University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Friday, March 18
Oklahoma City, Okla.
8:50 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
vs
Texas
UNI to Face Texas in NCAA First Round in OKC
3/13/2016 6:40:00 PM | Men's Basketball
2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Bracket (PDF)
UNI MBB Notes vs. Texas (PDF)
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team has drawn the University of Texas Longhorns in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. The game will be played Friday at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla. Tip is set for approximately 8:50 p.m. (CT) and the game will be broadcast live on TBS.
It will be the first meeting between UNI and Texas. Although head coaches Ben Jacobson and Shaka Smart have met three times previously when Smart coached at VCU.
UNI earned its eighth NCAA appearance and seventh trip to the NCAA Tournament in the last 13 years by winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament last weekend. UNI will enter the 2016 NCAA Tournament with an overall record of 22-12. The Longhorns enter the tournament with a mark of 20-12.
The winner of the UNI-Texas game will play the winner of the Texas A&M-Green Bay winner on Sunday.
NEWS/NOTES - UNI IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
#11 UNI (22-12) vs. #6 Texas (20-12)
Fri., March 18, 2016 • 8:50 p.m. (CT)
Oklahoma City, Okla. • Chesapeake Arena (17,367)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
TBS
Play-by-Play: Carter Blackburn
Analyst: Mike Gminski
Sideline: Jaime Maggio
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship - NewsTalk 1540-AM KXEL
Live Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
OPENING TIP
• UNI (22-12, 11-7 MVC) will take on the Texas Longhorns (20-12, 11-7 Big 12) in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla.
• The UNI-Texas game on Friday will be broadcast on TBS. Tip is set for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Green Bay-Texas A&M game set to start at 6:20 p.m. (CT).
• UNI is making its eighth NCAA Tournament appearance. It is making its seventh trip to the NCAAs in the last 13 years - the most in the MVC over that time span.
• The Panthers have recorded four victories in their previous seven trips to the NCAA Tournament.
• UNI has won six straight games and the Panthers are 12-1 in their last 13 games. UNI's six-game win streak is tied for the ninth-longest current win streak in the nation.
• UNI owns a mark of 8-3 against Top-100 RPI opponents.
• UNI is 3-0 against foes ranked in the AP Top 25 this season with victories over No. 1 North Carolina (71-67), No. 5 Iowa State (81-79) and No. 25 Wichita State (53-50).
• The Panthers became the seventh team to win back-to-back MVC Tournament titles. UNI also won consecutive MVC tourney crowns in 2009 and 2010.
• Wes Washpun was named the MVC Tournament's Most Outstanding Player after he averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 51.4 percent from the field in three games.
• UNI ranks No. 2 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (15.1).
• UNI ranks No. 8 in the country in fewest turnovers per game (9.8).
• UNI is 21-4 when holding the opposition to 70 points or less.
• Junior guard Jeremy Morgan is the only player in the Missouri Valley Conference to lead his team in rebounding, steals and blocks.
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 529 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.
TV INFO FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT
The UNI-Texas game on Friday will be broadcast on TBS. Tip is set for just 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Green Bay-Texas A&M game set to start at 6:20 p.m. (CT) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Carter Blackburn (play-by-play), Mike Gminski (analyst) and Jaime Maggio (sideline) will call the contest for TBS.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. TEXAS
It will mark the first meeting between UNI and Texas.
However, it will be the fourth meeting between head coaches Ben Jacobson and Shaka Smart. Jacobson faced Smart three times when Smart served as the VCU head coach. Smart is 2-1 vs. Jacobson.
SCOUTING REPORT ON TEXAS
Texas and UNI each recorded wins this season over North Carolina and Iowa State.
The Longhorns went 11-7 in Big 12 action and lost in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament to Baylor, 75-61.
Texas is lead in scoring by Isaiah Taylor (14.8 ppg), Cameron Ridley (11.8 ppg) and Javan Felix (10.6 ppg).
NOT SO NEUTRAL
UNI is 5-1 on neutral floors this season, while Texas is 1-4 in neutral games.
8TH OVERALL NCAA APPEARANCE FOR UNI PANTHERS
UNI will be making its eighth NCAA Tournament appearance.
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
2016 - #11 UNI vs. #6 Texas
7TH NCAA TOURN. SINCE 2004
The Panthers earned their seventh NCAA appearance since the 2004 season. The seven appearances since 2004 is the most of any member of the MVC in that time frame.
Wichita State has appeared in six NCAA Tournaments since 2004, to rank second in the MVC behind the Panthers.
MVC'S NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Wichita St. (6) - 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Creighton (4) - 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
UNI'S SEED HISTORY IN NCAAs
UNI was awarded a No. 11 seed for the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
UNI's highest seed (No. 5) came in the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
UNI's Seeds in the NCAA Tournament
1990 - #14 vs. #3 Missouri
2004 - #14 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - #11 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - #10 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - #12 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - #9 vs. #8 UNLV
2015 - #5 vs. #12 Wyoming
2016 - #11 vs. #6 Texas
THIRD TRIP TO OKLAHOMA CITY
UNI will be making its third trip to Oklahoma City to play in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI played its 2005 NCAA Tournament game vs. Wisconsin in OKC.
UNI returned to OKC to for the 2010 NCAA Tournament and registered victories over UNLV and Kansas.
AUTOMATIC
UNI earned the MVC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament after capturing the tournament title with wins over Southern Illinois (66-60), Wichita State (57-52 OT) and Evansville (56-54).
It's the sixth time in eight appearances that UNI will use an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
UNI used automatic bids to reach the NCAA Tournament in 1990 (Mid-Continent Tournament Champions), 2004 (MVC Tournament Champions), 2009 (MVC Tournament Champions), 2010 (MVC Tournament Champions), 2015 (MVC Tournament Champions) and 2016 MVC Tournament Champions).
The Panthers were an at-large selection in both the 2005 and 2006 NCAA Tournaments.
UNI VS. TEAMS IN THE FIELD OF 68
UNI has recorded five wins this season over teams in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
UNI picked up wins over Stephen F. Austin (W, 70-60), North Carolina (W, 71-67), Iowa State (W, 81-79), Wichita State (W, 53-50; W, 57-52 OT).
UNI also lost a pair of games to teams in the field 68 - at Hawaii (L, 68-52) and vs. Wichita State (L, 74-55).
PERFECT VS AP RANKED FOES
UNI is 3-0 against foes ranked in the AP Top 25 this season with victories over No. 1 North Carolina (71-67), No. 5 Iowa State (81-79) and No. 25 Wichita State (53-50).
6-GAME WIN STREAKS OR MORE FOR COACH JACOBSON
It marks the 12th time in head coach Ben Jacobson's tenure at UNI that he has led the Panthers on a six-game winning streak.
Overall Winning Streaks Under Jake
16 - 2014-15
15 - 2009-10
11 - 2008-09
9 - 2011-12
9 - 2014-15
8 - 2010-11
6 - 2006-07
6 - 2009-10 (twice)
6 - 2012-13
6 - 2015-16 (twice)
LOOKING FOR SEVEN STRAIGHT
UNI is riding a six-game winning streak this season, and the Panthers are also in the midst of a six-game winning streak at Scottrade Center.
UNI's six-game winning streak is tied for its longest win streak of the season.
It also ranks as tied for the ninth-longest current win streak in the nation.
UNI will head to the 2016 NCAA Tournament looking to run its win streak to seven in a row.
It would mark the 24th time in UNI's history that the Panthers have strung together seven consecutive victories.
JAKE IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 3-3 in the NCAA Tournament in his six NCAA tournament games with the Panthers
Jacobson's teams have not allowed more than 70 points in an NCAA Tournament game.
The Panthers are 3-0 when scoring more 60 points for Jacobson in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers scored 69 points in Jacobson's first two NCAA Tournament wins in 2010 over UNLV and Kansas. UNI toppled Wyoming last season, 71-54.
AMONG THE BEST NATIONALLY
UNI ranks No. 2 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (15.1).
UNI ranks No. 8 in the country in fewest turnovers per game (9.8).
UNI VS. RANKED TEAMS
Since the 1979-80 season, UNI is 17-34 vs. ranked foes.
UNI has registered 17 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 14 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
UNI has three neutral-court wins over ranked foes, with two of those coming in 1990 and 2010 NCAA tournaments.
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 has posted a mark of 3-2 in its last five matchups against top-five ranked foes.
UNI vs. Ranked Opponents (since 1979-80)
#25 Wichita State W, 53-50 (A) - 2/13/16
#5 Iowa State W, 81-79 (N) - 12/19/15
#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
17-34 12-6 2-16 3-12
IT WAS TIGHT IN ST. LOUIS
UNI emerged victorious in all three of its MVC Tournament games despite each game being tied in the final minute of regulation.
UNI and Southern Illinois were tied at 58-58, before Wes Washpun made a layup with :47.5 left. UNI would win, 66-60.
The Panthers and Shockers were tied at 47-47 following a layup from Wyatt Lohaus to tied it up with 1:57 left in regulation. UNI would go on to win in overtime, 57-52.
UNI and Evansville were knotted up at 52-52 before Washpun put UNI back on top 54-52 with :50.5 left. UE's D.J. Balentine tied it back up at 54-54 on a putback with :24.9 left. Washpun then put the finishing touches on the championship with an 18-foot buzzer-beating jump shot to give UNI the title, 56-54.
MVC TOURNAMENT'S MOST
OUTSTANDING PLAYER
UNI senior guard Was Washpun was named the Missouri Valley Conference tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
Washpun averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 51.4 percent from the field in leading UNI to three victories over 20-win teams.
Washpun scored 11 points including the go-ahead layup with :47.9 seconds left in UNI's 66-60 win over Southern Illinois in the quarterfinal.
The Cedar Rapids native poured in 20 points, which included four in overtime, as UNI downed Wichita State, 57-52.
Washpun drained the game-winning 18-foot buzzer-beating jumpshot to clinch the MVC title over Evansville, 56-54. Washpun scored nine of UNI's final 12 points in the closing 7:09.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Washpun was joined on the MVC All-Tournament team by Jeremy Morgan and Klint Carlson.
Morgan averaged 12.7 points per game and was 8-of-14 from three-point range in the tournament. Morgan scored 12 second-half points en route to an 18-point effort against SIU in the quarterfinal. Morgan drained a clutch three-pointer in overtime vs. Wichita State with 1:15 left to give UNI a 55-52 lead. Morgan finished the tourney with a 14-point performance and a career-high four 3-pointers against Evansville.
Carlson averaged 11.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game. He scored a career-high 17 points in the MVC title game win over Evansville. Carlson scored nine points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds in UNI's 57-52 overtime win over Wichita State.
20-WIN SEASONS
With its 66-60 victory over Southern Illinois, UNI earned the 12th 20-win season in program history.
Ten of those 20-win seasons have come since the 2003-04 season.
UNI's 20-Win Seasons
1963-64 - 23-4
1989-90 - 23-9
2003-04 - 21-10
2004-05 - 21-11
2005-06 - 23-10
2008-09 - 23-11
2009-10 - 30-5
2010-11 - 20-14
2011-12 - 20-14
2012-13 - 21-15
2014-15 - 31-4
2015-16 - 22-12
FIFTH MVC TOURNEY TITLE
UNI moved to 5-1 all-time in MVC Tournament title games.
The Panthers have won five straight MVC tourney championship contests.
UNI is tied with Southern Illinois for second all-time in the league with five postseason crowns. Creighton holds the MVC record for tourney titles with 12.
UNI's Results in MVC Championship
1994 - Southern Illinois 77, UNI 74
2004 - UNI 79, UNI 74 (2 OT)
2009 - UNI 60, Illinois State 57 (OT)
2010 - UNI 67, Wichita State 52
2015 - UNI 69, Illinois State 60
2016 - UNI 56, Evansville 54
ALL-TIME IN MVC TOURNEY
UNI has posted a record of 22-19 all-time in the MVC Tournament.
UNI has captured five MVC Tournament titles since joining the league in the 1991-92 season. UNI won the MVC Tournament in 2004, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2016.
The Panthers have reached the MVC Tournament championship on six occasions. The Panthers reached the final game in 1994 (lost to Southern Illinois), 2004 (beat Missouri State), 2009 (beat Illinois State), 2010 (beat Wichita State), 2015 (beat Illinois State) and 2016 (beat Evansville).
BACK TO BACK TITLES
UNI become the seventh league team to win back-to-back MVC Tournament titles. Creighton was the last MVC school to win back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
UNI won consecutive MVC Tournament titles in 2009 and 2010.
WASHPUN'S 20 POINT-GAME LIFTED UNI TO TITLE GAME
UNI senior guard Wes Washpun tallied his sixth career 20-point scoring game in leading the Panthers to a 57-52 overtime win over Wichita State in the MVC tourney semifinal.
Active 20-Plus Point Scoring Games
Wes Washpun (6)
Matt Bohannon (3)
Paul Jesperson (3)
Jeremy Morgan (2)
Bennett Koch (1)
COACH JAKE IN MVC TOURNEY
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has posted an 13-6 mark in the MVC Tournament since taking over the head job in the 2006-07 season.
Jacobson ranks fifth in league history with 13 MVC Tournament victories.
Dana Altman (Creighton) holds the all-time MVC Tournament wins mark with 21.
Overall 13-6
MVC Quarterfinals 5-5
MVC Semifinals 4-1
MVC Championship 4-0
COACHING TITLES
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks second in MVC history with four tournament titles. He is a perfect 4-0 in MVC title games.
Dana Altman (Creighton) holds the league record with six MVC Tournament crowns. Altman was 6-0 in MVC title games.
PANTHERS IN MVC TOURNEY SINCE '01
UNI has a 18-10 record (with four titles) at the MVC Tournament since Ben Jacobson arrived on staff in 2001-02.
Prior to that, UNI owned a 4-9 mark all-time (with no titles) at the Valley Tournament.
DEFENSIVE IN ST. LOUIS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson's teams average 59.8 points a contest in St. Louis while holding opponents to 55.2 points a game.
The Panthers have scored more than 70 points three times (73 vs. Indiana State in 2009; 76 vs. Bradley in 2009; 71 vs. Bradley in 2015) in St. Louis.
The Panthers have allowed more than 70 points once (73 vs. Illinois State in 2013) in that span.
Both teams have not scored more than 70 points in any of Jacobson's 19 MVC Tournament games.
UNI is 21-4 this season when holding to opposition 70 points or less.
TWO WINS OVER WICHITA STATE IN SAME SEASON
UNI recorded two victories over the Wichita State Shockers this season becoming the first MVC team to defeat them twice in the same season since Creighton performed the feat in the 2012-13 season.
Creighton won the MVC Tournament title in 2013 by defeating the Shockers in the championship game.
The last time UNI defeated Wichita State twice in the same season came in the 2009-10 season. The second Panther victory that season over the Shockers came in the 2010 MVC Tournament championship game.
WORKIN' OVERTIME
UNI played its first overtime game of the 2015-16 season in the MVC Tournament semifinal vs. Wichita State. UNI defeated the Shockers, 57-52.
It was the 16th overtime game for head coach Ben Jacobson. He is 9-7 in overtime games.
UNI's Overtime Games Since 2006
L, 67-64 at Illinois State (1/9/07)
W, 64-60 at UMKC (12/19/07)
W, 77-75 vs. Wichita State (2/13/08)
L, 71-66 vs. Iowa State (12/3/08)
L, 85-84 vs. Indiana State (12/28/08)
W, 69-67 at Illinois State (2/24/09)
W, 60-57 vs. Illinois State (3/8/09)
W, 84-81 vs. Toledo (11/14/12)
W, 82-77 at George Mason (12/8/12)
L, 54-51 at Evansville (1/29/13)
L, 91-82 vs. Iowa State (12/7/13)
L, 93-87 at Loyola (1/25/14)
W, 79-77 at Stephen F. Austin (11/18/14)
W, 71-65 vs. George Mason (12/6/14)
L, 93-87 at VCU (12/13/14)
W, 57-52 vs. Wichita State (3/5/16)
UNI'S 5TH OT GAME IN MVC TOURNEY ACTION
It marked the fifth time that UNI had played an overtime game in MVC Tournament play.
UNI is 3-2 in overtime games in MVC tourney action.
UNI's Overtime Games in MVC Tourney
1999 - Wichita State 74, UNI 72 (OT)
2004 - UNI 79, Missouri State 74 (2OT)
2006 - Southern Illinois 55, UNI 46 (OT)
2009 - UNI 60, Illinois State 57 (OT)
2016 - UNI 57, Wichita State 52 (OT)
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI recorded its 13th straight season finishing in the upper half of the Missouri Valley Conference. It is the longest active streak in the league.
Prior to the 2003-04 season, when the current streak began, UNI had finished in the top half of the MVC on two occasions (1993-94 - 5th, 1996-97 - 4th) since joining the league in 1991-92.
9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI has won nine or more MVC games in 13 consecutive seasons - the longest active streak in the league.
Wichita State has the second longest active streak at seven.
UNI in the MVC Since 2003-04
2003-04 - 12-6 (T-2nd)
2004-05 - 11-7 (T-3rd)
2005-06 - 11-7 (T-5th)
2006-07 - 9-9 (5th)
2007-08 - 9-9 (T-5th)
2008-09 - 14-4 (T-1st)
2009-10 - 15-3 (1st)
2010-11 - 10-8 (T-4th)
2011-12 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
2012-13 - 11-7 (3rd)
2013-14 - 10-8 (3rd)
2014-15 - 16-2 (2nd)
2015-16 - 11-7 (T-4th)
TOP 4 IN EIGHT STRAIGHT YEARS
UNI has finished in the top four of the MVC standings in eight consecutive seasons.
70 IS THE BAROMETER
UNI has held its last 13 opponents to less than 70 points.
UNI is 21-4 this season when holding the opposition to 70 points or less.
The Panthers are 1-8 when the opposition scores 71 points or more.
UNI's only win this season when the opponent scored more than 70 came in the Panthers's 81-79 win over No. 5 Iowa State at Wells Fargo Arena.
MAKING HAY AT THE LINE
UNI is shooting an MVC-best 75.3 percent (77.8 percent in MVC play) as a team at the free throw line.
Seven of UNI's eight players, that have played in every game, are shooting 70.0 percent or higher this season.
UNI's single-season team record for free throw percentage is 76.9 percent set in the 1986-87 season under head coach Eldon Miller.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON FREE THROW %
1. .769 (390-507) 1986-87
2. .762 (461-605) 2010-11
3. .758 (489-645) 2009-10
4. .757 (464-613) 2012-13
5. .7534 (541-718) 2008-09
6. .7529 (314-417) 1998-99
7. .7526 (432-574) 2015-16
8. .745 (391-525) 1990-91
9. .741 (347-468) 1985-86
10. .738 (4778-648) 2002-03
PANTHERS FILL IT UP FROM DEEP
UNI has drained an MVC-best 278 three-pointers in 2015-16.
The 278 made 3-pointers ranks as the second-most made 3-pointers in a single season in UNI's history.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON 3-POINTERS MADE
1. 280 (2012-13)
2. 278 (2015-16)
3. 267 (2011-12)
4. 266 (2014-15)
5. 264 (2013-14)
6. 250 (2010-11)
7. 233 (2009-10)
8. 226 (2004-05)
9. 223 (2003-04)
10. 219 (2005-06)
4TH-MOST POINTS IN A SEASON
UNI has scored 2,312 points this season to rank as the fourth-most points scored in single-season in the program's history.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON POINTS SCORED
1. 2,493 (1989-90)
2. 2,400 (2012-13)
3. 2,382 (1988-89)
4. 2,312 (2015-16)
5. 2,311 (2004-05)
6. 2,290 (2008-09)
7. 2,281 (2014-15)
8. 2,256 (2013-14)
9. 2,216 (2009-10)
2,216 (2011-12)
MORGAN PROVES HIS ALL-AROUND TALENTS
Junior guard Jeremy Morgan is the only player in the Missouri Valley Conference to lead his team in rebounding, steals and blocks.
He is looking to become the fourth UNI Panther to lead the team in rebounding, steals and blocks (Randy Blocker - 1993-94; Grant Stout - 2004-05; Seth Tuttle - 2014-15).
Morgan ranks first on the Panthers in rebounds (174), steals (66) and blocks (29). He ranks fourth on the team in scoring (10.4 ppg).
Morgan leads the MVC in steals per game (1.9).
He recorded a career-high seven steals at Bradley (1/27). The seven steals is the most by a UNI Panther in a Missouri Valley Conference game since Andy Woodley tallied eight steals vs. Southern Illinois (2/17/01).
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).
UNI SINGLE-GAME STEALS
1. Cam Johnson (12/19/92 vs. St. Bonaventure 9
2. Andy Woodley (2/17/01) vs. SIU 8
3. Jeremy Morgan (1/27/16) at Bradley 7
MORGAN HAS THE 4TH-MOST STEALS IN A SINGLE-SEASON
Jeremy Morgan has tallied 66 steals to rank as the fourth-most steals in a single season in program history.
His 66 steals ranks No. 22 in the nation in total steals.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON STEALS
1. Brent Carmichael (1982-83) 100
2. Brent Carmichael (1981-82) 80
Andy Woodley (2000-01) 80
4. Jeremy Morgan (2015-16) 66
5. Cam Johnson (1992-93) 58
6. Brian Carpenter (1995-96) 54
7. Nick Nurse (1987-88) 53
8. Ben Jacobson (2005-06) 51
9. Jason Daisy (1996-97) 49
Randy Blocker (1993-94) 49
MORGAN JOINS TOP-10 BLOCKED SHOTS LIST
Jeremy Morgan has tallied 63 career blocks to rank as the 10th-most blocks in UNI's history.
UNI CAREER BLOCKS
1. Grant Stout (2003-2007) 222
2. Jake Koch (2009-2013) 123
3. Jordan Eglseder (2006-2010) 120
4. Sean Hawkins (1994-1998) 118
5. Eric Coleman (2004-2008) 115
6. Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 95
7. Jason Sims (1992-1996) 90
8. Scott Stafford (1984-1985) 85
9. Steve Phyfe (1988-1990) 66
10. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 63
WES LEADS UNI IN ASSISTS
Wes Washpun is leading the UNI Panthers in assists (5.2 apg). He ranks second in the MVC in assists.
Washpun currently ranks No. 2 on UNI's single-season list with 177 assists, which also ranks as the 24th-best total in the country this season.
Jay Imhoff (1979-80) and Brooks McKowen (2006-07) hold the UNI single-season assist record at 5.8 assists per game.
Brooks McKowen set the school-record for assists in a season with 179 in the 2006-2007 season.
UNI SINGLE SEASON ASSISTS
1. Brooks McKowen (2006-2007) 179
2. Wes Washpun (2015-2016) 177
3. Dale Turner (1989-1990) 152
4. Dale Turner (1990-1991) 146
5. Robbie Williams (1983-1984) 144
6. Jay Imhoff (1979-1980) 140
7. Robbie Williams (1985-1986) 129
8. Dale Turner (1988-1989) 128
9. Brent Carmichael (1984-1985) 126
Deon Mitchell (2012-2013) 126
WASHPUN TOP 10 IN CAREER ASSISTS
Senior guard Wes Washpun has moved up to No. 5 at UNI in career assists. Washpun has dished out 386 assists.
Washpun also handed out 23 assists at Tennessee as a freshman in the 2011-12 season, giving him 409 for his collegiate career.
UNI CAREER ASSISTS
1. Dale Turner (1988-1992) 520
2. Brooks McKowen (2003-2007) 425
3. Robbie Williams (1982-1986) 418
4. Mark Long (1975-1979) 387
5. Wes Washpun (2013-present) 386
6. Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 373
7. Chris Foster (2000-2005) 370
8. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 357
9. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-2011) 342
10. Nick Nurse (1985-1989) 340
TWO 1,000-POINT SCORERS
Senior guard Wes Washpun become the second UNI player this year and 40th overall to reach the 1,000-Point Club for the Panthers.
Washpun joined fellow senior Matt Bohannon over the 1,000-point mark in the championship game of the MVC Tournament.
Earlier this year, Bohannon surpassed the 1,000-point mark vs. Missouri State (Feb. 10).
Washpun is the 15th Panther to join the 1,000-point club since the start of the 2001-02 season - the first season that Ben Jacobson joined the coaching staff as an assistant. Jacobson took over the head job in the 2006-07 season.
1,000-Point Scorers Since 2001
Ben Jacobson (2003-06) 1,787 pts.
Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 1,747 pts.
Eric Coleman (2005-08) 1,522 pts.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 1,329 pts.
Anthony James (2008-2013) 1,305 pts.
Grant Stout (2004-07) 1,232 pts.
Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 1,200 pts.
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186 pts.
David Gruber (2002-04) 1,116 pts.
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113 pts.
Matt Bohannon (2011-pres.) 1,078 pts.
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066 pts.
Johnny Moran (2008-12) 1,048 pts.
Chris Foster (2000-05) 1,027 pts.
Wes Washpun (2013-pres.) 1,009 pts.
BOHANNON UP TO #3 ON GAMES PLAYED LIST AT UNI
Senior guard Matt Bohannon has played in 136 career games, which moves him into a tie for No. 3 at UNI in games played with Seth Tuttle (2011-2015).
UNI CAREER GAMES PLAYED
1. Marc Sonnen (2009-2013) 139
2. Jake Koch (2008-2013) 138
3. Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 136
Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 136
5. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 135
Chip Rank (2010-2014) 135
Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 135
8. Kwadzo Ahlegbe (2006-2011) 133
9. Adam Koch (2006-2010) 132
10. Eric Coleman (2004-2008) 128
Anthony James (2008-2013) 128
BOHANNON TIED FOR 8TH
IN CAREER STARTS AT UNI
UNI senior guard Matt Bohannon has started 107 career games for the Panthers, which ranks tied for eighth on the school's all-time list.
UNI CAREER GAMES STARTED
1. Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 136
2. Johnny Moran (2008-2012) 135
3. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 120
4. Brooks McKowen (2003-2007) 117
5. Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 115
6. Eric Coleman (2004-2008) 114
7. Cedrick McCullough (1988-1992) 109
8. Randy Kraayenbrink (1982-1986) 107
Dale Turner (1988-1992) 107
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-2011) 107
Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 107
BO SETS CAREER 3-PT MARK
Senior guard Matt Bohannon set UNI's all-time three-point field goals made mark against Hawaii (Dec. 22).
Bohannon has drained 266 career 3-pointers to surpass the previous record of 203 set by Ben Jacobson (2002-2006).
Bohannon has also set the UNI record for career three-point field goal attempts with 681. Bohannon surpassed Johnny Moran's mark of 601 career three-point attempts set from 2008-2012.
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 266
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. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 681
2. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 601
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
BO MOVES UP MVC 3-PT. LIST
Matt Bohannon has moved up to a tie for No. 7 on the MVC's all-time 3-pointers made chart with 266 triples with Missouri State's Johnny Murdock.
Bohannon ranks No. 18 in the nation among active leaders in three-pointers made.
MVC CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Kyle Korver (Creighton) 371
2. Shane Hawkins (SIU) 314
3. Jason Holsinger (UE) 284
4. Michael Menser (INS) 283
5. Osiris Eldridge (ILS) 278
6. Blake Ahern (MSU) 276
7. Johnny Murdock (MSU) 266
Matt Bohannon (UNI) 266
9. D.J. Balentine (UE) 263
10. Jeremy Crouch (Bradley) 262
Colt Ryan (UE) 262
12. Josh Young (Drake) 255
13. Kevin Ault (MSU) 254
14. Marcus Wilson (UE) 250
15. Kent Williams (SIU) 249
16. Randy Burns (WSU) 248
17. Ryan Sears (Creighton) 245
18. Luke McDonald (Drake) 241
19. Klayton Korver (Drake) 241
20. Kyle Weems (MSU) 240
BOHANNON PREFERS THREES
Senior guard Matt Bohannon leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (91).
Bohannon's 91 three-pointers made this year ranks him No. 2 on UNI's single-season list.
Bohannon also ranks No. 35 in the country in three-pointers made.
Bohannon has made three or more 3-pointers in a game 20 times this season.
UNI 3-POINTERS MADE - SEASON
1. Marc Sonnen (2012-2013) 96
2. Matt Bohannon (2015-2016) 91
3. Erik Smith (2001-2002) 79
4. Ali Farokhmanesh (2009-2010) 77
Matt Bohannon (2013-2014) 77
6. Ali Farokhmanesh (2008-2009) 75
Paul Jesperson (2015-2016) 75
8. Cam Johnson (1993-1994) 73
9. Nick Nurse (1987-1988) 72
10. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 71
HOTTER AWAY FROM HOME
Senior guard Paul Jesperson is scoring nearly five points more per game on the road than at home, while also shooting a higher percentage away from the McLeod Center.
In 14 road games, Jesperson is scoring 13.4 points per game while shooting 46.7 percent from 3-point land (43-of-92).
In 14 home games, Jesperson is scoring 8.6 points per game while shooting 29.4 percent from 3-point range (20-of-68).
PAUL NETS 500 AS A PANTHER
Senior guard Paul Jesperson become the 100th UNI men's basketball player to score 500 or more points for the Panthers.
Jesperson has tallied 568 points in 69 career games for the Panthers.
He has scored 764 points in his collegiate career. He posted 196 points at Virginia before transferring to UNI.
JESPERSON DRAINS TRIPLES TWO AT A TIME
Senior guard Paul Jesperson has made at least two 3-pointers in 21 games this season. Jesperson ranks second on the team with 75 3-pointers.
HALFTIME LEADS UNDER JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has posted a career mark of 175-38 (.822) when leading at the half.
UNI Leading at Half Under Jacobson
175-38 (.822)
UNI Trailing at Half Under Jacobson
32-75 (.299)
UNI Tied at Half Under Jacobson
12-4 (.750)
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 529 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.
FOUR 700-POINT SCORERS
UNI's starting lineup features four 700-plus point collegiate scorers.
Matt Bohannon has posted 1,078 career points, while Wes Washpun has recorded 1,025 points. Paul Jesperson has tallied 764 career points and Jeremy Morgan has been credited with 736 career points.
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 - 106 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 79 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 67 career starts
Wes Washpun - 63 career starts
Bennett Koch - 34 career starts
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 62.9 points per game.
In UNI's 22 wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 58.0 points per game.
200-PLUS WINS FOR JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has tallied 219 career wins to rank No. 8 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. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 231
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 228
6. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
7. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 221
8. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 219
9. Maury John (Drake) 211
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
Jake Ranks 7th in MVC Wins
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 7 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 114 league coaching victories.
Jacobson has compiled an MVC mark of 114-65 (.637 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) 125
6. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 117
7. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 114
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
UNI scored a trio of season sweeps this season over Bradley, Drake and Evansville.
UNI has swept an MVC opponent 35 times since the start of the 2006-07 season - Ben Jacobson's first year as the Panther head coach.
MVC Season Sweeps Under Coach Jacobson
Bradley (6) - 06-07, 08-09, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16
Creighton (1) - 09-10
Drake (5) - 09-10, 11-12, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16
Evansville (5) - 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 13-14, 15-16
Illinois St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Indiana State (2) - 09-10, 14-15
Loyola (1) - 14-15
Missouri St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15
Southern Illinois (4) - 08-09, 09-10, 11-12, 14-15
Wichita State (1) - 07-08
ALL KINDS OF IMPROVEMENT
UNI has four of the top five most improved combined scorers/rebounders in the Missouri Valley Conference this season.
Most Improved 14-15 PPG, RPG 15-16 Combined
Donte Thomas, BU 2.5, 2.5 9.1, 6.2 10.1
Klint Carlson, UNI 0.6, 0.5 6.9, 3.6 9.6
Bennett Koch, UNI 1.4, 0.6 7.7, 3.6 9.3
Matt Bohannon, UNI 5.7, 1.7 11.8, 4.1 8.5
Wes Washpun, UNI 7.6, 2.5 14.3, 4.0 8.2
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.
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 MBB Notes vs. Texas (PDF)
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team has drawn the University of Texas Longhorns in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. The game will be played Friday at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla. Tip is set for approximately 8:50 p.m. (CT) and the game will be broadcast live on TBS.
It will be the first meeting between UNI and Texas. Although head coaches Ben Jacobson and Shaka Smart have met three times previously when Smart coached at VCU.
UNI earned its eighth NCAA appearance and seventh trip to the NCAA Tournament in the last 13 years by winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament last weekend. UNI will enter the 2016 NCAA Tournament with an overall record of 22-12. The Longhorns enter the tournament with a mark of 20-12.
The winner of the UNI-Texas game will play the winner of the Texas A&M-Green Bay winner on Sunday.
NEWS/NOTES - UNI IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
#11 UNI (22-12) vs. #6 Texas (20-12)
Fri., March 18, 2016 • 8:50 p.m. (CT)
Oklahoma City, Okla. • Chesapeake Arena (17,367)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
TBS
Play-by-Play: Carter Blackburn
Analyst: Mike Gminski
Sideline: Jaime Maggio
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship - NewsTalk 1540-AM KXEL
Live Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
OPENING TIP
• UNI (22-12, 11-7 MVC) will take on the Texas Longhorns (20-12, 11-7 Big 12) in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla.
• The UNI-Texas game on Friday will be broadcast on TBS. Tip is set for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Green Bay-Texas A&M game set to start at 6:20 p.m. (CT).
• UNI is making its eighth NCAA Tournament appearance. It is making its seventh trip to the NCAAs in the last 13 years - the most in the MVC over that time span.
• The Panthers have recorded four victories in their previous seven trips to the NCAA Tournament.
• UNI has won six straight games and the Panthers are 12-1 in their last 13 games. UNI's six-game win streak is tied for the ninth-longest current win streak in the nation.
• UNI owns a mark of 8-3 against Top-100 RPI opponents.
• UNI is 3-0 against foes ranked in the AP Top 25 this season with victories over No. 1 North Carolina (71-67), No. 5 Iowa State (81-79) and No. 25 Wichita State (53-50).
• The Panthers became the seventh team to win back-to-back MVC Tournament titles. UNI also won consecutive MVC tourney crowns in 2009 and 2010.
• Wes Washpun was named the MVC Tournament's Most Outstanding Player after he averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 51.4 percent from the field in three games.
• UNI ranks No. 2 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (15.1).
• UNI ranks No. 8 in the country in fewest turnovers per game (9.8).
• UNI is 21-4 when holding the opposition to 70 points or less.
• Junior guard Jeremy Morgan is the only player in the Missouri Valley Conference to lead his team in rebounding, steals and blocks.
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 529 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.
TV INFO FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT
The UNI-Texas game on Friday will be broadcast on TBS. Tip is set for just 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Green Bay-Texas A&M game set to start at 6:20 p.m. (CT) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Carter Blackburn (play-by-play), Mike Gminski (analyst) and Jaime Maggio (sideline) will call the contest for TBS.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. TEXAS
It will mark the first meeting between UNI and Texas.
However, it will be the fourth meeting between head coaches Ben Jacobson and Shaka Smart. Jacobson faced Smart three times when Smart served as the VCU head coach. Smart is 2-1 vs. Jacobson.
SCOUTING REPORT ON TEXAS
Texas and UNI each recorded wins this season over North Carolina and Iowa State.
The Longhorns went 11-7 in Big 12 action and lost in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament to Baylor, 75-61.
Texas is lead in scoring by Isaiah Taylor (14.8 ppg), Cameron Ridley (11.8 ppg) and Javan Felix (10.6 ppg).
NOT SO NEUTRAL
UNI is 5-1 on neutral floors this season, while Texas is 1-4 in neutral games.
8TH OVERALL NCAA APPEARANCE FOR UNI PANTHERS
UNI will be making its eighth NCAA Tournament appearance.
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
2016 - #11 UNI vs. #6 Texas
7TH NCAA TOURN. SINCE 2004
The Panthers earned their seventh NCAA appearance since the 2004 season. The seven appearances since 2004 is the most of any member of the MVC in that time frame.
Wichita State has appeared in six NCAA Tournaments since 2004, to rank second in the MVC behind the Panthers.
MVC'S NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Wichita St. (6) - 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Creighton (4) - 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
UNI'S SEED HISTORY IN NCAAs
UNI was awarded a No. 11 seed for the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
UNI's highest seed (No. 5) came in the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
UNI's Seeds in the NCAA Tournament
1990 - #14 vs. #3 Missouri
2004 - #14 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - #11 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - #10 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - #12 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - #9 vs. #8 UNLV
2015 - #5 vs. #12 Wyoming
2016 - #11 vs. #6 Texas
THIRD TRIP TO OKLAHOMA CITY
UNI will be making its third trip to Oklahoma City to play in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI played its 2005 NCAA Tournament game vs. Wisconsin in OKC.
UNI returned to OKC to for the 2010 NCAA Tournament and registered victories over UNLV and Kansas.
AUTOMATIC
UNI earned the MVC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament after capturing the tournament title with wins over Southern Illinois (66-60), Wichita State (57-52 OT) and Evansville (56-54).
It's the sixth time in eight appearances that UNI will use an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
UNI used automatic bids to reach the NCAA Tournament in 1990 (Mid-Continent Tournament Champions), 2004 (MVC Tournament Champions), 2009 (MVC Tournament Champions), 2010 (MVC Tournament Champions), 2015 (MVC Tournament Champions) and 2016 MVC Tournament Champions).
The Panthers were an at-large selection in both the 2005 and 2006 NCAA Tournaments.
UNI VS. TEAMS IN THE FIELD OF 68
UNI has recorded five wins this season over teams in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
UNI picked up wins over Stephen F. Austin (W, 70-60), North Carolina (W, 71-67), Iowa State (W, 81-79), Wichita State (W, 53-50; W, 57-52 OT).
UNI also lost a pair of games to teams in the field 68 - at Hawaii (L, 68-52) and vs. Wichita State (L, 74-55).
PERFECT VS AP RANKED FOES
UNI is 3-0 against foes ranked in the AP Top 25 this season with victories over No. 1 North Carolina (71-67), No. 5 Iowa State (81-79) and No. 25 Wichita State (53-50).
6-GAME WIN STREAKS OR MORE FOR COACH JACOBSON
It marks the 12th time in head coach Ben Jacobson's tenure at UNI that he has led the Panthers on a six-game winning streak.
Overall Winning Streaks Under Jake
16 - 2014-15
15 - 2009-10
11 - 2008-09
9 - 2011-12
9 - 2014-15
8 - 2010-11
6 - 2006-07
6 - 2009-10 (twice)
6 - 2012-13
6 - 2015-16 (twice)
LOOKING FOR SEVEN STRAIGHT
UNI is riding a six-game winning streak this season, and the Panthers are also in the midst of a six-game winning streak at Scottrade Center.
UNI's six-game winning streak is tied for its longest win streak of the season.
It also ranks as tied for the ninth-longest current win streak in the nation.
UNI will head to the 2016 NCAA Tournament looking to run its win streak to seven in a row.
It would mark the 24th time in UNI's history that the Panthers have strung together seven consecutive victories.
JAKE IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 3-3 in the NCAA Tournament in his six NCAA tournament games with the Panthers
Jacobson's teams have not allowed more than 70 points in an NCAA Tournament game.
The Panthers are 3-0 when scoring more 60 points for Jacobson in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers scored 69 points in Jacobson's first two NCAA Tournament wins in 2010 over UNLV and Kansas. UNI toppled Wyoming last season, 71-54.
AMONG THE BEST NATIONALLY
UNI ranks No. 2 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (15.1).
UNI ranks No. 8 in the country in fewest turnovers per game (9.8).
UNI VS. RANKED TEAMS
Since the 1979-80 season, UNI is 17-34 vs. ranked foes.
UNI has registered 17 wins over ranked Division I opponents and 14 of those wins have come since Ben Jacobson joined the UNI coaching staff in the 2001-02 season.
UNI has three neutral-court wins over ranked foes, with two of those coming in 1990 and 2010 NCAA tournaments.
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 has posted a mark of 3-2 in its last five matchups against top-five ranked foes.
UNI vs. Ranked Opponents (since 1979-80)
#25 Wichita State W, 53-50 (A) - 2/13/16
#5 Iowa State W, 81-79 (N) - 12/19/15
#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
17-34 12-6 2-16 3-12
IT WAS TIGHT IN ST. LOUIS
UNI emerged victorious in all three of its MVC Tournament games despite each game being tied in the final minute of regulation.
UNI and Southern Illinois were tied at 58-58, before Wes Washpun made a layup with :47.5 left. UNI would win, 66-60.
The Panthers and Shockers were tied at 47-47 following a layup from Wyatt Lohaus to tied it up with 1:57 left in regulation. UNI would go on to win in overtime, 57-52.
UNI and Evansville were knotted up at 52-52 before Washpun put UNI back on top 54-52 with :50.5 left. UE's D.J. Balentine tied it back up at 54-54 on a putback with :24.9 left. Washpun then put the finishing touches on the championship with an 18-foot buzzer-beating jump shot to give UNI the title, 56-54.
MVC TOURNAMENT'S MOST
OUTSTANDING PLAYER
UNI senior guard Was Washpun was named the Missouri Valley Conference tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
Washpun averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 51.4 percent from the field in leading UNI to three victories over 20-win teams.
Washpun scored 11 points including the go-ahead layup with :47.9 seconds left in UNI's 66-60 win over Southern Illinois in the quarterfinal.
The Cedar Rapids native poured in 20 points, which included four in overtime, as UNI downed Wichita State, 57-52.
Washpun drained the game-winning 18-foot buzzer-beating jumpshot to clinch the MVC title over Evansville, 56-54. Washpun scored nine of UNI's final 12 points in the closing 7:09.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Washpun was joined on the MVC All-Tournament team by Jeremy Morgan and Klint Carlson.
Morgan averaged 12.7 points per game and was 8-of-14 from three-point range in the tournament. Morgan scored 12 second-half points en route to an 18-point effort against SIU in the quarterfinal. Morgan drained a clutch three-pointer in overtime vs. Wichita State with 1:15 left to give UNI a 55-52 lead. Morgan finished the tourney with a 14-point performance and a career-high four 3-pointers against Evansville.
Carlson averaged 11.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game. He scored a career-high 17 points in the MVC title game win over Evansville. Carlson scored nine points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds in UNI's 57-52 overtime win over Wichita State.
20-WIN SEASONS
With its 66-60 victory over Southern Illinois, UNI earned the 12th 20-win season in program history.
Ten of those 20-win seasons have come since the 2003-04 season.
UNI's 20-Win Seasons
1963-64 - 23-4
1989-90 - 23-9
2003-04 - 21-10
2004-05 - 21-11
2005-06 - 23-10
2008-09 - 23-11
2009-10 - 30-5
2010-11 - 20-14
2011-12 - 20-14
2012-13 - 21-15
2014-15 - 31-4
2015-16 - 22-12
FIFTH MVC TOURNEY TITLE
UNI moved to 5-1 all-time in MVC Tournament title games.
The Panthers have won five straight MVC tourney championship contests.
UNI is tied with Southern Illinois for second all-time in the league with five postseason crowns. Creighton holds the MVC record for tourney titles with 12.
UNI's Results in MVC Championship
1994 - Southern Illinois 77, UNI 74
2004 - UNI 79, UNI 74 (2 OT)
2009 - UNI 60, Illinois State 57 (OT)
2010 - UNI 67, Wichita State 52
2015 - UNI 69, Illinois State 60
2016 - UNI 56, Evansville 54
ALL-TIME IN MVC TOURNEY
UNI has posted a record of 22-19 all-time in the MVC Tournament.
UNI has captured five MVC Tournament titles since joining the league in the 1991-92 season. UNI won the MVC Tournament in 2004, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2016.
The Panthers have reached the MVC Tournament championship on six occasions. The Panthers reached the final game in 1994 (lost to Southern Illinois), 2004 (beat Missouri State), 2009 (beat Illinois State), 2010 (beat Wichita State), 2015 (beat Illinois State) and 2016 (beat Evansville).
BACK TO BACK TITLES
UNI become the seventh league team to win back-to-back MVC Tournament titles. Creighton was the last MVC school to win back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
UNI won consecutive MVC Tournament titles in 2009 and 2010.
WASHPUN'S 20 POINT-GAME LIFTED UNI TO TITLE GAME
UNI senior guard Wes Washpun tallied his sixth career 20-point scoring game in leading the Panthers to a 57-52 overtime win over Wichita State in the MVC tourney semifinal.
Active 20-Plus Point Scoring Games
Wes Washpun (6)
Matt Bohannon (3)
Paul Jesperson (3)
Jeremy Morgan (2)
Bennett Koch (1)
COACH JAKE IN MVC TOURNEY
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has posted an 13-6 mark in the MVC Tournament since taking over the head job in the 2006-07 season.
Jacobson ranks fifth in league history with 13 MVC Tournament victories.
Dana Altman (Creighton) holds the all-time MVC Tournament wins mark with 21.
Overall 13-6
MVC Quarterfinals 5-5
MVC Semifinals 4-1
MVC Championship 4-0
COACHING TITLES
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks second in MVC history with four tournament titles. He is a perfect 4-0 in MVC title games.
Dana Altman (Creighton) holds the league record with six MVC Tournament crowns. Altman was 6-0 in MVC title games.
PANTHERS IN MVC TOURNEY SINCE '01
UNI has a 18-10 record (with four titles) at the MVC Tournament since Ben Jacobson arrived on staff in 2001-02.
Prior to that, UNI owned a 4-9 mark all-time (with no titles) at the Valley Tournament.
DEFENSIVE IN ST. LOUIS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson's teams average 59.8 points a contest in St. Louis while holding opponents to 55.2 points a game.
The Panthers have scored more than 70 points three times (73 vs. Indiana State in 2009; 76 vs. Bradley in 2009; 71 vs. Bradley in 2015) in St. Louis.
The Panthers have allowed more than 70 points once (73 vs. Illinois State in 2013) in that span.
Both teams have not scored more than 70 points in any of Jacobson's 19 MVC Tournament games.
UNI is 21-4 this season when holding to opposition 70 points or less.
TWO WINS OVER WICHITA STATE IN SAME SEASON
UNI recorded two victories over the Wichita State Shockers this season becoming the first MVC team to defeat them twice in the same season since Creighton performed the feat in the 2012-13 season.
Creighton won the MVC Tournament title in 2013 by defeating the Shockers in the championship game.
The last time UNI defeated Wichita State twice in the same season came in the 2009-10 season. The second Panther victory that season over the Shockers came in the 2010 MVC Tournament championship game.
WORKIN' OVERTIME
UNI played its first overtime game of the 2015-16 season in the MVC Tournament semifinal vs. Wichita State. UNI defeated the Shockers, 57-52.
It was the 16th overtime game for head coach Ben Jacobson. He is 9-7 in overtime games.
UNI's Overtime Games Since 2006
L, 67-64 at Illinois State (1/9/07)
W, 64-60 at UMKC (12/19/07)
W, 77-75 vs. Wichita State (2/13/08)
L, 71-66 vs. Iowa State (12/3/08)
L, 85-84 vs. Indiana State (12/28/08)
W, 69-67 at Illinois State (2/24/09)
W, 60-57 vs. Illinois State (3/8/09)
W, 84-81 vs. Toledo (11/14/12)
W, 82-77 at George Mason (12/8/12)
L, 54-51 at Evansville (1/29/13)
L, 91-82 vs. Iowa State (12/7/13)
L, 93-87 at Loyola (1/25/14)
W, 79-77 at Stephen F. Austin (11/18/14)
W, 71-65 vs. George Mason (12/6/14)
L, 93-87 at VCU (12/13/14)
W, 57-52 vs. Wichita State (3/5/16)
UNI'S 5TH OT GAME IN MVC TOURNEY ACTION
It marked the fifth time that UNI had played an overtime game in MVC Tournament play.
UNI is 3-2 in overtime games in MVC tourney action.
UNI's Overtime Games in MVC Tourney
1999 - Wichita State 74, UNI 72 (OT)
2004 - UNI 79, Missouri State 74 (2OT)
2006 - Southern Illinois 55, UNI 46 (OT)
2009 - UNI 60, Illinois State 57 (OT)
2016 - UNI 57, Wichita State 52 (OT)
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI recorded its 13th straight season finishing in the upper half of the Missouri Valley Conference. It is the longest active streak in the league.
Prior to the 2003-04 season, when the current streak began, UNI had finished in the top half of the MVC on two occasions (1993-94 - 5th, 1996-97 - 4th) since joining the league in 1991-92.
9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI has won nine or more MVC games in 13 consecutive seasons - the longest active streak in the league.
Wichita State has the second longest active streak at seven.
UNI in the MVC Since 2003-04
2003-04 - 12-6 (T-2nd)
2004-05 - 11-7 (T-3rd)
2005-06 - 11-7 (T-5th)
2006-07 - 9-9 (5th)
2007-08 - 9-9 (T-5th)
2008-09 - 14-4 (T-1st)
2009-10 - 15-3 (1st)
2010-11 - 10-8 (T-4th)
2011-12 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
2012-13 - 11-7 (3rd)
2013-14 - 10-8 (3rd)
2014-15 - 16-2 (2nd)
2015-16 - 11-7 (T-4th)
TOP 4 IN EIGHT STRAIGHT YEARS
UNI has finished in the top four of the MVC standings in eight consecutive seasons.
70 IS THE BAROMETER
UNI has held its last 13 opponents to less than 70 points.
UNI is 21-4 this season when holding the opposition to 70 points or less.
The Panthers are 1-8 when the opposition scores 71 points or more.
UNI's only win this season when the opponent scored more than 70 came in the Panthers's 81-79 win over No. 5 Iowa State at Wells Fargo Arena.
MAKING HAY AT THE LINE
UNI is shooting an MVC-best 75.3 percent (77.8 percent in MVC play) as a team at the free throw line.
Seven of UNI's eight players, that have played in every game, are shooting 70.0 percent or higher this season.
UNI's single-season team record for free throw percentage is 76.9 percent set in the 1986-87 season under head coach Eldon Miller.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON FREE THROW %
1. .769 (390-507) 1986-87
2. .762 (461-605) 2010-11
3. .758 (489-645) 2009-10
4. .757 (464-613) 2012-13
5. .7534 (541-718) 2008-09
6. .7529 (314-417) 1998-99
7. .7526 (432-574) 2015-16
8. .745 (391-525) 1990-91
9. .741 (347-468) 1985-86
10. .738 (4778-648) 2002-03
PANTHERS FILL IT UP FROM DEEP
UNI has drained an MVC-best 278 three-pointers in 2015-16.
The 278 made 3-pointers ranks as the second-most made 3-pointers in a single season in UNI's history.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON 3-POINTERS MADE
1. 280 (2012-13)
2. 278 (2015-16)
3. 267 (2011-12)
4. 266 (2014-15)
5. 264 (2013-14)
6. 250 (2010-11)
7. 233 (2009-10)
8. 226 (2004-05)
9. 223 (2003-04)
10. 219 (2005-06)
4TH-MOST POINTS IN A SEASON
UNI has scored 2,312 points this season to rank as the fourth-most points scored in single-season in the program's history.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON POINTS SCORED
1. 2,493 (1989-90)
2. 2,400 (2012-13)
3. 2,382 (1988-89)
4. 2,312 (2015-16)
5. 2,311 (2004-05)
6. 2,290 (2008-09)
7. 2,281 (2014-15)
8. 2,256 (2013-14)
9. 2,216 (2009-10)
2,216 (2011-12)
MORGAN PROVES HIS ALL-AROUND TALENTS
Junior guard Jeremy Morgan is the only player in the Missouri Valley Conference to lead his team in rebounding, steals and blocks.
He is looking to become the fourth UNI Panther to lead the team in rebounding, steals and blocks (Randy Blocker - 1993-94; Grant Stout - 2004-05; Seth Tuttle - 2014-15).
Morgan ranks first on the Panthers in rebounds (174), steals (66) and blocks (29). He ranks fourth on the team in scoring (10.4 ppg).
Morgan leads the MVC in steals per game (1.9).
He recorded a career-high seven steals at Bradley (1/27). The seven steals is the most by a UNI Panther in a Missouri Valley Conference game since Andy Woodley tallied eight steals vs. Southern Illinois (2/17/01).
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).
UNI SINGLE-GAME STEALS
1. Cam Johnson (12/19/92 vs. St. Bonaventure 9
2. Andy Woodley (2/17/01) vs. SIU 8
3. Jeremy Morgan (1/27/16) at Bradley 7
MORGAN HAS THE 4TH-MOST STEALS IN A SINGLE-SEASON
Jeremy Morgan has tallied 66 steals to rank as the fourth-most steals in a single season in program history.
His 66 steals ranks No. 22 in the nation in total steals.
UNI SINGLE-SEASON STEALS
1. Brent Carmichael (1982-83) 100
2. Brent Carmichael (1981-82) 80
Andy Woodley (2000-01) 80
4. Jeremy Morgan (2015-16) 66
5. Cam Johnson (1992-93) 58
6. Brian Carpenter (1995-96) 54
7. Nick Nurse (1987-88) 53
8. Ben Jacobson (2005-06) 51
9. Jason Daisy (1996-97) 49
Randy Blocker (1993-94) 49
MORGAN JOINS TOP-10 BLOCKED SHOTS LIST
Jeremy Morgan has tallied 63 career blocks to rank as the 10th-most blocks in UNI's history.
UNI CAREER BLOCKS
1. Grant Stout (2003-2007) 222
2. Jake Koch (2009-2013) 123
3. Jordan Eglseder (2006-2010) 120
4. Sean Hawkins (1994-1998) 118
5. Eric Coleman (2004-2008) 115
6. Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 95
7. Jason Sims (1992-1996) 90
8. Scott Stafford (1984-1985) 85
9. Steve Phyfe (1988-1990) 66
10. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 63
WES LEADS UNI IN ASSISTS
Wes Washpun is leading the UNI Panthers in assists (5.2 apg). He ranks second in the MVC in assists.
Washpun currently ranks No. 2 on UNI's single-season list with 177 assists, which also ranks as the 24th-best total in the country this season.
Jay Imhoff (1979-80) and Brooks McKowen (2006-07) hold the UNI single-season assist record at 5.8 assists per game.
Brooks McKowen set the school-record for assists in a season with 179 in the 2006-2007 season.
UNI SINGLE SEASON ASSISTS
1. Brooks McKowen (2006-2007) 179
2. Wes Washpun (2015-2016) 177
3. Dale Turner (1989-1990) 152
4. Dale Turner (1990-1991) 146
5. Robbie Williams (1983-1984) 144
6. Jay Imhoff (1979-1980) 140
7. Robbie Williams (1985-1986) 129
8. Dale Turner (1988-1989) 128
9. Brent Carmichael (1984-1985) 126
Deon Mitchell (2012-2013) 126
WASHPUN TOP 10 IN CAREER ASSISTS
Senior guard Wes Washpun has moved up to No. 5 at UNI in career assists. Washpun has dished out 386 assists.
Washpun also handed out 23 assists at Tennessee as a freshman in the 2011-12 season, giving him 409 for his collegiate career.
UNI CAREER ASSISTS
1. Dale Turner (1988-1992) 520
2. Brooks McKowen (2003-2007) 425
3. Robbie Williams (1982-1986) 418
4. Mark Long (1975-1979) 387
5. Wes Washpun (2013-present) 386
6. Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 373
7. Chris Foster (2000-2005) 370
8. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 357
9. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-2011) 342
10. Nick Nurse (1985-1989) 340
TWO 1,000-POINT SCORERS
Senior guard Wes Washpun become the second UNI player this year and 40th overall to reach the 1,000-Point Club for the Panthers.
Washpun joined fellow senior Matt Bohannon over the 1,000-point mark in the championship game of the MVC Tournament.
Earlier this year, Bohannon surpassed the 1,000-point mark vs. Missouri State (Feb. 10).
Washpun is the 15th Panther to join the 1,000-point club since the start of the 2001-02 season - the first season that Ben Jacobson joined the coaching staff as an assistant. Jacobson took over the head job in the 2006-07 season.
1,000-Point Scorers Since 2001
Ben Jacobson (2003-06) 1,787 pts.
Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 1,747 pts.
Eric Coleman (2005-08) 1,522 pts.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 1,329 pts.
Anthony James (2008-2013) 1,305 pts.
Grant Stout (2004-07) 1,232 pts.
Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 1,200 pts.
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186 pts.
David Gruber (2002-04) 1,116 pts.
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113 pts.
Matt Bohannon (2011-pres.) 1,078 pts.
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066 pts.
Johnny Moran (2008-12) 1,048 pts.
Chris Foster (2000-05) 1,027 pts.
Wes Washpun (2013-pres.) 1,009 pts.
BOHANNON UP TO #3 ON GAMES PLAYED LIST AT UNI
Senior guard Matt Bohannon has played in 136 career games, which moves him into a tie for No. 3 at UNI in games played with Seth Tuttle (2011-2015).
UNI CAREER GAMES PLAYED
1. Marc Sonnen (2009-2013) 139
2. Jake Koch (2008-2013) 138
3. Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 136
Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 136
5. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 135
Chip Rank (2010-2014) 135
Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 135
8. Kwadzo Ahlegbe (2006-2011) 133
9. Adam Koch (2006-2010) 132
10. Eric Coleman (2004-2008) 128
Anthony James (2008-2013) 128
BOHANNON TIED FOR 8TH
IN CAREER STARTS AT UNI
UNI senior guard Matt Bohannon has started 107 career games for the Panthers, which ranks tied for eighth on the school's all-time list.
UNI CAREER GAMES STARTED
1. Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 136
2. Johnny Moran (2008-2012) 135
3. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 120
4. Brooks McKowen (2003-2007) 117
5. Deon Mitchell (2011-2015) 115
6. Eric Coleman (2004-2008) 114
7. Cedrick McCullough (1988-1992) 109
8. Randy Kraayenbrink (1982-1986) 107
Dale Turner (1988-1992) 107
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-2011) 107
Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 107
BO SETS CAREER 3-PT MARK
Senior guard Matt Bohannon set UNI's all-time three-point field goals made mark against Hawaii (Dec. 22).
Bohannon has drained 266 career 3-pointers to surpass the previous record of 203 set by Ben Jacobson (2002-2006).
Bohannon has also set the UNI record for career three-point field goal attempts with 681. Bohannon surpassed Johnny Moran's mark of 601 career three-point attempts set from 2008-2012.
UNI CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 266
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. Matt Bohannon (2012-pres.) 681
2. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 601
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
BO MOVES UP MVC 3-PT. LIST
Matt Bohannon has moved up to a tie for No. 7 on the MVC's all-time 3-pointers made chart with 266 triples with Missouri State's Johnny Murdock.
Bohannon ranks No. 18 in the nation among active leaders in three-pointers made.
MVC CAREER 3-POINTERS MADE
1. Kyle Korver (Creighton) 371
2. Shane Hawkins (SIU) 314
3. Jason Holsinger (UE) 284
4. Michael Menser (INS) 283
5. Osiris Eldridge (ILS) 278
6. Blake Ahern (MSU) 276
7. Johnny Murdock (MSU) 266
Matt Bohannon (UNI) 266
9. D.J. Balentine (UE) 263
10. Jeremy Crouch (Bradley) 262
Colt Ryan (UE) 262
12. Josh Young (Drake) 255
13. Kevin Ault (MSU) 254
14. Marcus Wilson (UE) 250
15. Kent Williams (SIU) 249
16. Randy Burns (WSU) 248
17. Ryan Sears (Creighton) 245
18. Luke McDonald (Drake) 241
19. Klayton Korver (Drake) 241
20. Kyle Weems (MSU) 240
BOHANNON PREFERS THREES
Senior guard Matt Bohannon leads the MVC in 3-pointers made (91).
Bohannon's 91 three-pointers made this year ranks him No. 2 on UNI's single-season list.
Bohannon also ranks No. 35 in the country in three-pointers made.
Bohannon has made three or more 3-pointers in a game 20 times this season.
UNI 3-POINTERS MADE - SEASON
1. Marc Sonnen (2012-2013) 96
2. Matt Bohannon (2015-2016) 91
3. Erik Smith (2001-2002) 79
4. Ali Farokhmanesh (2009-2010) 77
Matt Bohannon (2013-2014) 77
6. Ali Farokhmanesh (2008-2009) 75
Paul Jesperson (2015-2016) 75
8. Cam Johnson (1993-1994) 73
9. Nick Nurse (1987-1988) 72
10. Ben Jacobson (2002-2006) 71
HOTTER AWAY FROM HOME
Senior guard Paul Jesperson is scoring nearly five points more per game on the road than at home, while also shooting a higher percentage away from the McLeod Center.
In 14 road games, Jesperson is scoring 13.4 points per game while shooting 46.7 percent from 3-point land (43-of-92).
In 14 home games, Jesperson is scoring 8.6 points per game while shooting 29.4 percent from 3-point range (20-of-68).
PAUL NETS 500 AS A PANTHER
Senior guard Paul Jesperson become the 100th UNI men's basketball player to score 500 or more points for the Panthers.
Jesperson has tallied 568 points in 69 career games for the Panthers.
He has scored 764 points in his collegiate career. He posted 196 points at Virginia before transferring to UNI.
JESPERSON DRAINS TRIPLES TWO AT A TIME
Senior guard Paul Jesperson has made at least two 3-pointers in 21 games this season. Jesperson ranks second on the team with 75 3-pointers.
HALFTIME LEADS UNDER JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has posted a career mark of 175-38 (.822) when leading at the half.
UNI Leading at Half Under Jacobson
175-38 (.822)
UNI Trailing at Half Under Jacobson
32-75 (.299)
UNI Tied at Half Under Jacobson
12-4 (.750)
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 529 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.
FOUR 700-POINT SCORERS
UNI's starting lineup features four 700-plus point collegiate scorers.
Matt Bohannon has posted 1,078 career points, while Wes Washpun has recorded 1,025 points. Paul Jesperson has tallied 764 career points and Jeremy Morgan has been credited with 736 career points.
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 - 106 career starts
Jeremy Morgan - 79 career starts
Paul Jesperson - 67 career starts
Wes Washpun - 63 career starts
Bennett Koch - 34 career starts
DON'T FORGET THE DEFENSE
It's not all about scoring this year, as UNI can also play some defense.
UNI is allowing 62.9 points per game.
In UNI's 22 wins, the Panthers have limited the opposition to 58.0 points per game.
200-PLUS WINS FOR JAKE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has tallied 219 career wins to rank No. 8 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. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 231
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 228
6. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
7. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 221
8. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 219
9. Maury John (Drake) 211
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
Jake Ranks 7th in MVC Wins
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 7 all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history with 114 league coaching victories.
Jacobson has compiled an MVC mark of 114-65 (.637 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) 125
6. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 117
7. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 114
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
UNI scored a trio of season sweeps this season over Bradley, Drake and Evansville.
UNI has swept an MVC opponent 35 times since the start of the 2006-07 season - Ben Jacobson's first year as the Panther head coach.
MVC Season Sweeps Under Coach Jacobson
Bradley (6) - 06-07, 08-09, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16
Creighton (1) - 09-10
Drake (5) - 09-10, 11-12, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16
Evansville (5) - 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 13-14, 15-16
Illinois St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Indiana State (2) - 09-10, 14-15
Loyola (1) - 14-15
Missouri St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15
Southern Illinois (4) - 08-09, 09-10, 11-12, 14-15
Wichita State (1) - 07-08
ALL KINDS OF IMPROVEMENT
UNI has four of the top five most improved combined scorers/rebounders in the Missouri Valley Conference this season.
Most Improved 14-15 PPG, RPG 15-16 Combined
Donte Thomas, BU 2.5, 2.5 9.1, 6.2 10.1
Klint Carlson, UNI 0.6, 0.5 6.9, 3.6 9.6
Bennett Koch, UNI 1.4, 0.6 7.7, 3.6 9.3
Matt Bohannon, UNI 5.7, 1.7 11.8, 4.1 8.5
Wes Washpun, UNI 7.6, 2.5 14.3, 4.0 8.2
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.
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
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/ Men's BasketballBen Schwieger & Tristan Smith Postgame Interview - Nov. 14, 2025.
Friday, November 14
Ben Jacobson Postgame Interview - Nov. 14, 2025.
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Ben Jacobson Postgame Interview - Nov. 10, 2025.
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