University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Saturday, February 10
Des Moines, Iowa
3 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
at
Drake
UNI Treks to Drake For Intra-State Matchup
2/9/2018 1:23:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (12-13, 4-9) at Drake (13-13, 7-6)
Sat., Feb. 10, 2018 • 3 p.m.
Des Moines, Iowa (Knapp Center)
WATCH* | LISTEN | STATS
*blacked out on ESPN3 in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's UNI-Drake game will be shown on the MVC TV Network.
John Rooney (play-by-play) and Adam Emmenecker (analyst) will call the action in the Knapp Center.
Clearances for the game include: Fox Sports Midwest, Fox Sports Kansas City, Fox Sports Indiana and NBC Sports Chicago.
The game can also be seen ESPN3 nationally but it will be blacked out in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri.
It can also be streamed on the Fox Sports GO app.
Television
MVC TV
Play-by-Play: John Rooney
Analyst: Adam Emmenecker
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
http://www.sidearmstats.com/drake/mbball/
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: UNI leads 46-25
Last Meeting: Bradley 72, UNI 68 (Dec. 31, 2017)
UNI has won seven straight matchups against Drake.
Overall, the Panthers have won 16 of the last 18 contests against the Bulldogs.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES AT DRAKE
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (12-13 overall, 4-9 MVC) will look to sweep the season series vs. the Drake Bulldogs (13-13 overall, 7-6 MVC). Tip is set for 3 p.m. Saturday in the Knapp Center.
• UNI ranks tied for No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense (63.0 ppg).
• Junior guard Wyatt Lohaus recorded a career-high 25 points in UNI's 74-65 win over Bradley in the McLeod Center. Lohaus drained a career-high six three-pointers against the Braves.
• UNI has seven active players on its roster to have scored 20 or more points in a game in their career, which is the most for any MVC team.Senior forward Bennett Koch leads the way for UNI with seven career 20-point scoring games.
• Junior guard Wyatt Lohaus ranks first and sophomore guard Spencer Haldeman ranks second in scoring among active MVC players who have not made a start this season. Lohaus is scoring 8.8 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.4 points per game.
• UNI is averaging 67.9 points per game at home in seven MVC games. The Panthers have posted 54.0 points per game in six road league games.
• UNI is 9-1 this season when scoring 68 points or more in a game.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT DRAKE
DRAKE BULLDOGS
Drake is under the direction of first-year head coach Niko Medved. Prior to arriving at Drake, Medved served as the head coach at Furman University for four seasons. He compiled a mark of 62-70 at Furman and led the Palladins to a record of 23-11 in 2016-17.
The Bulldogs have lost four of their last five games.
Drake is 8-2 at home this season and with both losses coming in MVC play to Loyola (80-57) and Southern Illinois (78-67).
Drake is led in scoring by Reed Timmer (18.5 ppg), Nick McGlynn (11.6 ppg) and De'Antae McMurray (10.4 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. DRAKE
UNI holds a 46-25 lead in the all-time series vs. Drake. UNI has won seven straight games vs. Drake.
Overall, UNI has won 16 of the last 18 matchups vs. Drake.
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 17-7 all-time vs. Drake.
UNI has won three straight games vs. Drake in the Knapp Center. In fact, UNI has won seven of the last nine games played on Drake's home floor.
The Panthers are 16-17 all-time in the Knapp Center - the most wins for UNI in any of its current MVC road venues.
IN OUR LAST MEETING
UNI overcame an early 16-point deficit and posted a 68-54 victory over the league-leading Drake Bulldogs on Jan. 16 in the McLeod Center.
UNI held Drake to a season-low 54 points. The Panthers got a double-double from freshman Tywhon Pickford with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Bennett Koch contributed 19 points off the bench.
LOHAUS LANDS CAREER HIGH
Junior guard Wyatt Lohaus recorded a career-high 25 points in UNI's 74-65 win over Bradley in the McLeod Center.
Lohaus drained a career-high six three-pointers vs. the Braves.
Lohaus is one of 18 players in the country to have scored 25 points in a game to go with at least six made three-pointers and took 11 or fewer field goal attempts.
It marks the first 20-point game of Lohaus's career and he becomes the seventh active Panther to reach 20 points in a game.
Active 20-Point Scoring Games
Bennett Koch (7)
Klint Carlson (3)
Isaiah Brown (1)
Wyatt Lohaus (1)
Austin Phyfe (1)
Tywhon Pickford (1)
Hunter Rhodes (1)
MVC Teams Active 20-Point Scoring Games
UNI (7)
Loyola (6)
Bradley (4)
Drake (4)
Evansville (4)
Illinois State (4)
Missouri State (4)
Southern Illinois (3)
Valparaiso (3)
Indiana State (2)
RHODES PERFECT AT THE LINE
UNI senior guard Hunter Rhodes went 9-for-9 at the free throw line in a 74-65 win over Bradley.
He became the third player in the nation to make at least all nine of his free throws and not have a made field goal this year.
Rhodes has made all 10 of his free throw attempts this season. Rhodes's streak of consecutive free throws made stands at 14 heading into Saturday's game at Drake.
9 or More FTs (100%), No Made FGs
Kyle Mallers (Ball State) vs. Oregon
10-10 FTs, 0-3 FGs
Justice Sueing (California) vs. Portland State
9-9 FTs, 0-5 FGs
Hunter Rhodes (UNI) vs. Bradley
9-9 FTs, 0-2 FGs
PICKFORD JOINS LIST OF TOP FRESHMEN MVC REBOUNDERS
UNI guard Tywhon Pickford is closing on becoming only the 14th MVC freshman to reach 200 rebounds as a freshman.
Pickford has tallied 199 rebounds this season and needs only one more to reach 200 rebounds as a freshman.
Eric Coleman holds the UNI freshman record for rebounds in a season with 205 in the 2004-05 season. Seth Tuttle is No. 3 on UNI's freshman rebounding list with 190 in 2011-12. Both Coleman and Tuttle were named the MVC Freshman of the Year in their respective years.
MVC Freshman Rebound Leaders
1. Cliff Levingston - WSU (1979-80) - 294
2. Doug McDermott - CU (2010-11) - 280
3. Bob Harstad - CU (1986-87) - 272
4. Benoit Benjamin - CU (1982-83) - 259
5. Josh Cunningham - BU (2014-15) - 247
6. Ashraf Amaya - SIU (1989-90) - 245
7. Jamie Arnold - WSU (1993-94) - 242
8. Michael Ruffin - TULSA (1995-96) - 232
9. Cleo Littleton - WSU (1951-52) - 231
10. Danny Granger - BU (2001-02) - 207
11. Jordan Caroline - SIU (2014-15) - 206
12. Eric Coleman - UNI (2004-05) - 205
13. Patrick O'Bryant - BU (2004-05) - 201
-------------------------------------------------------
14. Tywhon Pickford - UNI (2017-18) - 199
15. Obediah Church - MSU (2015-16) - 195
16. Rick Shipley - SIU (1987-88) - 194
17. Carl Richard - INS (2008-09) - 192
18. Seth Tuttle - UNI (2011-12) - 190
19. Luke Jackson - BU (1986-87) - 188
20. Hersey Hawkins - BU (1984-85) - 182
KOCH NEARS 1,000 POINTS
UNI senior forward Bennett Koch is closing in on becoming the 42nd member of the Panther 1,000 point scoring club.
Koch has tallied 947 points heading into Saturday's game at Drake in the Knapp Center.
Koch would become the third member of his family to score 1,000 points for the Panthers. His older brothers Adam (1,186 points - 2006-2010) and Jake (1,113 points - 2009-2013) each surpassed the 1,000-point mark in their careers.
T-NO. 9 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks tied for No. 9 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 63.0 points per game.
Rk. Team W-L Points
1. Virginia 23-1 52.4
2. Cincinnati 22-2 56.1
3. UCF 14-9 61.3
4. New Mexico St. 21-3 61.3
5. Texas State 14-11 62.4
6. Texas Tech 20-4 62.7
7. SMU 15-9 62.8
8. Old Dominion 18-5 62.9
9. UNI 12-13 63.0
Loyola 20-5 63.0
MAGIC NUMBER IS 68
UNI is 9-1 this season when scoring 68 points or more in a game. The Panthers are 9-0 in the McLeod Center when scoring 68 or more points.
UNI's only loss this season when scoring more than 68 points came in the season opener when North Carolina scored an 86-69 victory over the Panthers in Chapel Hill.
The Panthers are 3-12 when scoring 67 points or less.
SCORE IT MORE AT HOME
UNI is scoring nearly 14 more points per game at home than on the road during Missouri Valley Conference play.
UNI is averaging 67.9 points per game at home in seven MVC games. The Panthers have posted 54.0 points per game in their six road league games.
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).
North Carolina St. was ranked No. 65 and SMU was ranked No. 74 in Friday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 12-13 overall and 4-9 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
All 13 of UNI's losses have come against top-165 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 154 in Friday'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. 10 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 52 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 52 at Loyola - L, 70-47
No. 98 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 98 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 98 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 106 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 109 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 115 at Evansville - L, 57-49
No. 165 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
No. 165 Indiana State - L, 77-66
SECOND-HALF MVC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PANTHERS
UNI sits at 4-9 in MVC play as the Panthers are in the second half 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 66-37 (.641) 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 1-3
Totals 63-45 (.583) 66-37 (.641)
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 66.7 percent from the field (18-of-27 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 40 points for the Panthers.
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 active MVC players in scoring without making a start this season.
Lohaus is scoring 8.8 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.4 points per game.
MVC Bench Scorers (no starts)
1. Wyatt Lohaus (UNI) 8.8 ppg
2. Spencer Haldeman (UNI) 6.4 ppg
3. Micah Bradford (Valpo) 5.3 ppg
4. Casey Schlatter (Drake) 4.2 ppg
5. Bruno Skokna (Loyola) 4.1 ppg
6. Rudy Stradnieks (SIU) 3.7 ppg
7. Isaac Gassman (Ill. St.) 3.4 ppg
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 8.0 rebounds per game.
Buffalo's C.J. Massinburg (6'3" is the nation's next rebounder under 6'5". Massinburg is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game.
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 11 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.0 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke) 11.4
2. Deandre Ayton (Arizona) 10.8
3. Mohamed Bamba (Texas) 10.8
4. Brandon McCoy (UNLV) 9.9
5. Loudon Love (Wright State) 9.5
6. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke) 9.4
7. Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne) 9.1
8. Oshae Brissett (Syracuse) 9.0
9. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) 8.3
10. Steffon Mitchell (Boston College) 8.1
11. Tywhon Pickford (UNI) 8.0
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through 13 games in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Pickford is averaging 11.5 points and 6.8 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 (11) 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)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 25 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 17 3-pointers this season.
Spencer Haldeman (37), Isaiah Brown (32), Klint Carlson (30), Wyatt Lohaus (29), Tywhon Pickford (28) and Juwan McCloud (17) have all made at least 17 shots from 3-point land this season.
UNI is averaging 7.5 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 586 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.
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 and also No. 6 in MVC games only wins with 127.
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. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 264
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 261
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 246
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) 142
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 134
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 127
7. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
NINE STRAIGHT ROAD LOSSES
UNI is in the midst of a nine-game road losing streak.
UNI is 0-7 this season on the road and the Panthers lost their last two road games in the 2016-17 season.
UNI's last road win came on Feb. 12, 2017, when the Panthers scored a 55-52 win at Missouri State.
It is UNI's longest road losing streak since the Panthers lost 11 in a row during the 2002-03 season.
UNI has only had two winless road seasons in MVC play (1994-95 and 2000-2001).
UNI in MVC Road Games
1991-92 2-7 1992-93 2-7
1993-94 3-6 1994-95 0-9
1995-96 3-6 1996-97 4-5
1997-98 1-8 1998-99 2-7
1999-2000 1-8 2000-01 0-9
2001-02 3-6 2002-03 1-8
2003-04 4-5 2004-05 4-5
2005-06 5-4 2006-07 4-5
2007-08 3-6 2008-09 8-1
2009-10 6-3 2010-11 4-5
2011-12 2-7 2012-13 4-5
2013-14 3-6 2014-15 7-2
2015-16 4-5 2016-17 3-6
2017-18 0-6
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.
HARDWOOD JOURNEY - A HISTORY OF UNI BASKETBALL
Dr. James Kelly has compiled the history and stories from the beginning of basketball at the University of Northern Iowa until present day Panther hoops with his newest book entitled "Hardwood Journey" – a history of UNI basketball.
This in-depth look at Panther basketball will provide any fan of UNI and the sport of basketball a must-have in their literary collection. Kelly began his quest to compile the history of UNI men's basketball in his previous book "Tutors to Panthers" – a brief history of UNI Athletics.
"Hardwood Journey" will be available for pre-sale beginning Feb. 13 for $20. The first 500 books purchased will receive a complimentary copy of "Tutors to Panthers". The cost of the book has been underwritten so 100 percent of the sales will go toward UNI men's basketball.
To purchase a copy log on to www.unipanthers.com.
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.
PANTHERS RETURN TO PARADISE JAM IN 2018
The 2018 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam will return to the U.S. Virgin Islands, tournament directors announced Wednesday, after the 2017 edition of the annual event was relocated to the mainland United States due to hurricane damage last September. The 19th annual event will be held at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas, Nov. 16-24, 2018, and play host to 16 Division-I men's and women's basketball teams.
The men's Paradise Jam begins Friday, Nov. 16 and continues through Monday, Nov. 19. The tournament field includes Eastern Kentucky, Kansas State, Kennesaw State, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Old Dominion, Oregon State, and Penn. Old Dominion returns to the tournament for a fourth time, after claiming the tournament title in 2010. Eastern Kentucky, Kansas State, and Northern Iowa also return to St. Thomas after previously participating in the tournament.
This will mark UNI's third appearance in the Paradise Jam. UNI competed in the event in 2009 and 2013.
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 (12-13, 4-9) at Drake (13-13, 7-6)
Sat., Feb. 10, 2018 • 3 p.m.
Des Moines, Iowa (Knapp Center)
WATCH* | LISTEN | STATS
*blacked out on ESPN3 in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's UNI-Drake game will be shown on the MVC TV Network.
John Rooney (play-by-play) and Adam Emmenecker (analyst) will call the action in the Knapp Center.
Clearances for the game include: Fox Sports Midwest, Fox Sports Kansas City, Fox Sports Indiana and NBC Sports Chicago.
The game can also be seen ESPN3 nationally but it will be blacked out in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri.
It can also be streamed on the Fox Sports GO app.
Television
MVC TV
Play-by-Play: John Rooney
Analyst: Adam Emmenecker
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
http://www.sidearmstats.com/drake/mbball/
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: UNI leads 46-25
Last Meeting: Bradley 72, UNI 68 (Dec. 31, 2017)
UNI has won seven straight matchups against Drake.
Overall, the Panthers have won 16 of the last 18 contests against the Bulldogs.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES AT DRAKE
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (12-13 overall, 4-9 MVC) will look to sweep the season series vs. the Drake Bulldogs (13-13 overall, 7-6 MVC). Tip is set for 3 p.m. Saturday in the Knapp Center.
• UNI ranks tied for No. 10 in the nation in scoring defense (63.0 ppg).
• Junior guard Wyatt Lohaus recorded a career-high 25 points in UNI's 74-65 win over Bradley in the McLeod Center. Lohaus drained a career-high six three-pointers against the Braves.
• UNI has seven active players on its roster to have scored 20 or more points in a game in their career, which is the most for any MVC team.Senior forward Bennett Koch leads the way for UNI with seven career 20-point scoring games.
• Junior guard Wyatt Lohaus ranks first and sophomore guard Spencer Haldeman ranks second in scoring among active MVC players who have not made a start this season. Lohaus is scoring 8.8 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.4 points per game.
• UNI is averaging 67.9 points per game at home in seven MVC games. The Panthers have posted 54.0 points per game in six road league games.
• UNI is 9-1 this season when scoring 68 points or more in a game.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT DRAKE
DRAKE BULLDOGS
Drake is under the direction of first-year head coach Niko Medved. Prior to arriving at Drake, Medved served as the head coach at Furman University for four seasons. He compiled a mark of 62-70 at Furman and led the Palladins to a record of 23-11 in 2016-17.
The Bulldogs have lost four of their last five games.
Drake is 8-2 at home this season and with both losses coming in MVC play to Loyola (80-57) and Southern Illinois (78-67).
Drake is led in scoring by Reed Timmer (18.5 ppg), Nick McGlynn (11.6 ppg) and De'Antae McMurray (10.4 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. DRAKE
UNI holds a 46-25 lead in the all-time series vs. Drake. UNI has won seven straight games vs. Drake.
Overall, UNI has won 16 of the last 18 matchups vs. Drake.
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 17-7 all-time vs. Drake.
UNI has won three straight games vs. Drake in the Knapp Center. In fact, UNI has won seven of the last nine games played on Drake's home floor.
The Panthers are 16-17 all-time in the Knapp Center - the most wins for UNI in any of its current MVC road venues.
IN OUR LAST MEETING
UNI overcame an early 16-point deficit and posted a 68-54 victory over the league-leading Drake Bulldogs on Jan. 16 in the McLeod Center.
UNI held Drake to a season-low 54 points. The Panthers got a double-double from freshman Tywhon Pickford with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Bennett Koch contributed 19 points off the bench.
LOHAUS LANDS CAREER HIGH
Junior guard Wyatt Lohaus recorded a career-high 25 points in UNI's 74-65 win over Bradley in the McLeod Center.
Lohaus drained a career-high six three-pointers vs. the Braves.
Lohaus is one of 18 players in the country to have scored 25 points in a game to go with at least six made three-pointers and took 11 or fewer field goal attempts.
It marks the first 20-point game of Lohaus's career and he becomes the seventh active Panther to reach 20 points in a game.
Active 20-Point Scoring Games
Bennett Koch (7)
Klint Carlson (3)
Isaiah Brown (1)
Wyatt Lohaus (1)
Austin Phyfe (1)
Tywhon Pickford (1)
Hunter Rhodes (1)
MVC Teams Active 20-Point Scoring Games
UNI (7)
Loyola (6)
Bradley (4)
Drake (4)
Evansville (4)
Illinois State (4)
Missouri State (4)
Southern Illinois (3)
Valparaiso (3)
Indiana State (2)
RHODES PERFECT AT THE LINE
UNI senior guard Hunter Rhodes went 9-for-9 at the free throw line in a 74-65 win over Bradley.
He became the third player in the nation to make at least all nine of his free throws and not have a made field goal this year.
Rhodes has made all 10 of his free throw attempts this season. Rhodes's streak of consecutive free throws made stands at 14 heading into Saturday's game at Drake.
9 or More FTs (100%), No Made FGs
Kyle Mallers (Ball State) vs. Oregon
10-10 FTs, 0-3 FGs
Justice Sueing (California) vs. Portland State
9-9 FTs, 0-5 FGs
Hunter Rhodes (UNI) vs. Bradley
9-9 FTs, 0-2 FGs
PICKFORD JOINS LIST OF TOP FRESHMEN MVC REBOUNDERS
UNI guard Tywhon Pickford is closing on becoming only the 14th MVC freshman to reach 200 rebounds as a freshman.
Pickford has tallied 199 rebounds this season and needs only one more to reach 200 rebounds as a freshman.
Eric Coleman holds the UNI freshman record for rebounds in a season with 205 in the 2004-05 season. Seth Tuttle is No. 3 on UNI's freshman rebounding list with 190 in 2011-12. Both Coleman and Tuttle were named the MVC Freshman of the Year in their respective years.
MVC Freshman Rebound Leaders
1. Cliff Levingston - WSU (1979-80) - 294
2. Doug McDermott - CU (2010-11) - 280
3. Bob Harstad - CU (1986-87) - 272
4. Benoit Benjamin - CU (1982-83) - 259
5. Josh Cunningham - BU (2014-15) - 247
6. Ashraf Amaya - SIU (1989-90) - 245
7. Jamie Arnold - WSU (1993-94) - 242
8. Michael Ruffin - TULSA (1995-96) - 232
9. Cleo Littleton - WSU (1951-52) - 231
10. Danny Granger - BU (2001-02) - 207
11. Jordan Caroline - SIU (2014-15) - 206
12. Eric Coleman - UNI (2004-05) - 205
13. Patrick O'Bryant - BU (2004-05) - 201
-------------------------------------------------------
14. Tywhon Pickford - UNI (2017-18) - 199
15. Obediah Church - MSU (2015-16) - 195
16. Rick Shipley - SIU (1987-88) - 194
17. Carl Richard - INS (2008-09) - 192
18. Seth Tuttle - UNI (2011-12) - 190
19. Luke Jackson - BU (1986-87) - 188
20. Hersey Hawkins - BU (1984-85) - 182
KOCH NEARS 1,000 POINTS
UNI senior forward Bennett Koch is closing in on becoming the 42nd member of the Panther 1,000 point scoring club.
Koch has tallied 947 points heading into Saturday's game at Drake in the Knapp Center.
Koch would become the third member of his family to score 1,000 points for the Panthers. His older brothers Adam (1,186 points - 2006-2010) and Jake (1,113 points - 2009-2013) each surpassed the 1,000-point mark in their careers.
T-NO. 9 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks tied for No. 9 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 63.0 points per game.
Rk. Team W-L Points
1. Virginia 23-1 52.4
2. Cincinnati 22-2 56.1
3. UCF 14-9 61.3
4. New Mexico St. 21-3 61.3
5. Texas State 14-11 62.4
6. Texas Tech 20-4 62.7
7. SMU 15-9 62.8
8. Old Dominion 18-5 62.9
9. UNI 12-13 63.0
Loyola 20-5 63.0
MAGIC NUMBER IS 68
UNI is 9-1 this season when scoring 68 points or more in a game. The Panthers are 9-0 in the McLeod Center when scoring 68 or more points.
UNI's only loss this season when scoring more than 68 points came in the season opener when North Carolina scored an 86-69 victory over the Panthers in Chapel Hill.
The Panthers are 3-12 when scoring 67 points or less.
SCORE IT MORE AT HOME
UNI is scoring nearly 14 more points per game at home than on the road during Missouri Valley Conference play.
UNI is averaging 67.9 points per game at home in seven MVC games. The Panthers have posted 54.0 points per game in their six road league games.
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).
North Carolina St. was ranked No. 65 and SMU was ranked No. 74 in Friday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 12-13 overall and 4-9 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
All 13 of UNI's losses have come against top-165 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 154 in Friday'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. 10 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 52 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 52 at Loyola - L, 70-47
No. 98 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 98 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 98 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 106 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 109 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 115 at Evansville - L, 57-49
No. 165 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
No. 165 Indiana State - L, 77-66
SECOND-HALF MVC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PANTHERS
UNI sits at 4-9 in MVC play as the Panthers are in the second half 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 66-37 (.641) 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 1-3
Totals 63-45 (.583) 66-37 (.641)
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 66.7 percent from the field (18-of-27 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 40 points for the Panthers.
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 active MVC players in scoring without making a start this season.
Lohaus is scoring 8.8 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.4 points per game.
MVC Bench Scorers (no starts)
1. Wyatt Lohaus (UNI) 8.8 ppg
2. Spencer Haldeman (UNI) 6.4 ppg
3. Micah Bradford (Valpo) 5.3 ppg
4. Casey Schlatter (Drake) 4.2 ppg
5. Bruno Skokna (Loyola) 4.1 ppg
6. Rudy Stradnieks (SIU) 3.7 ppg
7. Isaac Gassman (Ill. St.) 3.4 ppg
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 8.0 rebounds per game.
Buffalo's C.J. Massinburg (6'3" is the nation's next rebounder under 6'5". Massinburg is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game.
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 11 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.0 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke) 11.4
2. Deandre Ayton (Arizona) 10.8
3. Mohamed Bamba (Texas) 10.8
4. Brandon McCoy (UNLV) 9.9
5. Loudon Love (Wright State) 9.5
6. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke) 9.4
7. Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne) 9.1
8. Oshae Brissett (Syracuse) 9.0
9. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) 8.3
10. Steffon Mitchell (Boston College) 8.1
11. Tywhon Pickford (UNI) 8.0
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through 13 games in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Pickford is averaging 11.5 points and 6.8 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 (11) 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)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 25 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 17 3-pointers this season.
Spencer Haldeman (37), Isaiah Brown (32), Klint Carlson (30), Wyatt Lohaus (29), Tywhon Pickford (28) and Juwan McCloud (17) have all made at least 17 shots from 3-point land this season.
UNI is averaging 7.5 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 586 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.
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 and also No. 6 in MVC games only wins with 127.
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. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 264
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 261
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 246
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) 142
5. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 134
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 127
7. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
NINE STRAIGHT ROAD LOSSES
UNI is in the midst of a nine-game road losing streak.
UNI is 0-7 this season on the road and the Panthers lost their last two road games in the 2016-17 season.
UNI's last road win came on Feb. 12, 2017, when the Panthers scored a 55-52 win at Missouri State.
It is UNI's longest road losing streak since the Panthers lost 11 in a row during the 2002-03 season.
UNI has only had two winless road seasons in MVC play (1994-95 and 2000-2001).
UNI in MVC Road Games
1991-92 2-7 1992-93 2-7
1993-94 3-6 1994-95 0-9
1995-96 3-6 1996-97 4-5
1997-98 1-8 1998-99 2-7
1999-2000 1-8 2000-01 0-9
2001-02 3-6 2002-03 1-8
2003-04 4-5 2004-05 4-5
2005-06 5-4 2006-07 4-5
2007-08 3-6 2008-09 8-1
2009-10 6-3 2010-11 4-5
2011-12 2-7 2012-13 4-5
2013-14 3-6 2014-15 7-2
2015-16 4-5 2016-17 3-6
2017-18 0-6
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.
HARDWOOD JOURNEY - A HISTORY OF UNI BASKETBALL
Dr. James Kelly has compiled the history and stories from the beginning of basketball at the University of Northern Iowa until present day Panther hoops with his newest book entitled "Hardwood Journey" – a history of UNI basketball.
This in-depth look at Panther basketball will provide any fan of UNI and the sport of basketball a must-have in their literary collection. Kelly began his quest to compile the history of UNI men's basketball in his previous book "Tutors to Panthers" – a brief history of UNI Athletics.
"Hardwood Journey" will be available for pre-sale beginning Feb. 13 for $20. The first 500 books purchased will receive a complimentary copy of "Tutors to Panthers". The cost of the book has been underwritten so 100 percent of the sales will go toward UNI men's basketball.
To purchase a copy log on to www.unipanthers.com.
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.
PANTHERS RETURN TO PARADISE JAM IN 2018
The 2018 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam will return to the U.S. Virgin Islands, tournament directors announced Wednesday, after the 2017 edition of the annual event was relocated to the mainland United States due to hurricane damage last September. The 19th annual event will be held at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas, Nov. 16-24, 2018, and play host to 16 Division-I men's and women's basketball teams.
The men's Paradise Jam begins Friday, Nov. 16 and continues through Monday, Nov. 19. The tournament field includes Eastern Kentucky, Kansas State, Kennesaw State, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Old Dominion, Oregon State, and Penn. Old Dominion returns to the tournament for a fourth time, after claiming the tournament title in 2010. Eastern Kentucky, Kansas State, and Northern Iowa also return to St. Thomas after previously participating in the tournament.
This will mark UNI's third appearance in the Paradise Jam. UNI competed in the event in 2009 and 2013.
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 BasketballBen Jacobson Press Conference - Nov. 3, 2025
Monday, November 03
UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 11)
Wednesday, October 29
UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 10)
Wednesday, October 22
Ben Jacobson - 2025-26 MVC Men's Basketball Media Day | Oct. 20, 2025
Monday, October 20