University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Wednesday, January 24
Cedar Falls, Iowa
7 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
vs
Illinois State (FREE with United Way donation)
UNI Meets MVC Leader Loyola Sunday in Chicago
1/25/2018 4:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (11-10, 3-6) at Loyola (17-4, 7-2)
Sun., Jan. 28, 2018 • 3 p.m.
Chicago, Illinois (Gentile Center)
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPNU
Play-by-Play: Mitch Holthus
Analyst: Malcolm Huckaby
Radio, TuneIn App
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - KXEL 1540-AM
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: UNI leads 10-6
Last Meeting: Loyola 56, UNI 50 (Jan. 7, 2018)
Loyola has won four of the last five matchups.
UNI is 3-4 all-time at Loyola with the Panthers's last win (58-39) in Chicago coming on Feb. 8, 2015.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES AT LOYOLA
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (11-10 overall, 3-6 MVC) will hit the road for a contest Sunday at 3 p.m. in Chicago against the league-leading Loyola Ramblers (17-4 overall, 7-2 MVC).
• UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 65-34 (.657) in the second half of MVC seasons under head coach Ben Jacobson.
• UNI ranks No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.6 points per game.
• Sophomore guard Juwan McCloud tallied career highs in assists (9) and steals (6) in UNI's 83-72 win over Illinois State (Jan. 24). McCloud is one of 11 NCAA Division I players to have at least nine assists and six steals in a single game this season.
• Freshman guard Tywhon Pickford (6'4") is the nation's top rebounder (8.6 rpg) under 6'5". Pickford ranks No. 8 in the nation in rebounds among all freshmen.
• Freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 78.9 percent from the field (15-of-19 FGs) during Missouri Valley Conference play. Phyfe has made 13 of his last 14 field goal attempts entering Sunday's game at Loyola. Phyfe has also connected on 11 straight free throw attempts.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT LOYOLA
LOYOLA RAMBLERS
The Loyola Ramblers sit atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings at the halfway point with a 7-2 mark in league play.
The Ramblers have won six straight MVC contests.
Loyola is 9-1 at home this season with its only loss coming against Indiana State (61-57).
The Ramblers are led in scoring by Clayton Custer (12.9 ppg), Aundre Jackson (11.9 ppg), Marques Townes (11.7 ppg) and Donte Ingram (11.6 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. LOYOLA
UNI owns a 10-6 lead in the all-time series vs. Loyola.
Loyola has won four of the last five meetings between the two schools, including a 56-50 win in Cedar Falls on Jan. 7.
The Panthers are 3-4 all-time at Loyola with their last win (58-39) in Chicago coming on Feb. 8, 2015.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Loyola Ramblers closed on an 11-2 run to score a 56-50 win over UNI on Jan. 7 in the McLeod Center.
The Ramblers took the lead on a three-pointer by Ben Richardson with 3:03 left in the game at 50-48. Two made free throws from Loyola's Cameron Krutwig with 2:23 remaining upped the Rambler advantage to four at 52-48.
UNI's Wyatt Lohaus nailed a jumper in the lane to trim it back to two with 1:53 left. Loyola's Clayton Custer missed a layup on its next possession and UNI had a chance to tie. But an errant pass from senior Bennett Koch was intercepted by Donte Ingram that led to a layup.
Lohaus drove the lane for a layup, but it was blocked by Loyola's Lucas Williamson. Ingram made one of two at the line to give Loyola a 55-50 lead with :18.9 left. UNI sophomore Juwan McCloud drove the lane and missed with a jumper before Loyola closed out the game with another free throw from Williamson to give the visitors a 56-50 victory.
HALFWAY MARK OF THE MVC
UNI sits at 3-6 in MVC play at the halfway point of the league slate.
UNI has been under .500 at the midway point six times under head coach Ben Jacobson. The Panthers have bounced back strong in the second half of each of the previous five seasons to continue UNI's streak of .500 or above finishes in the league for 14 straight years.
UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 65-34 (.657) in the second half of MVC seasons under Jacobson.
Halfway in MVC Under Jake
Season 1st Half 2nd Half
2006-07 6-3 5-4
2007-08 4-5 5-4
2008-09 8-1 6-3
2009-10 8-1 7-2
2010-11 6-3 4-5
2011-12 4-5 5-4
2012-13 4-5 7-2
2013-14 5-4 5-4
2014-15 8-1 8-1
2015-16 3-6 8-1
2016-17 4-5 5-4
2017-18 3-6 TBD
Totals 63-45 (.583) 65-34 (.657)
NO. 10 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.2 points per game.
Rk. Team W-L Points
1. Virginia 19-1 51.6
2. Cincinnati 18-2 56.6
3. UCF 13-6 59.1
4. UNC Greensboro 15-5 61.8
5. SMU 14-6 62.0
6. Rutgers 12-10 62.0
7. Texas Tech 16-4 62.1
8. Bradley 15-7 62.2
9. Purdue 19-2 62.2
10. UNI 11-10 62.2
MAGIC NUMBER IS 68
UNI is 8-0 this season when scoring 68 or more points in a game.
CHANCE FOR LIMITED FOULS ON SUNDAY AT LOYOLA
Both UNI and Loyola ranks among the nation's best teams at limiting fouls.
Loyola is ranked No. 5 (14.3) and UNI is ranked No. 8 (14.9) in fewest fouls per game.
Rk. Team Fouls/Game
1. Notre Dame 13.2
2. Virginia 13.8
3. Elon 13.9
4. George Washington 14.2
5. Loyola Chicago 14.3
6. Western Illinois 14.6
7. UCF 14.7
8. UNI 14.9
9. Michigan 14.9
10. Minnesota 14.9
WHAT A NIGHT FOR JUWAN
Sophomore guard Juwan McCloud tallied career highs in assists (9) and steals (6) in UNI's 83-72 win over Illinois State (Jan. 24).
McCloud is one of 11 NCAA Division I players to have at least nine assists and six steals in a single game this season.
9 Assists, 6 Steals in 2017-18
Jaylen Adams (St. Bonaventure) - 9a, 6s
Jon Elmore (Marshall) - 13a, 6s
Trevon Duval (Duke) - 10a, 6s
Jermaine Jackson (Detroit Mercy) - 13a, 9s
Tremont Waters (LSU) - 9a, 8s
Franklin Howard (Syracuse) - 10a, 7s
Cortez Edwards (Southern Miss) - 10a, 6s
Ivan Canete (Stephen F. Austin) - 9a, 6s
Darrian Ringo (Miami Ohio) - 9a, 8s
Jacquess Hobbs (Eastern Ky.) - 10a, 7s
Juwan McCloud (UNI) - 9a, 6s
BROWN FROM DOWNTOWN
UNI sophomore Isaiah Brown scored a career-high 20 points and tied another career-high with five made 3-pointers in Wednesday's 83-72 win over Illinois State.
It marks the first 20-point game of Brown's career and he becomes the sixth active Panther to reach 20 points in a game.
Active 20-Plus Point Scoring Games
Bennett Koch (7)
Klint Carlson (3)
Isaiah Brown (1)
Austin Phyfe (1)
Tywhon Pickford (1)
Hunter Rhodes (1)
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 78.9 percent from the field (15-of-19 FGs) during Missouri Valley Conference play.
Phyfe made his first career start vs. Valparaiso on Jan. 13. Phyfe entered the Valpo game having scored 27 total points in the season - including only 11 points in MVC play.
Following his first start vs. Valpo, Phyfe has scored 32 points for the Panthers.
Phyfe has made 13 of his last 14 field goal attempts and has drained 11 consecutive free throws entering Sunday's game at Loyola.
TWO SPARKS OFF THE BENCH
UNI is getting a pair of scoring bursts off the bench from junior Wyatt Lohaus and sophomore Spencer Haldeman.
Lohaus ranks first and Haldeman ranks second among MVC players in scoring without making a start this season.
Lohaus is scoring 9.4 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.8 points per game.
LOHAUS IS LOCKED IN
UNI junior guard Wyatt Lohaus is locked in with his shooting stroke. Lohaus has drained 22-of-44 (.500) of his three-point shots this season.
Lohaus is 15-of-30 from three-point range in MVC play.
NATION'S BEST REBOUNDER
UNDER 6'5"
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford is the nation's top rebounder under 6'5". Pickford (6'4") is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game.
Buffalo's C.J. Massinburg (6'3") is the nation's next best rebounder under 6'5". Massinburg is averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 8 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.6 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke) 11.5
2. Deandre Ayton (Arizona) 11.1
3. Mohamed Bamba (Texas) 10.7
4. Brandon McCoy (UNLV) 9.9
5. Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne) 9.7
6. Oshae Brissett (Syracuse) 9.3
7. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke) 9.2
8. Tywhon Pickford (UNI) 8.6
9. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) 8.6
10. Jalen Canty (UC Santa Barbara) 7.8
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through nine games in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Pickford is averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in league play.
FROSH GUARD DOUBLE-DOUBLES
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford ranks tied for third among freshman guards who have recorded double-doubles this season. Pickford has posted five double-doubles in 2017-18.
Oklahoma's Trae Young (10) and Duquesne's Eric Williams Jr. (9) are the only freshman guards with more than five double-doubles this season.
MVC Frosh Double-Doubles (since '97)
9 -- Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-11)
6 -- Danny Granger, Bradley (2001-02)
6 -- Patrick O'Bryant, Bradley (2004-05)
5 -- Jamar Howard, Wichita State (2001-02)
5 -- Tywhon Pickford, UNI (2017-18)
PICKFORD DOUBLES UP
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford has reached double figures in rebounds nine times this season.
Pickford has registered a team-best five double-doubles. Pickford has recorded double-doubles against Alcorn State (16 pts., 10 rbs.), North Carolina State (18 pts., 18 rbs.), Missouri State (18 pts., 10 rbs.), Loyola (15 pts., 11 rbs.) and Drake (16 pts., 10 rbs.).
UNI's Active Double-Double List
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Bennett Koch (4)
Klint Carlson (1)
Luke McDonnell (1)
UNI's Single-Season Double-Double Leaders (Since 2000)
Joe Breakenridge (17) - 2000-01
Eric Coleman (16) - 2007-08
Grant Stout (13) - 2005-06
Eric Coleman (13) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (12) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (8) - 2004-05
Seth Tuttle (7) - 2013-14
David Gruber (6) - 2001-02
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2008-09
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2009-10
Matt Schneiderman (5) - 2002-03
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2012-13
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2014-15
Tywhon Pickford (5) - 2017-18
UNI's Overall Double-Double Leaders
(Since 2000)
Eric Coleman (36)
Grant Stout (33)
Seth Tuttle (21)
Joe Breakenridge (17)
Jordan Eglseder (15)
David Gruber (13)
Matt Schneiderman (8)
Jeremy Morgan (5)
Adam Koch (5)
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Erik Crawford (4)
Jake Koch (4)
Bennett Koch (4)
MCCLOUD CONTINUES HIS
DEVELOPMENT
UNI sophomore point guard Juwan McCloud leads the squad in assists (56) and steals (30).
McCloud ranks sixth on the team in scoring at 7.2 points per game.
McCloud has reached double-figure scoring six times this season. Last year, McCloud had four double-figure scoring games as a true freshman.
McCloud has drained 17 three-pointers this season after making nine three-pointers during the 2016-17 season.
FOUR UNDERCLASSMEN IN STARTING FIVE
UNI has gone young in its starting lineup over the past four games by starting four underclassmen.
UNI's starting five consists of senior Klint Carlson, sophomores Isaiah Brown and Juwan McCloud to go along with true freshmen Tywhon Pickford and Austin Phyfe. The current starting five have combined to start 146 career games.
UNI's Starters (Played, Started)
Juwan McCloud (51, 49)
Isaiah Brown (47, 23)
Tywhon Pickford (21, 21)
Klint Carlson (103, 49)
Austin Phyfe (18, 4)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 21 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 17 3-pointers this season.
Spencer Haldeman (33), Tywhon Pickford (28), Isaiah Brown (28), Klint Carlson (23), Wyatt Lohaus (22) and Juwan McCloud (17) have all made at least 17 shots from 3-point land this season.
UNI is averaging 7.8 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 582 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference. It also ranks as the 32nd-longest active streak among all NCAA Division I teams.
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.
STRONG NON-CONFERENCE WINS
UNI built a strong resume during its non-conference play with a mark of 8-4.
The Panthers posted wins over SMU (61-58), North Carolina State (64-60), UNLV (77-68 OT) and UT Arlington (62-58).
SMU was ranked No. 53 and North Carolina State is ranked No. 75 in Thursday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 11-10 overall and 3-6 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
All 10 of UNI's losses have come against top-155 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 130 in Thursday's NCAA RPI report.
RPI for UNI's Losses in 2017-18
No. 2 Xavier - L, 77-67
No. 3 vs. Villanova - L, 64-50
No. 5 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 60 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 76 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 83 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 92 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 124 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 124 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 155 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
80 OR MORE IS A GOOD SIGN
UNI is 47-6 when scoring 80 or more points in the Ben Jacobson coaching era.
UNI SCORING 80+IN JACOBSON ERA
Date Opponent Results
1/24/18 Illinois State W, 83-72
1/13/18 Valparaiso W, 81-76
12/10/17 Dubuque W, 80-47
11/18/17 Chicago State W, 82-44
12/7/16 South Dakota State W, 86-58
11/17/16 vs. Arizona State W, 82-63
3/20/16 vs. Texas A&M L, 92-88 (2OT)
2/10/15 Missouri State W, 83-69
2/6/15 at Drake W, 82-66
12/30/15 Bradley W, 80-44
12/19/15 vs. Iowa State W, 81-79
11/30/15 North Texas W, 93-70
11/28/15 at North Dakota W, 97-51
11/25/15 Dubuque W, 83-63
2/11/15 Illinois State W, 83-64
12/13/14 at VCU L, 93-87 (2OT)
2/1/14 Indiana State L, 87-81
1/29/14 Evansville W, 95-81
1/25/14 at Loyola L, 93-87 (OT)
1/14/14 Missouri State W, 94-89
1/8/14 at Evansville W, 80-53
1/1/14 Bradley W, 80-46
12/28/13 Iona W, 90-78
12/7/13 vs. Iowa State L, 91-82 (OT)
11/22/13 Loyola Marymount W, 90-81
11/11/13 Coe W, 86-52
3/26/13 Bradley W, 90-77
3/2/13 Illinois State W, 80-72
1/20/13 Drake W, 85-55
1/12/13 Bradley W, 84-53
12/23/12 Saint Mary's W, 82-75
12/8/12 at George Mason W, 82-77 (OT)
11/14/12 Toledo W, 84-81 (OT)
11/10/12 Wartburg W, 103-50
1/7/12 at Drake W, 83-68
12/19/11 Loras W, 84-48
12/6/11 Iowa W, 80-60
12/3/11 Colorado State W, 83-77
3/15/11 Rider W, 84-50
2/15/11 at Bradley W, 80-70
1/9/11 Bradley W, 83-77
11/16/10 Coe W, 84-45
1/3/10 Missouri State W, 84-76
12/12/09 Siena W, 82-65
11/23/09 vs. Boston College W, 81-69
2/11/09 Southern Illinois W, 81-55
1/17/09 at Drake W, 81-59
12/28/08 Indiana State L, 85-84 (2OT)
11/25/08 Chicago State W, 81-70
12/15/07 Wartburg W, 99-48
12/20/06 Wartburg W, 83-61
12/09/06 UMKC W, 85-53
11/13/06 vs. Pepperdine W, 83-58
AMONG THE MVC'S ALL-TIME BEST
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is among the all-time leaders in Missouri Valley Conference victories for all games and league games only.
Jacobson ranks No. 6 in MVC coaching victories with 245.
Jacobson is tied for No. 6 with Kansas's Dr. F.C. (Phog) Allen in league history in MVC games only with 126 wins.
Henry Iba tops both lists with 486 total wins and 187 league wins.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) 486
2. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 337
3. Dana Altman (Creighton) 327
4. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 261
Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 261
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 245
7. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
8. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 220
9. Maury John (Drake) 211
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
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. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 139
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 134
6. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
Ben Jacobson (UNI) 126
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2016. The Panthers are 5-8 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 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
7TH NCAA TOURNEY SINCE 2004
The Panthers have made seven NCAA appearances since the 2004 season. Only 27 other teams have made more than seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2004.
That is the most NCAA Tournament apperance since 2004 for any current member of the MVC. New MVC member Valparaiso has made three NCAA Tournaments in that same time frame (2004, 2013, 2015).
Current MVC NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Valparaiso (3) - 2004, 2013, 2015
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
UNI extended its streak of top-four finishes in the Missouri Valley Conference to a ninth straight season with its third-place finish in 2016-17.
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI recorded its 14th straight upper-half finish 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.
14 STRAIGHT YEARS OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI also extended its streak of nine or more MVC victories in a season to 14 straight years. It is the longest active streak in the league.
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)
2016-17 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
PANTHERS PICKED SECOND IN MVC PRESEASON POLL
UNI has been slotted to finish second in the preseason 2017-18 Missouri Valley Conference poll.
UNI received eight first-place votes in the preseason poll. It is the most preseason first-place votes in a year that the Panthers were not picked as the preseason favorites.
MVC Preseason Poll
School (First-Place Votes) Total
1. Missouri State (30) 381
2. UNI (8) 337
3. Loyola (1) 321
4. Illinois State (1) 256
5. Southern Illinois 226
6. Valparaiso 214
7. Bradley 182
8. Indiana State 116
9. Evansville 88
10. Drake 79
KOCH, CARLSON EARN ALL-MVC PRESEASON HONORS
University of Northern Iowa seniors Bennett Koch and Klint Carlson have been named to the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference teams.
Koch earned first-team all-MVC honors, while Carlson was selected to the second team.
Koch is UNI's top returning scorer at 11.0 points per game. In his last 14 games last season, Koch averaged a team-best 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game.
Carlson averaged more points per game for the third consecutive season (8.3 ppg). He ranked No. 4 in the league at 36.6 minutes per game.
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).
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.
UNI INKS TOP-100 RECRUIT GREEN
University of Northern Iowa head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson has announced the signing of consensus top-100 recruit A.J. Green to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in the 2018-19 season.
Green (6'4", 175 lbs., Guard – Cedar Falls, Iowa/Cedar Falls HS) is ranked among the top-100 recruits by ESPN (No. 74), 247 (No. 77), Scout (No. 77) and Rivals (No. 88). He is a four-star recruit and a first-team all-state pick by the Iowa Newspaper Association in both 2016 and 2017.
"A.J. has a tremendous work ethic and drive to be the absolute best. It has been a lot of fun watching him work and grow as player over the course of all these years," Jacobson said. "In A.J., we are getting a player who knows our program, comes in with lofty goals and has made himself one of the best players in the country. Most importantly we are getting a terrific young guy. This is an exciting day for our basketball family and for Panther Nation as A.J. officially becomes a Panther."
Green set the Cedar Falls High School scoring mark Jan. 16, 2018, with 1,435 points. Green averaged 21.5 points per game and grabbed 4.2 rebounds per game, while he shot 47.4 percent from the floor (43.4 – 3-point range) as a junior. He averaged 17.8 points per game and made 44 percent of his three-point shots as a sophomore. Green scored 186 points and averaged 8.0 points per game as a freshman.
Green played AAU basketball for the Iowa Barnstormers. He is the son of Kyle and Michele Green.
WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly press conference held each Monday at noon in the McLeod Center's Alumni Suite.
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
INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
UNI (11-10, 3-6) at Loyola (17-4, 7-2)
Sun., Jan. 28, 2018 • 3 p.m.
Chicago, Illinois (Gentile Center)
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPNU
Play-by-Play: Mitch Holthus
Analyst: Malcolm Huckaby
Radio, TuneIn App
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - KXEL 1540-AM
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: UNI leads 10-6
Last Meeting: Loyola 56, UNI 50 (Jan. 7, 2018)
Loyola has won four of the last five matchups.
UNI is 3-4 all-time at Loyola with the Panthers's last win (58-39) in Chicago coming on Feb. 8, 2015.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES AT LOYOLA
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (11-10 overall, 3-6 MVC) will hit the road for a contest Sunday at 3 p.m. in Chicago against the league-leading Loyola Ramblers (17-4 overall, 7-2 MVC).
• UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 65-34 (.657) in the second half of MVC seasons under head coach Ben Jacobson.
• UNI ranks No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.6 points per game.
• Sophomore guard Juwan McCloud tallied career highs in assists (9) and steals (6) in UNI's 83-72 win over Illinois State (Jan. 24). McCloud is one of 11 NCAA Division I players to have at least nine assists and six steals in a single game this season.
• Freshman guard Tywhon Pickford (6'4") is the nation's top rebounder (8.6 rpg) under 6'5". Pickford ranks No. 8 in the nation in rebounds among all freshmen.
• Freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 78.9 percent from the field (15-of-19 FGs) during Missouri Valley Conference play. Phyfe has made 13 of his last 14 field goal attempts entering Sunday's game at Loyola. Phyfe has also connected on 11 straight free throw attempts.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT LOYOLA
LOYOLA RAMBLERS
The Loyola Ramblers sit atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings at the halfway point with a 7-2 mark in league play.
The Ramblers have won six straight MVC contests.
Loyola is 9-1 at home this season with its only loss coming against Indiana State (61-57).
The Ramblers are led in scoring by Clayton Custer (12.9 ppg), Aundre Jackson (11.9 ppg), Marques Townes (11.7 ppg) and Donte Ingram (11.6 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. LOYOLA
UNI owns a 10-6 lead in the all-time series vs. Loyola.
Loyola has won four of the last five meetings between the two schools, including a 56-50 win in Cedar Falls on Jan. 7.
The Panthers are 3-4 all-time at Loyola with their last win (58-39) in Chicago coming on Feb. 8, 2015.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Loyola Ramblers closed on an 11-2 run to score a 56-50 win over UNI on Jan. 7 in the McLeod Center.
The Ramblers took the lead on a three-pointer by Ben Richardson with 3:03 left in the game at 50-48. Two made free throws from Loyola's Cameron Krutwig with 2:23 remaining upped the Rambler advantage to four at 52-48.
UNI's Wyatt Lohaus nailed a jumper in the lane to trim it back to two with 1:53 left. Loyola's Clayton Custer missed a layup on its next possession and UNI had a chance to tie. But an errant pass from senior Bennett Koch was intercepted by Donte Ingram that led to a layup.
Lohaus drove the lane for a layup, but it was blocked by Loyola's Lucas Williamson. Ingram made one of two at the line to give Loyola a 55-50 lead with :18.9 left. UNI sophomore Juwan McCloud drove the lane and missed with a jumper before Loyola closed out the game with another free throw from Williamson to give the visitors a 56-50 victory.
HALFWAY MARK OF THE MVC
UNI sits at 3-6 in MVC play at the halfway point of the league slate.
UNI has been under .500 at the midway point six times under head coach Ben Jacobson. The Panthers have bounced back strong in the second half of each of the previous five seasons to continue UNI's streak of .500 or above finishes in the league for 14 straight years.
UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 65-34 (.657) in the second half of MVC seasons under Jacobson.
Halfway in MVC Under Jake
Season 1st Half 2nd Half
2006-07 6-3 5-4
2007-08 4-5 5-4
2008-09 8-1 6-3
2009-10 8-1 7-2
2010-11 6-3 4-5
2011-12 4-5 5-4
2012-13 4-5 7-2
2013-14 5-4 5-4
2014-15 8-1 8-1
2015-16 3-6 8-1
2016-17 4-5 5-4
2017-18 3-6 TBD
Totals 63-45 (.583) 65-34 (.657)
NO. 10 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.2 points per game.
Rk. Team W-L Points
1. Virginia 19-1 51.6
2. Cincinnati 18-2 56.6
3. UCF 13-6 59.1
4. UNC Greensboro 15-5 61.8
5. SMU 14-6 62.0
6. Rutgers 12-10 62.0
7. Texas Tech 16-4 62.1
8. Bradley 15-7 62.2
9. Purdue 19-2 62.2
10. UNI 11-10 62.2
MAGIC NUMBER IS 68
UNI is 8-0 this season when scoring 68 or more points in a game.
CHANCE FOR LIMITED FOULS ON SUNDAY AT LOYOLA
Both UNI and Loyola ranks among the nation's best teams at limiting fouls.
Loyola is ranked No. 5 (14.3) and UNI is ranked No. 8 (14.9) in fewest fouls per game.
Rk. Team Fouls/Game
1. Notre Dame 13.2
2. Virginia 13.8
3. Elon 13.9
4. George Washington 14.2
5. Loyola Chicago 14.3
6. Western Illinois 14.6
7. UCF 14.7
8. UNI 14.9
9. Michigan 14.9
10. Minnesota 14.9
WHAT A NIGHT FOR JUWAN
Sophomore guard Juwan McCloud tallied career highs in assists (9) and steals (6) in UNI's 83-72 win over Illinois State (Jan. 24).
McCloud is one of 11 NCAA Division I players to have at least nine assists and six steals in a single game this season.
9 Assists, 6 Steals in 2017-18
Jaylen Adams (St. Bonaventure) - 9a, 6s
Jon Elmore (Marshall) - 13a, 6s
Trevon Duval (Duke) - 10a, 6s
Jermaine Jackson (Detroit Mercy) - 13a, 9s
Tremont Waters (LSU) - 9a, 8s
Franklin Howard (Syracuse) - 10a, 7s
Cortez Edwards (Southern Miss) - 10a, 6s
Ivan Canete (Stephen F. Austin) - 9a, 6s
Darrian Ringo (Miami Ohio) - 9a, 8s
Jacquess Hobbs (Eastern Ky.) - 10a, 7s
Juwan McCloud (UNI) - 9a, 6s
BROWN FROM DOWNTOWN
UNI sophomore Isaiah Brown scored a career-high 20 points and tied another career-high with five made 3-pointers in Wednesday's 83-72 win over Illinois State.
It marks the first 20-point game of Brown's career and he becomes the sixth active Panther to reach 20 points in a game.
Active 20-Plus Point Scoring Games
Bennett Koch (7)
Klint Carlson (3)
Isaiah Brown (1)
Austin Phyfe (1)
Tywhon Pickford (1)
Hunter Rhodes (1)
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 78.9 percent from the field (15-of-19 FGs) during Missouri Valley Conference play.
Phyfe made his first career start vs. Valparaiso on Jan. 13. Phyfe entered the Valpo game having scored 27 total points in the season - including only 11 points in MVC play.
Following his first start vs. Valpo, Phyfe has scored 32 points for the Panthers.
Phyfe has made 13 of his last 14 field goal attempts and has drained 11 consecutive free throws entering Sunday's game at Loyola.
TWO SPARKS OFF THE BENCH
UNI is getting a pair of scoring bursts off the bench from junior Wyatt Lohaus and sophomore Spencer Haldeman.
Lohaus ranks first and Haldeman ranks second among MVC players in scoring without making a start this season.
Lohaus is scoring 9.4 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.8 points per game.
LOHAUS IS LOCKED IN
UNI junior guard Wyatt Lohaus is locked in with his shooting stroke. Lohaus has drained 22-of-44 (.500) of his three-point shots this season.
Lohaus is 15-of-30 from three-point range in MVC play.
NATION'S BEST REBOUNDER
UNDER 6'5"
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford is the nation's top rebounder under 6'5". Pickford (6'4") is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game.
Buffalo's C.J. Massinburg (6'3") is the nation's next best rebounder under 6'5". Massinburg is averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 8 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.6 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke) 11.5
2. Deandre Ayton (Arizona) 11.1
3. Mohamed Bamba (Texas) 10.7
4. Brandon McCoy (UNLV) 9.9
5. Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne) 9.7
6. Oshae Brissett (Syracuse) 9.3
7. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke) 9.2
8. Tywhon Pickford (UNI) 8.6
9. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) 8.6
10. Jalen Canty (UC Santa Barbara) 7.8
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through nine games in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Pickford is averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in league play.
FROSH GUARD DOUBLE-DOUBLES
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford ranks tied for third among freshman guards who have recorded double-doubles this season. Pickford has posted five double-doubles in 2017-18.
Oklahoma's Trae Young (10) and Duquesne's Eric Williams Jr. (9) are the only freshman guards with more than five double-doubles this season.
MVC Frosh Double-Doubles (since '97)
9 -- Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-11)
6 -- Danny Granger, Bradley (2001-02)
6 -- Patrick O'Bryant, Bradley (2004-05)
5 -- Jamar Howard, Wichita State (2001-02)
5 -- Tywhon Pickford, UNI (2017-18)
PICKFORD DOUBLES UP
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford has reached double figures in rebounds nine times this season.
Pickford has registered a team-best five double-doubles. Pickford has recorded double-doubles against Alcorn State (16 pts., 10 rbs.), North Carolina State (18 pts., 18 rbs.), Missouri State (18 pts., 10 rbs.), Loyola (15 pts., 11 rbs.) and Drake (16 pts., 10 rbs.).
UNI's Active Double-Double List
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Bennett Koch (4)
Klint Carlson (1)
Luke McDonnell (1)
UNI's Single-Season Double-Double Leaders (Since 2000)
Joe Breakenridge (17) - 2000-01
Eric Coleman (16) - 2007-08
Grant Stout (13) - 2005-06
Eric Coleman (13) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (12) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (8) - 2004-05
Seth Tuttle (7) - 2013-14
David Gruber (6) - 2001-02
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2008-09
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2009-10
Matt Schneiderman (5) - 2002-03
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2012-13
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2014-15
Tywhon Pickford (5) - 2017-18
UNI's Overall Double-Double Leaders
(Since 2000)
Eric Coleman (36)
Grant Stout (33)
Seth Tuttle (21)
Joe Breakenridge (17)
Jordan Eglseder (15)
David Gruber (13)
Matt Schneiderman (8)
Jeremy Morgan (5)
Adam Koch (5)
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Erik Crawford (4)
Jake Koch (4)
Bennett Koch (4)
MCCLOUD CONTINUES HIS
DEVELOPMENT
UNI sophomore point guard Juwan McCloud leads the squad in assists (56) and steals (30).
McCloud ranks sixth on the team in scoring at 7.2 points per game.
McCloud has reached double-figure scoring six times this season. Last year, McCloud had four double-figure scoring games as a true freshman.
McCloud has drained 17 three-pointers this season after making nine three-pointers during the 2016-17 season.
FOUR UNDERCLASSMEN IN STARTING FIVE
UNI has gone young in its starting lineup over the past four games by starting four underclassmen.
UNI's starting five consists of senior Klint Carlson, sophomores Isaiah Brown and Juwan McCloud to go along with true freshmen Tywhon Pickford and Austin Phyfe. The current starting five have combined to start 146 career games.
UNI's Starters (Played, Started)
Juwan McCloud (51, 49)
Isaiah Brown (47, 23)
Tywhon Pickford (21, 21)
Klint Carlson (103, 49)
Austin Phyfe (18, 4)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 21 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 17 3-pointers this season.
Spencer Haldeman (33), Tywhon Pickford (28), Isaiah Brown (28), Klint Carlson (23), Wyatt Lohaus (22) and Juwan McCloud (17) have all made at least 17 shots from 3-point land this season.
UNI is averaging 7.8 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 582 straight games – the longest active streak in the Missouri Valley Conference. It also ranks as the 32nd-longest active streak among all NCAA Division I teams.
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.
STRONG NON-CONFERENCE WINS
UNI built a strong resume during its non-conference play with a mark of 8-4.
The Panthers posted wins over SMU (61-58), North Carolina State (64-60), UNLV (77-68 OT) and UT Arlington (62-58).
SMU was ranked No. 53 and North Carolina State is ranked No. 75 in Thursday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 11-10 overall and 3-6 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
All 10 of UNI's losses have come against top-155 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 130 in Thursday's NCAA RPI report.
RPI for UNI's Losses in 2017-18
No. 2 Xavier - L, 77-67
No. 3 vs. Villanova - L, 64-50
No. 5 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 60 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 76 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 83 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 92 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 124 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 124 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 155 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
80 OR MORE IS A GOOD SIGN
UNI is 47-6 when scoring 80 or more points in the Ben Jacobson coaching era.
UNI SCORING 80+IN JACOBSON ERA
Date Opponent Results
1/24/18 Illinois State W, 83-72
1/13/18 Valparaiso W, 81-76
12/10/17 Dubuque W, 80-47
11/18/17 Chicago State W, 82-44
12/7/16 South Dakota State W, 86-58
11/17/16 vs. Arizona State W, 82-63
3/20/16 vs. Texas A&M L, 92-88 (2OT)
2/10/15 Missouri State W, 83-69
2/6/15 at Drake W, 82-66
12/30/15 Bradley W, 80-44
12/19/15 vs. Iowa State W, 81-79
11/30/15 North Texas W, 93-70
11/28/15 at North Dakota W, 97-51
11/25/15 Dubuque W, 83-63
2/11/15 Illinois State W, 83-64
12/13/14 at VCU L, 93-87 (2OT)
2/1/14 Indiana State L, 87-81
1/29/14 Evansville W, 95-81
1/25/14 at Loyola L, 93-87 (OT)
1/14/14 Missouri State W, 94-89
1/8/14 at Evansville W, 80-53
1/1/14 Bradley W, 80-46
12/28/13 Iona W, 90-78
12/7/13 vs. Iowa State L, 91-82 (OT)
11/22/13 Loyola Marymount W, 90-81
11/11/13 Coe W, 86-52
3/26/13 Bradley W, 90-77
3/2/13 Illinois State W, 80-72
1/20/13 Drake W, 85-55
1/12/13 Bradley W, 84-53
12/23/12 Saint Mary's W, 82-75
12/8/12 at George Mason W, 82-77 (OT)
11/14/12 Toledo W, 84-81 (OT)
11/10/12 Wartburg W, 103-50
1/7/12 at Drake W, 83-68
12/19/11 Loras W, 84-48
12/6/11 Iowa W, 80-60
12/3/11 Colorado State W, 83-77
3/15/11 Rider W, 84-50
2/15/11 at Bradley W, 80-70
1/9/11 Bradley W, 83-77
11/16/10 Coe W, 84-45
1/3/10 Missouri State W, 84-76
12/12/09 Siena W, 82-65
11/23/09 vs. Boston College W, 81-69
2/11/09 Southern Illinois W, 81-55
1/17/09 at Drake W, 81-59
12/28/08 Indiana State L, 85-84 (2OT)
11/25/08 Chicago State W, 81-70
12/15/07 Wartburg W, 99-48
12/20/06 Wartburg W, 83-61
12/09/06 UMKC W, 85-53
11/13/06 vs. Pepperdine W, 83-58
AMONG THE MVC'S ALL-TIME BEST
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is among the all-time leaders in Missouri Valley Conference victories for all games and league games only.
Jacobson ranks No. 6 in MVC coaching victories with 245.
Jacobson is tied for No. 6 with Kansas's Dr. F.C. (Phog) Allen in league history in MVC games only with 126 wins.
Henry Iba tops both lists with 486 total wins and 187 league wins.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) 486
2. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 337
3. Dana Altman (Creighton) 327
4. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 261
Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 261
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 245
7. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
8. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 220
9. Maury John (Drake) 211
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
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. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 139
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 134
6. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
Ben Jacobson (UNI) 126
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2016. The Panthers are 5-8 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 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
7TH NCAA TOURNEY SINCE 2004
The Panthers have made seven NCAA appearances since the 2004 season. Only 27 other teams have made more than seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2004.
That is the most NCAA Tournament apperance since 2004 for any current member of the MVC. New MVC member Valparaiso has made three NCAA Tournaments in that same time frame (2004, 2013, 2015).
Current MVC NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Valparaiso (3) - 2004, 2013, 2015
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
UNI extended its streak of top-four finishes in the Missouri Valley Conference to a ninth straight season with its third-place finish in 2016-17.
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI recorded its 14th straight upper-half finish 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.
14 STRAIGHT YEARS OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI also extended its streak of nine or more MVC victories in a season to 14 straight years. It is the longest active streak in the league.
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)
2016-17 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
PANTHERS PICKED SECOND IN MVC PRESEASON POLL
UNI has been slotted to finish second in the preseason 2017-18 Missouri Valley Conference poll.
UNI received eight first-place votes in the preseason poll. It is the most preseason first-place votes in a year that the Panthers were not picked as the preseason favorites.
MVC Preseason Poll
School (First-Place Votes) Total
1. Missouri State (30) 381
2. UNI (8) 337
3. Loyola (1) 321
4. Illinois State (1) 256
5. Southern Illinois 226
6. Valparaiso 214
7. Bradley 182
8. Indiana State 116
9. Evansville 88
10. Drake 79
KOCH, CARLSON EARN ALL-MVC PRESEASON HONORS
University of Northern Iowa seniors Bennett Koch and Klint Carlson have been named to the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference teams.
Koch earned first-team all-MVC honors, while Carlson was selected to the second team.
Koch is UNI's top returning scorer at 11.0 points per game. In his last 14 games last season, Koch averaged a team-best 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game.
Carlson averaged more points per game for the third consecutive season (8.3 ppg). He ranked No. 4 in the league at 36.6 minutes per game.
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).
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.
UNI INKS TOP-100 RECRUIT GREEN
University of Northern Iowa head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson has announced the signing of consensus top-100 recruit A.J. Green to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in the 2018-19 season.
Green (6'4", 175 lbs., Guard – Cedar Falls, Iowa/Cedar Falls HS) is ranked among the top-100 recruits by ESPN (No. 74), 247 (No. 77), Scout (No. 77) and Rivals (No. 88). He is a four-star recruit and a first-team all-state pick by the Iowa Newspaper Association in both 2016 and 2017.
"A.J. has a tremendous work ethic and drive to be the absolute best. It has been a lot of fun watching him work and grow as player over the course of all these years," Jacobson said. "In A.J., we are getting a player who knows our program, comes in with lofty goals and has made himself one of the best players in the country. Most importantly we are getting a terrific young guy. This is an exciting day for our basketball family and for Panther Nation as A.J. officially becomes a Panther."
Green set the Cedar Falls High School scoring mark Jan. 16, 2018, with 1,435 points. Green averaged 21.5 points per game and grabbed 4.2 rebounds per game, while he shot 47.4 percent from the floor (43.4 – 3-point range) as a junior. He averaged 17.8 points per game and made 44 percent of his three-point shots as a sophomore. Green scored 186 points and averaged 8.0 points per game as a freshman.
Green played AAU basketball for the Iowa Barnstormers. He is the son of Kyle and Michele Green.
WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly press conference held each Monday at noon in the McLeod Center's Alumni Suite.
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
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
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/ Men's BasketballPST: Ben Jacobson - Dec. 5, 2025 (Part 1 of 3)
Friday, December 05
PST: Ben Jacobson - Dec. 5, 2025 (Part 2 of 3)
Friday, December 05
PST: Ben Jacobson - Dec. 5, 2025 (Part 3 of 3)
Friday, December 05
Ben Jacobson Postgame Interview - Dec. 1, 2025.
Tuesday, December 02