a 41-20 halftime lead vs. Drake and then added to it in the second half in a 77-44 win in the McLeod Center.
The Panthers held a 37-30 halftime lead at Indiana State. But the Sycamores recorded a 44-23 advantage in the second half for a 74-60 win at the Hulman Center.
On Saturday, UNI took a 22-19 lead in the break vs. Loyola, only to see the Ramblers outscore the home team in the second half, 32-19, en route to a 51-41 Loyola win.
HALFTIME LEADS UNDER JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has posted a career mark of 165-38 (.813) when leading at the half.
UNI Leading at Half Under Jacobson
165-38 (.813)
UNI Trailing at Half Under Jacobson
31-73 (.298)
UNI Tied at Half Under Jacobson
11-3 (.786)
RARE DOUBLE-DIGIT HOME LOSS
Loyola recorded only the sixth double-digit victory for a road team in the 10-year history of the McLeod Center.
UNI'S DOUBLE-DIGIT MCLEOD LOSSES
18 - Wichita State 73, UNI 55 (2/11/11)
17 - Ohio 76, UNI 59 (12/20/11)
12 - Illinois-Chicago 70, UNI 58 (2/23/08)
11 - Evansville 76, UNI 65 (1/1/12)
10 - Loyola 51, UNI 41 (1/16/16)
10 - Drake 65, UNI 55 (2/16/08)
200-PLUS WINS FOR JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has tallied 206 career wins to rank No. 9 in MVC history.
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
Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 225
6. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 220
7. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 215
8. Maury John (Drake) 211
9. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 207
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
Jake Ranks 9th in MVC Wins
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 9 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 105 league coaching victories.
Jacobson has compiled an MVC mark of 105-62 (.629 winning percentage).
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) 119
6. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
7. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
8. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 106
9. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 105
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
UNI TOPS FIRST TWO MVC FOES BY WIDE MARGINS
UNI has recorded two of its three largest victory margins ever in Missouri Valley Conference play this season.
UNI scored its largest win over an MVC opponent in a 36-point triumph over Bradley on Dec. 30.
UNI tallied its third-largest margin of victory in MVC play with a 33-point win over Drake on Jan. 9.
UNI'S LARGEST MVC VICTORIES
36 (80-44) vs. Bradley (12/30/2015)
34 (80-46) vs. Bradley (1/1/2014)
33 (77-44) vs. Drake (1/9/2015)
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)
FEAST OR FAMINE IN MVC PLAY
UNI has won its two MVC games by an average of 34.5 ppg.
UNI has lost its four MVC games by an average of 6.8 ppg.
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 66.1 points per game.
In UNI's 10 wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 60.2 points per game.
FOUR 500-PLUS POINT SCORERS
UNI's starting lineup features four 500-plus point collegiate scorers.
Matt Bohannon has posted 910 career points, while Wes Washpun has recorded 815 points. Paul Jesperson has tallied 622 career points and Jeremy Morgan has been credited with 592 career points.
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 230 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.) 230
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 ATT.
1. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 601
2. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 590
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
BOHANNON PREFERS THREES
Senior guard Matt Bohannon leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (55).
Bohannon has made three or more 3-pointers in a game 12 times so far this season.
BO FOR 3 IN MVC PLAY
UNI senior guard Matt Bohannon holds the UNI career record for most three-pointers in Missouri Valley Conference games.
Bohannon has drained 133 three-pointers in 60 MVC games.
The previous UNI mark was set by Ben Jacobson with 113 three-pointers in MVC games only from 2002-2006.
KOCH'S CONTRIBUTIONS
Sophomore center Bennett Koch is shooting a league-best 70.6 percent (24-of-34 FGs) from the field and averaging 10.3 points per game since starting MVC play.
Koch tied his career-high at Indiana State with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Koch also tallied a team-best seven rebound vs. the Sycamores (1/13).
TED ON THE BOARDS
Redshirt sophomore Ted Friedman ranks second on the team with eight offensive rebounds in Missouri Valley Conference games.
JESPERSON DRAINS TRIPLES TWO AT A TIME
Senior guard Paul Jesperson has made at least two 3-pointers in 13 games this season. Jesperson ranks second on the team with 43 3-pointers.
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 (34) and blocks (10). He ranks second on the squad in rebounding (94). He ranks fourth on the team in scoring (11.0 ppg).
He leads the MVC free throw percentage (.828). He ranks No. 4 in the league in field goal percentage (.523).
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).
WASHPUN TOP 10 IN ASSISTS
Senior guard Wes Washpun has cracked the top-10 list at UNI in career assists. Washpun has dished out 312 assists at UNI.
Washpun also handed out 23 assists at Tennessee as a freshman in the 2011-12 season, giving him 335 for his collegiate career.
UNI CAREER ASSISTS
1. Dale Turner (1988-1992) 520
2. Brooks McKowen (2003-07) 425
3. Robbie Williams (1982-1986) 418
4. Mark Long (1975-1979) 387
5. Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 373
6. Chris Foster (2000-2005) 370
7. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 357
8. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-2011) 342
9. Nick Nurse (1985-1989) 340
10. Wes Washpun (2013-present) 312
WES LEADS MVC IN ASSISTS
Senior guard Wes Washpun is leading the Panthers and the Missouri Valley Conference in assists this season (5.4 apg).
Washpun was held without an assist for the first time in 21 games in UNI's 51-41 loss to Loyola. It also marked the first home game in Washpun's career that he did not record an assist - a streak that had reached 35 games in a row.
Jay Imhoff (1979-80) and Brooks McKowen (2006-07) hold the UNI single-season assist record at 5.8 assists per game.
WASHPUN NAMED TO MIDSEASON LOU HENSON AWARD WATCH LIST
The Lou Henson award mid-season watch list was announced by CollegeSportsInsider.com and UNI senior guard Wes Washpun is among the honorees.
The Lou Henson Award is presented annually to the Mid-Major player in NCAA Division I college basketball.
The award is named in honor of Lou Henson who coached 41 years. When he left the game in 2005 he was sixth all-time in career Division I wins with 779. He is the winningest coach at both Illinois and New Mexico State. He is one of only 12 coaches in the history of the game to take two schools to the Final Four.
The recipient of the 2016 award will be announced at the CollegeInsider.com Award Presentation on April 1 in Houston, site of the men's division I national championship.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 514 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.
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 - 91 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 64 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 52 career starts
Wes Washpun - 48 career starts
Bennett Koch - 19 career starts
FOUR HAVE SCORED 30 OR MORE THIS YEAR ON THE PANTHERS
Indiana State's Brenton Scott scored 30 points in the Sycamores's 74-60 win over UNI in the Hulman Center (Jan. 13) to become the fourth opposing player this year to score 30 or more against the Panthers.
30-Plus Point Scorers vs. UNI This Year
32, Anthony Beane Jr. (SIU) - Jan. 2, 2016
30, Brenton Scott (INS) - Jan. 13, 2016
30, Georges Niang (Iowa State) - Dec. 19, 2015
30 - Thomas Walkup (SFA) - Nov. 17, 2015
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.
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
UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 13)
Wednesday, November 12
Ben Jacobson Postgame Interview - Nov. 10, 2025.
Tuesday, November 11
Tristan Smith & Leon Bond III Postgame Interview - Nov. 9, 2025.
Sunday, November 09
Ben Jacobson Postgame Interview - Nov. 7, 2025.
Friday, November 07



















