University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Wednesday, February 1
Normal, Ill.
8 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
at
Illinois State
Photo by: Mike Dunlop
Win Streaks to Collide Wednesday in Normal
1/30/2017 1:24:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (10-11, 5-5) at Illinois State (18-4, 10-0) | VIDEO | AUDIO | STATS
Wed., Feb. 1, 2017 • 8 p.m. (CT)
Normal, Ill. • Redbird Arena
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
MVC TV
Play-by-Play: John Rooney
Analyst: David Kaplan
CLEARANCES: FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports Indiana Plus and FOX Sports Kansas City, Comcast SportsNet Chicago and ESPN3 (outside the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska)
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - NewsTalk 1540 KXEL
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
TuneIn App
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Times Series: Illinois State leads, 39-33
• Last Meeting: UNI 75, Illinois State 66 (Feb. 20, 2016)
• UNI has won five of the last six meetings
• The Panthers have posted 10 wins all-time in Redbird Arena; including five under Ben Jacobson
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES
• UNI (10-11 overall, 5-5 MVC) will ride a five-game win streak in Normal, Ill., to take on the red-hot Illinois State Redbirds (18-4 overall, 10-0 MVC). Tip is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
• UNI, after starting 0-5 in the MVC, has won its last five league games. Previously, only two teams in MVC history had lost their first five league games and rebounded to win their next five. Iowa State started 0-5 in 1915 and won its next five; Washburn started 0-5 in 1936 and won its next five.
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• With a victory Wednesday at Illinois State, UNI will have recorded the 13th winning streak of six games or more under the direction of head coach Ben Jacobson.Â
• Junior Bennett Koch has scored in double figures in each of UNI's five victories during its five-game win streak. Over the five-game stretch, Koch is averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. He is shooting 63.0 percent from the field and 85.3 percent from the free throw line.
• Senior guard Jeremy Morgan became the 25th UNI men's basketball player to record at least 500 points and 500 rebounds in his career. Morgan has posted 500 rebounds to go along with 1,105 points.
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 552 straight games – the longest active streak in the MVC.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT ILLINOIS STATE
TWO HOTTEST MVC TEAMS HOOK UP WEDNESDAY IN NORMAL
UNI (10-11 overall, 5-5 MVC) will ride a five-game win streak in Normal, Ill., to take on the red-hot Illinois State Redbirds (18-4 overall, 10-0 MVC). The Redbirds have won 11 consecutive games.
   Tip is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Redbird Arena between the Panthers and Redbirds.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Wednesday's game will be available for viewing on MVC TV.
   John Rooney (play-by-play) and David Kaplan (analyst) will call the contest.
   The telecast will be cleared live on FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports Indiana Plus and FOX Sports Kansas City, Comcast SportsNet Chicago and ESPN3 (outside the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska).
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS
Illinois State is led by head coach Dan Muller, who is in his fifth season at the helm of the Redbird program.
   Illinois State is the 22nd team in conference history to start MVC play with a 10-0 league mark.
   The Redbirds are 11-0 at home this season and have won 17 straight home contests. The 17-game home winning streak ranks as the 11th-longest active home-court win streak in the nation.
   The Redbirds are led in scoring by Deontae Hawkins (15.0 ppg), MiKyle McIntosh (13.5 ppg) and Paris Lee (13.0 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Illinois State holds a 39-33 lead in the all-time series vs. UNI.
   UNI has won five of the last six meetings between the two schools.
   The Panthers have posted 10 wins all-time in Normal, Ill., with with head coach Ben Jacobson having earned five of those victories.
   Jacobson is 17-8 vs. Illinois State since taking over as the Panther head coach in 2006-07.
TURNING IT AROUND
UNI, after starting 0-5 in the MVC, has won its last five league games. Â Â
   Previously, only two teams in MVC history had lost their first five league games and rebounded to win their next five. Iowa State started 0-5 in 1915 and won its next five; Washburn started 0-5 in 1936 and won its next five.
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER 6-GAME WIN STREAK
With a victory Wednesday at Illinois State, UNI will have recorded the 13th winning streak of six games or more under the direction of head coach Ben Jacobson.Â
Overall Winning Streaks Under Jake
16 - 2014-15
15 - 2009-10
11 - 2008-09
9 - 2011-12
9 - 2014-15
8 - 2010-11
7 - 2015-16
6 - 2006-07
6 - 2009-10 (twice)
6 - 2012-13
6 - 2015-16
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
UNI secured a season sweep of the Drake Bulldogs on Saturday at the Knapp Center. It is the third straight season that the Panthers have won both contests with the Bulldogs.
   UNI has swept an MVC opponent 36 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 (6) - 09-10, 11-12, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16, 16-17
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) - 07-08Â
JACOBSON AGAINST THE LAND OF LINCOLN
Ben Jacobson has taken full advantage of the four schools representing the state of Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference in his 11 seasons as UNI's head coach.Â
   He has an overall mark of 60-26 vs. Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley and Loyola.Â
Jake Overall vs. MVC's Illinois Schools
Bradley    20-6
Illinois State    17-8
Southern Illinois   17-7
Loyola    6-5
KOCH STEPS UP IN WIN STREAK
UNI junior Bennett Koch has played a big role in the Panthers's five-game win streak. Koch has scored in double figures in each of UNI's wins in the streak.
   Over the five-game stretch, Koch is averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. He is shooting 63.0 percent from the field and 85.3 percent from the free throw line.
KOCH EATS UP DRAKE
For the second time this season, Bennett Koch put up impressive numbers against the Drake.
   In two games vs. Drake, Koch was 15-of-16 from the field and averaged 18.5 point. In the McLeod Center, Koch was 8-of-8 from the field and scored 21 points. In the Knapp Center, Koch went 7-of-8 from the floor and scored 16 points.
NOT MANY MINUTES TO SPARE
Jordan Ashton and Klint Carlson have barely had time to catch their breath during UNI's five-game win streak.Â
   Ashton is averaging 40.4 minutes per game and has sat out a total of eight minutes over the five games.
   Carlson is averaging 38.9 minutes per game and has been on the bench for 11 minutes in the five-game win streak. Carlson also logged a career-high 50 minutes in a double-overtime win over Loyola.
MCDONNELL OFF THE BENCH
Redshirt freshman Luke McDonnell registered his first career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in a 61-54 win over Evansville (1/25).
   McDonnell has played in nine conference games and has scored 58 points (6.4 ppg).Â
   In the non-conference portion of the season, McDonnell played in five games and scored seven points.
UNI's Active Double-Double List
Jeremy Morgan (4)
Bennett Koch (2)
Jordan Ashton (1)
Klint Carlson (1)
Luke McDonnell (1)
HALDEMAN LOOKS TO JOIN LIST OF TOP UNI FRESHMAN SCORERS
Redshirt freshman Spencer Haldeman is averaging 8.9 points per game. He is looking to become only the 15th freshman in UNI's history average 9.0 ppg in a season.
UNI Freshman Scoring Leaders
Jason Reese (1986-87) - 14.1 ppg
Maurice Newby (1986-87) - 13.5 ppg
Chris Foster (2001-02) - 12.6 ppg
Randy Kraayenbrink (1982-83) - 12.4 ppg
Pete Spoden (1959-60) - 11.9 ppg
Dwayne Jackson (1979-80) - 11.4 ppg
Ben Jacobson (2002-03) - 11.3 ppg
Sredrick Robinson (1994-95) - 11.1 ppg
Eric Coleman (2004-05) - 10.7 ppg
Bill McCoy (1969-70) - 10.6 ppg
Seth Tuttle (2011-12) - 9.6 ppg
Randy Beilke (1969-70) - 9.3 ppg
Bill Jones (1977-78) - 9.1 ppg
Cedrick McCullough (1988-89) - 9.0 ppg
Spencer Haldeman (2016-17) - 8.9 ppg
SPENCER TRACKING DOWN UNI FRESHMAN 3-POINT MARK
Redshirt freshman guard Spencer Haldeman is tracking on the UNI freshman three-point record set by Chris Foster with 58 in the 2001-02 season.
   Haldeman leads the Panthers this season having drained 41 three-pointers.
UNI Freshman 3-Point FGs Made List
Chris Foster (2001-02) - 58
Johnny Moran (2008-09) - 50
Sredrick Robinson (1994-95) - 46
Spencer Haldeman (2016-17) - 41
MORGAN JOINS 500/500 CLUB
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan became the 25th UNI men's basketball player to record at least 500 points and 500 rebounds in his career.
   Morgan has posted 500 rebounds in his Panther career to go along with 1,105 points.
UNI's 500 Points/500 Rebounds Club
Name (Years)Â Â Â Pts./Rbs.
Del Nicklaus (1954-57) Â Â Â 604/611
Ron La Frentz (1957-60) Â Â Â 723/551
Jim Jackson (1959-61) Â Â Â 891/1,097
Pete Spoden (1959-63) Â Â Â 1,239/1,104
Craig Kneppe (1963-66) Â Â Â 1,200/685
Ken Huelman (1966-69) Â Â Â 1,275/818
John Martin (1967-70) Â Â Â 1,027/571
Randy Beilke (1970-73) Â Â Â 729/752
Darrell Timion (1971-73) Â Â Â 722/586
Bill Runchey (1973-76) Â Â Â 830/534
Randy Podhaski (1974-77)Â Â Â 831/510
Ron Lemons (1975-79) Â Â Â 1,476/760
Bill Jones (1978-81) Â Â Â 915/574
Jason Reese (1986-90) Â Â Â 2,033/773
Troy Muilenburg (1987-91)Â Â Â 1,251/599
Joe Breakenridge (1997-01)Â Â Â 956/766
David Gruber (2001-04) Â Â Â 1,116/625
Grant Stout (2003-07) Â Â Â 1,232/920
Eric Coleman (2004-08) Â Â Â 1,522/997
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10)Â Â Â 1,066/656
Adam Koch (2006-10) Â Â Â 1,186/596
Lucas O'Rear (2007-11) Â Â Â 529/517
Jake Koch (2009-2013)Â Â Â 1,113/677
Seth Tuttle (2011-2015)Â Â Â 1,747/917
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)Â Â Â 1,105/500
MORGAN RANKS AMONG THE NATION'S BEST
Senior Jeremy Morgan, the preseason MVC player of the year, is the only player in the NCAA to average 10.0 points (15.9), 3.0 rebounds (6.0), 2.0 assists (3.0), 2.0 steals (2.3), 1.0 blocks (1.4) and 2.0 made 3-pointers (2.0).
   No NCAA player in the past 10 seasons has done the following for a season: 15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 blocks, 2.0 3FGM/g, and only one has done that stat line in the past 20 seasons (Shane Battier of Duke in 1999-00).
   Morgan leads UNI in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, 3FGM, and FTM.
MORGAN NETS 1,000 POINTS
Jeremy Morgan became the 41st member of UNI's 1,000 point club at Evansville (1/1).
   Morgan has tallied 1,105 career points and ranks No. 28 on UNI's all-time scoring list.
UNI'S 1,000-POINT SCORERS SINCE 2001
Morgan became the 16th Panther to score 1,000 or more points since the start of the 2001 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 (2011-15) 1,747 pts.
Eric Coleman (2005-08) 1,522 pts.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 1,329 pts.
Anthony James (2008-13) 1,305 pts.
Grant Stout (2004-07) 1,232 pts.
Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 1,200 pts.
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186 pts.
David Gruber (2002-04) 1,116 pts.
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113 pts.
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 1,105 pts.
Matt Bohannon (2011-16.) 1,092 pts.
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066 pts.
Johnny Moran (2008-12) 1,048 pts.
Wes Washpun (2013-16.) 1,035 pts.
Chris Foster (2000-05) 1,027 pts.
MORGAN MOVING UP THE DEFENSIVE CHARTS
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan, who earned a spot on last year's MVC All-Defensive squad, is making his way up the UNI defensive charts in regard to blocked shots and steals.
   Morgan ranks No. 2 at UNI in steals (173) and No. 7 in blocked shots (93).
   Morgan is looking to become only the second UNI player to tally 100 steals and 100 blocks in his career. The only previous Panther to achieve that feat was Jake Koch, who posted 118 steals and 123 blocks from 2009-2013.
STEALS - UNI (CAREER)
1.   Brent Carmichael (1981-83)   180
2.   Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)   173
3.   Nick Nurse (1986-89)   165
4.   Andy Woodley (1998-02)   159
5.   Ben Jacobson (2002-06)   154
6.   Johnny Moran (2008-12)   152
7.   Dale Turner (1988-92)   143
8.   Robbie Williams (1982-86)   140
9.   Brian Carpenter (1992-96)   138
10.   Darian DeVries (1994-98)   131
BLOCKED SHOTS - UNI (CAREER)
1.   Grant Stout (2004-0)   222
2.   Jake Koch (2009-13)   123
3.   Jordan Eglseder (2006-10)   120
4.   Sean Hawkins (1995-98)   118
5.   Eric Coleman (2004-08)   115
6.   Seth Tuttle (2011-15)   95
7.   Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)   93
8.   Jason Sims (1993-96)   90
9.   Scott Stafford (1984-85)   85
10.   Steve Phyfe (1988-90)   66
MORGAN KNOCKS DOWN TRIPLES TOO
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan can also knock down the three-point shot.Â
   Morgan has tallied 153 career three-pointers made to rank No. 8 all-time at UNI.Â
THREE-POINTERS MADE - UNI (CAREER)
1.   Matt Bohannon (2012-16)   268
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.   Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)   153
9.   Ali Farohkmanesh (2008-10)   152
10.   Maurice Newby (1987-91)   146
FOR STARTERS
UNI has used eight different starting lineups this season in its 21 games.
   UNI has had nine different players draw starts this season.
UNI's 2016-17 Starting Lineups
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Ashton (8)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Lohaus (4)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-Morgan-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Brown-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-McCloud-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Ashton (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Haldeman (1)
3-POINT TALK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 552 straight games – the longest active streak in the MVC.Â
   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.
AMONG THE ELITE
UNI is one of 13 teams to have won at least one game in the NCAA Tournament and accumulate 54 combined wins over the previous two seasons.
   The elite list of squads include UNI, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, Villanova, Wichita State, Wisconsin and Virginia.
BOOK IT IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI's streak of 13 straight upper-half finishes in the MVC is the league's longest active streak.Â
NINE OR MORE MVC WINS
The Panthers have won nine or more MVC games in each of the past 13 seasons – also the MVC's longest active streak.Â
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
UNI has finished in the top four of the MVC standings in eight consecutive seasons.Â
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI has finished in the upper half of the Missouri Valley Conference's final standings in 13 straight seasons. 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.Â
13 STRAIGHT YEARS OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI has won nine or more MVC games in 13 consecutive seasons - the longest active streak in the league.Â
   Wichita State has the second longest active streak at seven.Â
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)
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Panthers are 5-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.Â
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 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
MVC's Dance Partners
Since the 2003-04 season, UNI and Wichita State have made the most appearances in the NCAA Tournament for the Missouri Valley Conference.
   The Panthers have made seven NCAA Tournament apperances since the 2003-04 season, while the Shockers have appeared in six NCAA tournaments in the same time frame.
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
20-WIN SEASONS
UNI has had 12 20-win seasons in program history – 10 of those 20-win seasons have come since 2003-04.Â
WINNING TRADITION IN MCLEOD CENTER
UNI is playing its 11th season in the McLeod Center and the Panthers have made winning a priority in their home venue.
   UNI has posted an all-time mark of 130-34 (.793) in games played in the McLeod Center.Â
   UNI secured a school-record 16 home wins in the 2012-13 season.
   UNI has posted a trio of perfect home seasons since moving to NCAA Division I. UNI was a perfect 14-0 in both the 1983-84 and 2009-10 seasons and then UNI notched a 15-0 mark at home in 2014-15.
   UNI set its home-court win streak of 21 consecutive victories between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons.
   The McLeod Center opened in November 2006.
11 HOME WINS IN 9 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won 11 or more home games in the McLeod Center in nine consecutive seasons.
UNI's Home Record Since 2007-08
Year   Record
2007-08Â Â Â 11-6
2008-09Â Â Â 11-4
2009-10Â Â Â 14-0
2010-11Â Â Â 13-5
2011-12Â Â Â 13-3
2012-13Â Â Â 16-4
2013-14Â Â Â 11-2
2014-15Â Â Â 15-0
2015-16Â Â Â 11-3
2016-17Â Â Â 6-3Â
PROTECTING THE HOME COURT
UNI has won 11 or more home games in the McLeod Center in nine consecutive seasons.
JAKE RANKS AMONG VALLEY'S ALL-TIME WINNINGEST COACHES
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 6 in the Missouri Valley Confernce history in victories (230).
   Jacobson also ranks No. 7 in league history in MVC games only (119).
   Henry Iba tops both lists with 486 total wins and 187 league wins.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State)Â Â Â 486
2. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis)Â Â Â 337
3. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton)Â Â Â 327
4.   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)   249
5.   Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU)   243
6.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)   230
7.   Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois)   225
8.   Ralph Miller (Wichita State)   221
9.   Maury John (Drake)   211
10.   Joe Stowell (Bradley)   197
MVC Coaching Wins (Conf. Games Only)
1. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) Â Â Â 187
2. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton) Â Â Â 182
3. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) Â Â Â 163
4. Â Â Â Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) Â Â Â 129
5. Â Â Â Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) Â Â Â 126
   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)    126
7.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)    119
8. Â Â Â Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) Â Â Â 111
9. Â Â Â Jim Molinari (Bradley) Â Â Â 110
10.   Maurice John (Drake)    95
  Â
UNI MBB IN APR TOP-10 PERCENTÂ
The UNI 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 four 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.
UNI SIGNS PHYFE TO NLI
UNI head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson announced the signing of Austin Phyfe (Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock HS) to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in 2017-18.
   Phyfe (6'9", 235 lbs., Forward) is the No. 2 recruit in the state of Iowa, according to IowaPreps.com. He earned second-team all-state honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association as a junior for head coach Nate Stegge. Phyfe notched third-team all-state accolades as a sophomore. Phyfe is a three-time all-Northeast Iowa Conference pick, including a pair of first-team honors the past two seasons. Phyfe averaged 14.5 points, grabbed 8.4 rebounds and shot 64 percent from the field in leading Waverly-Shell Rock to an 18-6 record in 2015-16. Phyfe scored 13.7 points and grabbed 7.9 rebounds as a sophomore in helping the GoHawks to a 22-3 record and a berth into the state tournament. As a freshman, he helped the GoHawks the state tournament and into the semifinals. Phyfe played AAU for the Iowa Barnstormers.
    He is the son of Steve and Lisa Phyfe. His father, Steve, played basketball for the Panthers from 1987-1990. His sister, Aftin, is a member of the UNI swimming and diving team.
UNI TO PLAY IN 2017 BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
Celebrating its seventh year of elite collegiate tournament play, the 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis will include Villanova, Arizona, Purdue, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Southern Methodist, Western Kentucky and UNI.
   The 2017 early season tournament field boasts a combined 16 Final Four appearances and five National Championships between the field. The annual Battle 4 Atlantis once again falls during the Thanksgiving holiday, scheduled to take place November 22-24, 2017. The 12-game, three-day tournament is regarded as one of the most challenging early-season tournaments.
   It will mark UNI's second appearance in the Battle 4 Atlantis. UNI also took part in the tournament in the 2012 Battle 4 Atlantis as the Panthers played Louisville, Stanford and Memphis.
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), KQCR (98.9 FM, Hampton), KILJ (105.5 FM, Mount Pleasant), KFXE (1160 AM, Decorah-Waukon) and KVFD (1400 AM, Fort Dodge).Â
   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 LUNCHEONSÂ
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, YouTube and Instagram will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
  Â
FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/UNIAthleticsÂ
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
TWITTER
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
UNI (10-11, 5-5) at Illinois State (18-4, 10-0) | VIDEO | AUDIO | STATS
Wed., Feb. 1, 2017 • 8 p.m. (CT)
Normal, Ill. • Redbird Arena
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
MVC TV
Play-by-Play: John Rooney
Analyst: David Kaplan
CLEARANCES: FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports Indiana Plus and FOX Sports Kansas City, Comcast SportsNet Chicago and ESPN3 (outside the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska)
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - NewsTalk 1540 KXEL
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
TuneIn App
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Times Series: Illinois State leads, 39-33
• Last Meeting: UNI 75, Illinois State 66 (Feb. 20, 2016)
• UNI has won five of the last six meetings
• The Panthers have posted 10 wins all-time in Redbird Arena; including five under Ben Jacobson
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES
• UNI (10-11 overall, 5-5 MVC) will ride a five-game win streak in Normal, Ill., to take on the red-hot Illinois State Redbirds (18-4 overall, 10-0 MVC). Tip is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
• UNI, after starting 0-5 in the MVC, has won its last five league games. Previously, only two teams in MVC history had lost their first five league games and rebounded to win their next five. Iowa State started 0-5 in 1915 and won its next five; Washburn started 0-5 in 1936 and won its next five.
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• With a victory Wednesday at Illinois State, UNI will have recorded the 13th winning streak of six games or more under the direction of head coach Ben Jacobson.Â
• Junior Bennett Koch has scored in double figures in each of UNI's five victories during its five-game win streak. Over the five-game stretch, Koch is averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. He is shooting 63.0 percent from the field and 85.3 percent from the free throw line.
• Senior guard Jeremy Morgan became the 25th UNI men's basketball player to record at least 500 points and 500 rebounds in his career. Morgan has posted 500 rebounds to go along with 1,105 points.
• UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 552 straight games – the longest active streak in the MVC.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT ILLINOIS STATE
TWO HOTTEST MVC TEAMS HOOK UP WEDNESDAY IN NORMAL
UNI (10-11 overall, 5-5 MVC) will ride a five-game win streak in Normal, Ill., to take on the red-hot Illinois State Redbirds (18-4 overall, 10-0 MVC). The Redbirds have won 11 consecutive games.
   Tip is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Redbird Arena between the Panthers and Redbirds.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Wednesday's game will be available for viewing on MVC TV.
   John Rooney (play-by-play) and David Kaplan (analyst) will call the contest.
   The telecast will be cleared live on FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports Indiana Plus and FOX Sports Kansas City, Comcast SportsNet Chicago and ESPN3 (outside the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska).
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS
Illinois State is led by head coach Dan Muller, who is in his fifth season at the helm of the Redbird program.
   Illinois State is the 22nd team in conference history to start MVC play with a 10-0 league mark.
   The Redbirds are 11-0 at home this season and have won 17 straight home contests. The 17-game home winning streak ranks as the 11th-longest active home-court win streak in the nation.
   The Redbirds are led in scoring by Deontae Hawkins (15.0 ppg), MiKyle McIntosh (13.5 ppg) and Paris Lee (13.0 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Illinois State holds a 39-33 lead in the all-time series vs. UNI.
   UNI has won five of the last six meetings between the two schools.
   The Panthers have posted 10 wins all-time in Normal, Ill., with with head coach Ben Jacobson having earned five of those victories.
   Jacobson is 17-8 vs. Illinois State since taking over as the Panther head coach in 2006-07.
TURNING IT AROUND
UNI, after starting 0-5 in the MVC, has won its last five league games. Â Â
   Previously, only two teams in MVC history had lost their first five league games and rebounded to win their next five. Iowa State started 0-5 in 1915 and won its next five; Washburn started 0-5 in 1936 and won its next five.
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER 6-GAME WIN STREAK
With a victory Wednesday at Illinois State, UNI will have recorded the 13th winning streak of six games or more under the direction of head coach Ben Jacobson.Â
Overall Winning Streaks Under Jake
16 - 2014-15
15 - 2009-10
11 - 2008-09
9 - 2011-12
9 - 2014-15
8 - 2010-11
7 - 2015-16
6 - 2006-07
6 - 2009-10 (twice)
6 - 2012-13
6 - 2015-16
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
UNI secured a season sweep of the Drake Bulldogs on Saturday at the Knapp Center. It is the third straight season that the Panthers have won both contests with the Bulldogs.
   UNI has swept an MVC opponent 36 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 (6) - 09-10, 11-12, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16, 16-17
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) - 07-08Â
JACOBSON AGAINST THE LAND OF LINCOLN
Ben Jacobson has taken full advantage of the four schools representing the state of Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference in his 11 seasons as UNI's head coach.Â
   He has an overall mark of 60-26 vs. Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley and Loyola.Â
Jake Overall vs. MVC's Illinois Schools
Bradley    20-6
Illinois State    17-8
Southern Illinois   17-7
Loyola    6-5
KOCH STEPS UP IN WIN STREAK
UNI junior Bennett Koch has played a big role in the Panthers's five-game win streak. Koch has scored in double figures in each of UNI's wins in the streak.
   Over the five-game stretch, Koch is averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. He is shooting 63.0 percent from the field and 85.3 percent from the free throw line.
KOCH EATS UP DRAKE
For the second time this season, Bennett Koch put up impressive numbers against the Drake.
   In two games vs. Drake, Koch was 15-of-16 from the field and averaged 18.5 point. In the McLeod Center, Koch was 8-of-8 from the field and scored 21 points. In the Knapp Center, Koch went 7-of-8 from the floor and scored 16 points.
NOT MANY MINUTES TO SPARE
Jordan Ashton and Klint Carlson have barely had time to catch their breath during UNI's five-game win streak.Â
   Ashton is averaging 40.4 minutes per game and has sat out a total of eight minutes over the five games.
   Carlson is averaging 38.9 minutes per game and has been on the bench for 11 minutes in the five-game win streak. Carlson also logged a career-high 50 minutes in a double-overtime win over Loyola.
MCDONNELL OFF THE BENCH
Redshirt freshman Luke McDonnell registered his first career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in a 61-54 win over Evansville (1/25).
   McDonnell has played in nine conference games and has scored 58 points (6.4 ppg).Â
   In the non-conference portion of the season, McDonnell played in five games and scored seven points.
UNI's Active Double-Double List
Jeremy Morgan (4)
Bennett Koch (2)
Jordan Ashton (1)
Klint Carlson (1)
Luke McDonnell (1)
HALDEMAN LOOKS TO JOIN LIST OF TOP UNI FRESHMAN SCORERS
Redshirt freshman Spencer Haldeman is averaging 8.9 points per game. He is looking to become only the 15th freshman in UNI's history average 9.0 ppg in a season.
UNI Freshman Scoring Leaders
Jason Reese (1986-87) - 14.1 ppg
Maurice Newby (1986-87) - 13.5 ppg
Chris Foster (2001-02) - 12.6 ppg
Randy Kraayenbrink (1982-83) - 12.4 ppg
Pete Spoden (1959-60) - 11.9 ppg
Dwayne Jackson (1979-80) - 11.4 ppg
Ben Jacobson (2002-03) - 11.3 ppg
Sredrick Robinson (1994-95) - 11.1 ppg
Eric Coleman (2004-05) - 10.7 ppg
Bill McCoy (1969-70) - 10.6 ppg
Seth Tuttle (2011-12) - 9.6 ppg
Randy Beilke (1969-70) - 9.3 ppg
Bill Jones (1977-78) - 9.1 ppg
Cedrick McCullough (1988-89) - 9.0 ppg
Spencer Haldeman (2016-17) - 8.9 ppg
SPENCER TRACKING DOWN UNI FRESHMAN 3-POINT MARK
Redshirt freshman guard Spencer Haldeman is tracking on the UNI freshman three-point record set by Chris Foster with 58 in the 2001-02 season.
   Haldeman leads the Panthers this season having drained 41 three-pointers.
UNI Freshman 3-Point FGs Made List
Chris Foster (2001-02) - 58
Johnny Moran (2008-09) - 50
Sredrick Robinson (1994-95) - 46
Spencer Haldeman (2016-17) - 41
MORGAN JOINS 500/500 CLUB
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan became the 25th UNI men's basketball player to record at least 500 points and 500 rebounds in his career.
   Morgan has posted 500 rebounds in his Panther career to go along with 1,105 points.
UNI's 500 Points/500 Rebounds Club
Name (Years)Â Â Â Pts./Rbs.
Del Nicklaus (1954-57) Â Â Â 604/611
Ron La Frentz (1957-60) Â Â Â 723/551
Jim Jackson (1959-61) Â Â Â 891/1,097
Pete Spoden (1959-63) Â Â Â 1,239/1,104
Craig Kneppe (1963-66) Â Â Â 1,200/685
Ken Huelman (1966-69) Â Â Â 1,275/818
John Martin (1967-70) Â Â Â 1,027/571
Randy Beilke (1970-73) Â Â Â 729/752
Darrell Timion (1971-73) Â Â Â 722/586
Bill Runchey (1973-76) Â Â Â 830/534
Randy Podhaski (1974-77)Â Â Â 831/510
Ron Lemons (1975-79) Â Â Â 1,476/760
Bill Jones (1978-81) Â Â Â 915/574
Jason Reese (1986-90) Â Â Â 2,033/773
Troy Muilenburg (1987-91)Â Â Â 1,251/599
Joe Breakenridge (1997-01)Â Â Â 956/766
David Gruber (2001-04) Â Â Â 1,116/625
Grant Stout (2003-07) Â Â Â 1,232/920
Eric Coleman (2004-08) Â Â Â 1,522/997
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10)Â Â Â 1,066/656
Adam Koch (2006-10) Â Â Â 1,186/596
Lucas O'Rear (2007-11) Â Â Â 529/517
Jake Koch (2009-2013)Â Â Â 1,113/677
Seth Tuttle (2011-2015)Â Â Â 1,747/917
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)Â Â Â 1,105/500
MORGAN RANKS AMONG THE NATION'S BEST
Senior Jeremy Morgan, the preseason MVC player of the year, is the only player in the NCAA to average 10.0 points (15.9), 3.0 rebounds (6.0), 2.0 assists (3.0), 2.0 steals (2.3), 1.0 blocks (1.4) and 2.0 made 3-pointers (2.0).
   No NCAA player in the past 10 seasons has done the following for a season: 15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 blocks, 2.0 3FGM/g, and only one has done that stat line in the past 20 seasons (Shane Battier of Duke in 1999-00).
   Morgan leads UNI in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, 3FGM, and FTM.
MORGAN NETS 1,000 POINTS
Jeremy Morgan became the 41st member of UNI's 1,000 point club at Evansville (1/1).
   Morgan has tallied 1,105 career points and ranks No. 28 on UNI's all-time scoring list.
UNI'S 1,000-POINT SCORERS SINCE 2001
Morgan became the 16th Panther to score 1,000 or more points since the start of the 2001 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 (2011-15) 1,747 pts.
Eric Coleman (2005-08) 1,522 pts.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 1,329 pts.
Anthony James (2008-13) 1,305 pts.
Grant Stout (2004-07) 1,232 pts.
Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 1,200 pts.
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186 pts.
David Gruber (2002-04) 1,116 pts.
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113 pts.
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 1,105 pts.
Matt Bohannon (2011-16.) 1,092 pts.
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066 pts.
Johnny Moran (2008-12) 1,048 pts.
Wes Washpun (2013-16.) 1,035 pts.
Chris Foster (2000-05) 1,027 pts.
MORGAN MOVING UP THE DEFENSIVE CHARTS
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan, who earned a spot on last year's MVC All-Defensive squad, is making his way up the UNI defensive charts in regard to blocked shots and steals.
   Morgan ranks No. 2 at UNI in steals (173) and No. 7 in blocked shots (93).
   Morgan is looking to become only the second UNI player to tally 100 steals and 100 blocks in his career. The only previous Panther to achieve that feat was Jake Koch, who posted 118 steals and 123 blocks from 2009-2013.
STEALS - UNI (CAREER)
1.   Brent Carmichael (1981-83)   180
2.   Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)   173
3.   Nick Nurse (1986-89)   165
4.   Andy Woodley (1998-02)   159
5.   Ben Jacobson (2002-06)   154
6.   Johnny Moran (2008-12)   152
7.   Dale Turner (1988-92)   143
8.   Robbie Williams (1982-86)   140
9.   Brian Carpenter (1992-96)   138
10.   Darian DeVries (1994-98)   131
BLOCKED SHOTS - UNI (CAREER)
1.   Grant Stout (2004-0)   222
2.   Jake Koch (2009-13)   123
3.   Jordan Eglseder (2006-10)   120
4.   Sean Hawkins (1995-98)   118
5.   Eric Coleman (2004-08)   115
6.   Seth Tuttle (2011-15)   95
7.   Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)   93
8.   Jason Sims (1993-96)   90
9.   Scott Stafford (1984-85)   85
10.   Steve Phyfe (1988-90)   66
MORGAN KNOCKS DOWN TRIPLES TOO
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan can also knock down the three-point shot.Â
   Morgan has tallied 153 career three-pointers made to rank No. 8 all-time at UNI.Â
THREE-POINTERS MADE - UNI (CAREER)
1.   Matt Bohannon (2012-16)   268
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.   Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.)   153
9.   Ali Farohkmanesh (2008-10)   152
10.   Maurice Newby (1987-91)   146
FOR STARTERS
UNI has used eight different starting lineups this season in its 21 games.
   UNI has had nine different players draw starts this season.
UNI's 2016-17 Starting Lineups
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Ashton (8)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Lohaus (4)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-Morgan-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Brown-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-McCloud-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Ashton (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Haldeman (1)
3-POINT TALK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 552 straight games – the longest active streak in the MVC.Â
   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.
AMONG THE ELITE
UNI is one of 13 teams to have won at least one game in the NCAA Tournament and accumulate 54 combined wins over the previous two seasons.
   The elite list of squads include UNI, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, Villanova, Wichita State, Wisconsin and Virginia.
BOOK IT IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI's streak of 13 straight upper-half finishes in the MVC is the league's longest active streak.Â
NINE OR MORE MVC WINS
The Panthers have won nine or more MVC games in each of the past 13 seasons – also the MVC's longest active streak.Â
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
UNI has finished in the top four of the MVC standings in eight consecutive seasons.Â
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI has finished in the upper half of the Missouri Valley Conference's final standings in 13 straight seasons. 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.Â
13 STRAIGHT YEARS OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI has won nine or more MVC games in 13 consecutive seasons - the longest active streak in the league.Â
   Wichita State has the second longest active streak at seven.Â
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)
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Panthers are 5-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.Â
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 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
MVC's Dance Partners
Since the 2003-04 season, UNI and Wichita State have made the most appearances in the NCAA Tournament for the Missouri Valley Conference.
   The Panthers have made seven NCAA Tournament apperances since the 2003-04 season, while the Shockers have appeared in six NCAA tournaments in the same time frame.
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
20-WIN SEASONS
UNI has had 12 20-win seasons in program history – 10 of those 20-win seasons have come since 2003-04.Â
WINNING TRADITION IN MCLEOD CENTER
UNI is playing its 11th season in the McLeod Center and the Panthers have made winning a priority in their home venue.
   UNI has posted an all-time mark of 130-34 (.793) in games played in the McLeod Center.Â
   UNI secured a school-record 16 home wins in the 2012-13 season.
   UNI has posted a trio of perfect home seasons since moving to NCAA Division I. UNI was a perfect 14-0 in both the 1983-84 and 2009-10 seasons and then UNI notched a 15-0 mark at home in 2014-15.
   UNI set its home-court win streak of 21 consecutive victories between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons.
   The McLeod Center opened in November 2006.
11 HOME WINS IN 9 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won 11 or more home games in the McLeod Center in nine consecutive seasons.
UNI's Home Record Since 2007-08
Year   Record
2007-08Â Â Â 11-6
2008-09Â Â Â 11-4
2009-10Â Â Â 14-0
2010-11Â Â Â 13-5
2011-12Â Â Â 13-3
2012-13Â Â Â 16-4
2013-14Â Â Â 11-2
2014-15Â Â Â 15-0
2015-16Â Â Â 11-3
2016-17Â Â Â 6-3Â
PROTECTING THE HOME COURT
UNI has won 11 or more home games in the McLeod Center in nine consecutive seasons.
JAKE RANKS AMONG VALLEY'S ALL-TIME WINNINGEST COACHES
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 6 in the Missouri Valley Confernce history in victories (230).
   Jacobson also ranks No. 7 in league history in MVC games only (119).
   Henry Iba tops both lists with 486 total wins and 187 league wins.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State)Â Â Â 486
2. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis)Â Â Â 337
3. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton)Â Â Â 327
4.   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)   249
5.   Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU)   243
6.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)   230
7.   Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois)   225
8.   Ralph Miller (Wichita State)   221
9.   Maury John (Drake)   211
10.   Joe Stowell (Bradley)   197
MVC Coaching Wins (Conf. Games Only)
1. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) Â Â Â 187
2. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton) Â Â Â 182
3. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) Â Â Â 163
4. Â Â Â Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) Â Â Â 129
5. Â Â Â Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) Â Â Â 126
   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)    126
7.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)    119
8. Â Â Â Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) Â Â Â 111
9. Â Â Â Jim Molinari (Bradley) Â Â Â 110
10.   Maurice John (Drake)    95
  Â
UNI MBB IN APR TOP-10 PERCENTÂ
The UNI 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 four 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.
UNI SIGNS PHYFE TO NLI
UNI head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson announced the signing of Austin Phyfe (Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock HS) to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in 2017-18.
   Phyfe (6'9", 235 lbs., Forward) is the No. 2 recruit in the state of Iowa, according to IowaPreps.com. He earned second-team all-state honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association as a junior for head coach Nate Stegge. Phyfe notched third-team all-state accolades as a sophomore. Phyfe is a three-time all-Northeast Iowa Conference pick, including a pair of first-team honors the past two seasons. Phyfe averaged 14.5 points, grabbed 8.4 rebounds and shot 64 percent from the field in leading Waverly-Shell Rock to an 18-6 record in 2015-16. Phyfe scored 13.7 points and grabbed 7.9 rebounds as a sophomore in helping the GoHawks to a 22-3 record and a berth into the state tournament. As a freshman, he helped the GoHawks the state tournament and into the semifinals. Phyfe played AAU for the Iowa Barnstormers.
    He is the son of Steve and Lisa Phyfe. His father, Steve, played basketball for the Panthers from 1987-1990. His sister, Aftin, is a member of the UNI swimming and diving team.
UNI TO PLAY IN 2017 BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
Celebrating its seventh year of elite collegiate tournament play, the 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis will include Villanova, Arizona, Purdue, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Southern Methodist, Western Kentucky and UNI.
   The 2017 early season tournament field boasts a combined 16 Final Four appearances and five National Championships between the field. The annual Battle 4 Atlantis once again falls during the Thanksgiving holiday, scheduled to take place November 22-24, 2017. The 12-game, three-day tournament is regarded as one of the most challenging early-season tournaments.
   It will mark UNI's second appearance in the Battle 4 Atlantis. UNI also took part in the tournament in the 2012 Battle 4 Atlantis as the Panthers played Louisville, Stanford and Memphis.
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), KQCR (98.9 FM, Hampton), KILJ (105.5 FM, Mount Pleasant), KFXE (1160 AM, Decorah-Waukon) and KVFD (1400 AM, Fort Dodge).Â
   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 LUNCHEONSÂ
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, YouTube and Instagram will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
  Â
www.facebook.com/UNIAthleticsÂ
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
Players Mentioned
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UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 4)
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UNI Football Highlights vs. Eastern Washington (Sept. 13, 2025)
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Friday, September 12