University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Saturday, February 25
Cedar Falls, Iowa
1 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
vs
Illinois State (Senior Day)
UNI MBB Senior Day Set For Saturday in McLeod
2/23/2017 1:13:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
Illinois State (24-5, 16-1) at UNI (14-14, 9-8) | AUDIO | STATS
Sat., Feb. 25, 2017 • 1 p.m. (CT)
Cedar Falls, Iowa • McLeod Center
TICKET INFORMATION
UNI is offering a ticket deal in the general admission area with $10 adult tickets and $5 youth (16-and-under) tickets for its final home game. Call 319-273-4849 or visit www.UNIPanthers.com/tickets to order.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
CBS Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Brent Stover
Analyst: Bob Wenzel
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - NewsTalk 1540 KXEL
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
TuneIn App
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: Illinois State leads, 40-33
• Last Meeting: Illinois State 57, UNI 51 (Feb. 1, 2017)
• UNI is 10-0 in the McLeod Center vs. Illinois State
• The Redbirds have lost 12 consecutive games in Cedar Falls
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES
• UNI (14-14 overall, 9-8 MVC) will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. in the McLeod Center against the Illinois State Redbirds (24-5, 16-1 MVC).
• The Panthers will honor a pair of seniors in Jordan Ashton (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) and Jeremy Morgan (Coralville, Iowa) prior to Saturday's tip.
• A UNI victory over Illinois State or a Southern Illinois win over Loyola would clinch the No. 3 seed for the Panthers. UNI can also clinch the No. 3 seed by having a higher RPI than Loyola (should the Ramblers defeat the Salukis). UNI would win the tiebreaker with SIU by virtue of UNI's sweep of SIU this season.
• UNI has 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 is guaranteed to finish now worse than a tie for third place in the final MVC standings. This extends the Panther streak of top-four MVC finishes to nine straight seasons.
• Senior Jeremy Morgan is the only NCAA Division I player in the country to currently lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocked shots, steals, 3-pointers made and free throws made.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES VS. ILLINOIS STATE
UNI WILL WRAP UP REGULAR SEASON SATURDAY VS REDBIRDS
UNI (14-14 overall, 9-8 MVC) will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. in the McLeod Center against the Illinois State Redbirds (24-5, 16-1 MVC).
SENIOR DAY
UNI will honor a pair of seniors in Jordan Ashton (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) and Jeremy Morgan (Coralville, Iowa) prior to Saturday's 1 p.m. tip vs. Illinois State.
Ashton joined the Panthers as a graduate transfer for the 2016-17 season. Ashton has played in every game this season and has drawn a starting assignment in 19 games.
Morgan became the 41st member of UNI's 1,000-Point Club and will be playing in his 130th career game Saturday.
TICKET INFORMATION
UNI is offering a ticket deal in the general admission area with $10 adult tickets and $5 youth (16-and-under) tickets for its final home game.
Call 319-273-4849 or visit www.UNIPanthers.com/tickets to order.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's game will be available for viewing on CBS Sports Network.
Brent Stover (play-by-play) and Bob Wenzel (analyst) will call the action courtside.
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS
Illinois State has won 17 of its last 18 games and is tied at the top of the MVC standings with Wichita State. Both teams enter Saturday with league marks of 16-1.
Illinois State is looking to claim its sixth Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and first since the 1997-98 season.
The Redbirds are led by fifth-year head coach Dan Muller. Muller was a player on the last Redbird MVC title team as Illinois State capped off back-to-back regular season crowns in 1996-97 and 1997-98.
Illinois State is led in scoring by Deontae Hawkins (14.3 ppg), Paris Lee (13.0 ppg) and MiKyle McIntosh (12.7 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Illinois State holds a 40-33 lead in the all-time series vs. UNI.
Illinois State recorded a 57-51 win over the Panthers on Feb. 1 in Normal, Ill.
The Redbirds have lost 12 consecutive games in Cedar Falls and are 0-10 in the McLeod Center. Illinois State and Southern Illinois (0-11) are the only MVC teams to be winless in the McLeod Center.
Illinois State's last win in Cedar Falls came Jan. 28, 2004, in a 68-60 triumph in the UNI-Dome. Trey Guidry scored 17 points off the bench for the Redbirds.
MVC SEEDING IMPLICATIONS
Saturday's game between Illinois State and UNI will go a long way in determing the top three seeds for the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
A UNI victory over Illinois State or a Southern Illinois win over Loyola would clinch the No. 3 seed for the Panthers. UNI can also clinch the No. 3 seed by having a higher RPI than Loyola (should the Ramblers defeat the Salukis). UNI would win the tiebreaker with SIU by virtue of UNI's sweep of SIU this season.
Illinois State and Wichita State are tied at the top of the league standings with 16-1 marks. An Illinois State win coupled with a stronger overall RPI would clinch the No. 1 seed for the MVC Tournament.
An Illinois State loss coupled with a Wichita State win at Missouri State would give the Shockers the top seed and move the Redbirds to No. 2 for Arch Madness.
Overall adjusted RPI, as published in The RPI Report on Sunday morning after the final regular season MVC game, will be used to determine the final seedings.
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
The Panthers are currently in sole possession of third place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
With one game remaining in the 2017 MVC schedule, UNI is guaranteed to finish no worse than a tie for third place.
As a result, UNI will extend its streak of top-four finishes in the MVC to a ninth straight season.
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI has clinched another upper-half fnished in the Missouri Valley Conference. It marks the 14th straight season that UNI will finish in the upper-half of the league standings.
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 has 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.
Wichita State has the second-longest active streak at eight.
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 - 9-8 (3rd)
MORGAN STUFFS STAT SHEET
UNI senior guard Jeremy Morgan is the only NCAA Division I player in the country to currently lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocked shots, steals, 3-pointers made and free throws made.
MORGAN RANKS AMONG THE NATION'S BEST
No NCAA player in the past 10 seasons has done the following for a season: 15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 blocks, 2.0 3FGM/g, and only one has done that stat line in the past 20 seasons (Shane Battier of Duke in 1999-00).
Senior Jeremy Morgan, the preseason MVC player of the year, is averaging 15.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.1 blocks and 2.1 made 3-pointers.
JACOBSON AGAINST THE LAND OF LINCOLN
Ben Jacobson has taken full advantage of the four schools representing the state of Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference in his 11 seasons as UNI's head coach.
He has an overall mark of 62-27 vs. Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley and Loyola.
Jake Overall vs. MVC's Illinois Schools
Bradley 21-6
Southern Illinois 18-7
Illinois State 17-9
Loyola 6-5
7 STRAIGHT WINS IN TIGHT GAMES
UNI has won seven straight matchups decided by three points or less dating back to last season.
This season, UNI is 4-0 in games decided by three points or less. UNI has won its last two games by three points with victories at Missouri State (55-52) and vs. Bradley (64-61).
7 Straight One-Possession Victories
W, 64-61 vs. Bradley (2/15/17)
W, 55-52 at Missouri State (2/12/17)
W, 58-57 at Southern Ill. (1/21/17)
W, 72-69 vs. Loyola (1/18/17)
W, 75-72 vs. Texas (3/18/16)
W, 56-54 vs. Evansville (3/6/16)
W, 54-52 at Evansville (2/17/16)
WINNING TRADITION
IN MCLEOD CENTER
UNI is playing its 11th season in the McLeod Center and the Panthers have made winning a priority in their home venue.
UNI has posted an all-time mark of 133-34 (.796) in games played in the McLeod Center.
UNI secured a school-record 16 home wins in the 2012-13 season.
UNI has posted a trio of perfect home seasons since moving to NCAA Division I. UNI was a perfect 14-0 in both the 1983-84 and 2009-10 seasons and then UNI notched a 15-0 mark at home in 2014-15.
UNI set its home-court win streak of 21 consecutive victories between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons.
The McLeod Center opened in November 2006.
10 HOME WINS IN 9 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won 10 or more home games in the McLeod Center in nine consecutive seasons. A win Saturday over Illinois State would extend that streak to 10 straight years.
UNI's Home Record Since 2007-08
Year Record
2007-08 11-6
2008-09 11-4
2009-10 14-0
2010-11 13-5
2011-12 13-3
2012-13 16-4
2013-14 11-2
2014-15 15-0
2015-16 11-3
2016-17 9-3
JAKE LOVES FEBRUARY
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has guided the Panthers to a mark of 20-5 over their last 25 games in the month of February.
UNI in February
Feb. 2017 - 4-3
Feb. 2016 - 7-1
Feb. 2015 - 7-1
Feb. 2014 - 4-4 (won last two)
DEFENSE STEPS UP
Over its last 12 games, UNI has given up 59.7 points per game and limited the opposition to 39.2 percent field goal shooting.
UNI has also taken advantage of the free throw line in its last 12 games by draining 174-of-230, while the opposition has made 102-of-138 free throws.
WHAT CHANGED?
UNI started the season with a 5-11 mark through 16 games and had given up 67.6 points per game. UNI allowed 70 or more points on seven occasions in its first 16 games.
Since then, UNI has gone 9-3 and allowed only 59.7 points per game. UNI has allowed its opposition to score 70 or more points only once in its last 12 games - 73 at Wichita State last Saturday.
KOCH TURNAROUND
Junior Bennett Koch has helped the Panthers turn their season around.
In UNI's 0-5 start to MVC play, Koch was averaging 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game.
In UNI's last 12 games, Koch is averaging a team-best 14.8 points, 5.6 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per game.
Koch has also blocked 15 shots in his last 12 games. Koch did not record a blocked shot in his first five MVC games this season.
IRONMEN IN VALLEY PLAY
UNI has three players ranked in the top five of minutes played in MVC games only.
Senior Jordan Ashton ranks second in the league by playing in 37.7 minutes per game in MVC play. Ashton has sat out a total of 49 minutes in conference play.
Junior Klint Carlson ranks No. 4 in the league at 36.6 minutes per game, while senior Jeremy Morgan ranks No. 5 at 35.6 minutes per game.
TURNING IT AROUND
UNI became only the third team in the history of the Missouri Valley Conference to begin league play at 0-5 and bounce back to win its next five games.
Previously, only two teams in MVC history had lost their first five league games and rebounded to win their next five. Iowa State started 0-5 in 1915 and won its next five; Washburn started 0-5 in 1936 and won its next five.
A WIN TO JOIN OKLAHOMA
UNI is looking to become only the second school in the history of the MVC to lose its first five games and finish the conference season with an above .500 record.
Only Oklahoma in 1924-25 lost its first five games and finished at 9-7 in MVC play.
UNI enters Saturday's game with a mark of 9-8 in MVC action.
FOR STARTERS
UNI has used eight different starting lineups this season in its 28 games.
UNI has had nine different players draw starts this season.
UNI's 2016-17 Starting Lineups
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Ashton (15)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Lohaus (4)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-Morgan-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Brown-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-McCloud-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Ashton (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Haldeman (1)
MORGAN NETS 1,000 POINTS
Jeremy Morgan became the 41st member of UNI's 1,000 point club at Evansville (1/1).
Morgan has tallied 1,198 career points and ranks No. 20 on UNI's all-time scoring list.
UNI'S 1,000-POINT SCORERS SINCE 2001
Morgan became the 16th Panther to score 1,000 or more points since the start of the 2001 season – the first season that Ben Jacobson joined the coaching staff as an assistant. Jacobson took over the head job in the 2006-07 season.
1,000-Point Scorers Since 2001
Ben Jacobson (2003-06) 1,787 pts.
Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 1,747 pts.
Eric Coleman (2005-08) 1,522 pts.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 1,329 pts.
Anthony James (2008-13) 1,305 pts.
Grant Stout (2004-07) 1,232 pts.
Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 1,200 pts.
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 1,198 pts.
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186 pts.
David Gruber (2002-04) 1,116 pts.
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113 pts.
Matt Bohannon (2011-16.) 1,092 pts.
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066 pts.
Johnny Moran (2008-12) 1,048 pts.
Wes Washpun (2013-16.) 1,035 pts.
Chris Foster (2000-05) 1,027 pts.
MORGAN MOVING UP THE DEFENSIVE CHARTS
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan, who earned a spot on last year's MVC All-Defensive squad, is making his way up the UNI defensive charts in regard to blocked shots and steals.
Morgan ranks No. 2 at UNI in steals (176) and No. 6 in blocked shots (97).
Morgan is looking to become only the second UNI player to tally 100 steals and 100 blocks in his career. The only previous Panther to achieve that feat was Jake Koch, who posted 118 steals and 123 blocks from 2009-2013.
STEALS - UNI (CAREER)
1. Brent Carmichael (1981-83) 180
2. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 176
3. Nick Nurse (1986-89) 165
4. Andy Woodley (1998-02) 159
5. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 154
6. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 152
7. Dale Turner (1988-92) 143
8. Robbie Williams (1982-86) 140
9. Brian Carpenter (1992-96) 138
10. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 131
BLOCKED SHOTS - UNI (CAREER)
1. Grant Stout (2004-0) 222
2. Jake Koch (2009-13) 123
3. Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 120
4. Sean Hawkins (1995-98) 118
5. Eric Coleman (2004-08) 115
6. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 97
7. Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 95
8. Jason Sims (1993-96) 90
9. Scott Stafford (1984-85) 85
10. Steve Phyfe (1988-90) 66
MORGAN KNOCKS DOWN TRIPLES TOO
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan can also knock down the three-point shot.
Morgan has tallied 170 career three-pointers made to rank T-No. 5 all-time at UNI with Nick Nurse (1985-1989).
THREE-POINTERS MADE - UNI (CAREER)
1. Matt Bohannon (2012-16) 268
2. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 203
3. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 201
Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 201
5. Nick Nurse (1985-89) 170
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 170
7. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 166
8. Robbie Sieverding (1998-02) 157
9. Ali Farohkmanesh (2008-10) 152
10. Maurice Newby (1987-91) 146
MORGAN JOINS UNI'S TOP 10 GAMES PLAYED, STARTED LISTS
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan has joined UNI's top-10 list for games played and games started.
Morgan has played in 129 career games heading into Saturday's contest vs. Illinois State, which ranks him No. 10 on UNI's games played list.
Morgan has made 108 career starts for the Panthers, which ranks him tied for No. 8 with Matt Bohannon.
GAMES PLAYED - UNI (CAREER)
1. Marc Sonnen (2009-2013) 139
2. Jake Koch (2008-13) 138
Matt Bohannon (2012-2016) 138
4. Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 136
5. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 135
Chip Rank (2010-14) 135
Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 135
8. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 133
9. Adam Koch (2006-10) 132
10. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 129
GAMES STARTED - UNI (CAREER)
1. Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 136
2. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 135
3. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 120
4. Brooks McKowen (2003-07) 117
5. Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 115
6. Eric Coleman (2004-08) 114
7. Cedrick McCullough (1988-92) 109
8. Matt Bohannon (2012-16) 108
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 108
10. Randy Kraayenbrink (1982-86) 107
Dale Turner (1988-92) 107
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 107
MORGAN JOINS 500/500 CLUB
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan became the 25th UNI men's basketball player to record at least 500 points and 500 rebounds in his career.
Morgan has posted 542 rebounds in his Panther career to go along with 1,198 points.
Morgan is one of 14 UNI players to tally 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.
UNI's 500 Points/500 Rebounds Club
Name (Years) Pts./Rbs.
Del Nicklaus (1954-57) 604/611
Ron La Frentz (1957-60) 723/551
Jim Jackson (1959-61) 891/1,097
Pete Spoden (1959-63) 1,239/1,104
Craig Kneppe (1963-66) 1,200/685
Ken Huelman (1966-69) 1,275/818
John Martin (1967-70) 1,027/571
Randy Beilke (1970-73) 729/752
Darrell Timion (1971-73) 722/586
Bill Runchey (1973-76) 830/534
Randy Podhaski (1974-77) 831/510
Ron Lemons (1975-79) 1,476/760
Bill Jones (1978-81) 915/574
Jason Reese (1986-90) 2,033/773
Troy Muilenburg (1987-91) 1,251/599
Joe Breakenridge (1997-01) 956/766
David Gruber (2001-04) 1,116/625
Grant Stout (2003-07) 1,232/920
Eric Coleman (2004-08) 1,522/997
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066/656
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186/596
Lucas O'Rear (2007-11) 529/517
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113/677
Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 1,747/917
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 1,198/542
SPENCER TRACKING DOWN UNI FRESHMAN 3-POINT MARK
Redshirt freshman guard Spencer Haldeman is tracking on the UNI freshman three-point record set by Chris Foster with 58 in the 2001-02 season.
Haldeman ranks second on the team this season having drained 47 three-pointers.
UNI Freshman 3-Point FGs Made List
Chris Foster (2001-02) - 58
Johnny Moran (2008-09) - 50
Spencer Haldeman (2016-17) - 47
Sredrick Robinson (1994-95) - 46
AMONG THE ELITE
UNI is one of 13 teams to have won at least one game in the NCAA Tournament and accumulate 54 combined wins over the previous two seasons.
The elite list of squads include UNI, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, Villanova, Wichita State, Wisconsin and Virginia.
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Panthers are 5-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
2016 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
MVC's Dance Partners
Since the 2003-04 season, UNI and Wichita State have made the most appearances in the NCAA Tournament for the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Panthers have made seven NCAA Tournament apperances since the 2003-04 season, while the Shockers have appeared in six NCAA tournaments in the same time frame.
MVC'S NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Wichita St. (6) - 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Creighton (4) - 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
20-WIN SEASONS
UNI has had 12 20-win seasons in program history – 10 of those 20-win seasons have come since 2003-04.
3-POINT TALK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 559 straight games – the longest active streak in the MVC.
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.
JAKE RANKS AMONG VALLEY'S ALL-TIME WINNINGEST COACHES
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 6 in the Missouri Valley Confernce history in victories (234).
Jacobson ranks No. 7 in league history in MVC games only (123).
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) 256
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 245
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 234
7. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
8. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 221
9. Maury John (Drake) 211
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
MVC Coaching Wins (Conf. Games Only)
1. Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) 187
2. Dana Altman (Creighton) 182
3. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 163
4. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 133
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 131
6. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
7. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 123
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
UNI has secured a season sweep of both Southern Illinois and Drake this season.
The Panthers will be looking for season sweep of Indiana State on Wednesday. It would be the third time that UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has swept the season series against Indiana State. The Panthers swept the Sycamores in the 2009-10 and 2014-15 seasons.
Overall, UNI has swept an MVC opponent 37 times since the start of the 2006-07 season - Jacobson's first year as the Panther head coach.
MVC Season Sweeps Under Coach Jacobson
Bradley (6) - 06-07, 08-09, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16
Creighton (1) - 09-10
Drake (6) - 09-10, 11-12, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16, 16-17
Evansville (5) - 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 13-14, 15-16
Illinois St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Indiana State (2) - 09-10, 14-15
Loyola (1) - 14-15
Missouri St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15
Southern Ill. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 11-12, 14-15, 16-17
Wichita State (1) - 07-08
PANTHERS ARE RARELY SWEPT
Since Ben Jacobson took over the head coaching duties in 2006-07, the UNI program has been swept in an MVC home-and-home series on 12 occasions.
MVC Sweeps of UNI (since 2006-07)
Creighton - 06-07, 07-08
Drake - 06-07, 07-08
Evansville - 11-12, 12-13
Indiana State - 10-11, 12-13
Loyola - 15-16
Wichita State, 11-12, 13-14, 16-17
UNI MBB IN APR TOP-10 PERCENT
The UNI men's basketball, men's golf, women's golf, women's cross country and women's volleyball teams have been recognized by the NCAA for their latest multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. These teams posted multi-year APR scores in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports.
The UNI men's basketball team has been recognized with a perfect APR score (1,000) in each of the last four seasons - the only MVC school to do that in each of the past three years.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
UNI SIGNS PHYFE TO NLI
UNI head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson announced the signing of Austin Phyfe (Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock HS) to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in 2017-18.
Phyfe (6'9", 235 lbs., Forward) is the No. 2 recruit in the state of Iowa, according to IowaPreps.com. He earned second-team all-state honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association as a junior for head coach Nate Stegge. Phyfe notched third-team all-state accolades as a sophomore. Phyfe is a three-time all-Northeast Iowa Conference pick, including a pair of first-team honors the past two seasons. Phyfe averaged 14.5 points, grabbed 8.4 rebounds and shot 64 percent from the field in leading Waverly-Shell Rock to an 18-6 record in 2015-16. Phyfe scored 13.7 points and grabbed 7.9 rebounds as a sophomore in helping the GoHawks to a 22-3 record and a berth into the state tournament. As a freshman, he helped the GoHawks the state tournament and into the semifinals. Phyfe played AAU for the Iowa Barnstormers.
He is the son of Steve and Lisa Phyfe. His father, Steve, played basketball for the Panthers from 1987-1990. His sister, Aftin, is a member of the UNI swimming and diving team.
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.
WEEKLY PRESS LUNCHEONS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly Press Luncheons held each Monday beginning at noon in the back room of Pepper's Grill and Sports Pub located on 18th Street in Cedar Falls.
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER & YOUTUBE
Fans of UNI Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
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
Illinois State (24-5, 16-1) at UNI (14-14, 9-8) | AUDIO | STATS
Sat., Feb. 25, 2017 • 1 p.m. (CT)
Cedar Falls, Iowa • McLeod Center
TICKET INFORMATION
UNI is offering a ticket deal in the general admission area with $10 adult tickets and $5 youth (16-and-under) tickets for its final home game. Call 319-273-4849 or visit www.UNIPanthers.com/tickets to order.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
CBS Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Brent Stover
Analyst: Bob Wenzel
Radio
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - NewsTalk 1540 KXEL
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
TuneIn App
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: Illinois State leads, 40-33
• Last Meeting: Illinois State 57, UNI 51 (Feb. 1, 2017)
• UNI is 10-0 in the McLeod Center vs. Illinois State
• The Redbirds have lost 12 consecutive games in Cedar Falls
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES
• UNI (14-14 overall, 9-8 MVC) will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. in the McLeod Center against the Illinois State Redbirds (24-5, 16-1 MVC).
• The Panthers will honor a pair of seniors in Jordan Ashton (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) and Jeremy Morgan (Coralville, Iowa) prior to Saturday's tip.
• A UNI victory over Illinois State or a Southern Illinois win over Loyola would clinch the No. 3 seed for the Panthers. UNI can also clinch the No. 3 seed by having a higher RPI than Loyola (should the Ramblers defeat the Salukis). UNI would win the tiebreaker with SIU by virtue of UNI's sweep of SIU this season.
• UNI has 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 is guaranteed to finish now worse than a tie for third place in the final MVC standings. This extends the Panther streak of top-four MVC finishes to nine straight seasons.
• Senior Jeremy Morgan is the only NCAA Division I player in the country to currently lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocked shots, steals, 3-pointers made and free throws made.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES VS. ILLINOIS STATE
UNI WILL WRAP UP REGULAR SEASON SATURDAY VS REDBIRDS
UNI (14-14 overall, 9-8 MVC) will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. in the McLeod Center against the Illinois State Redbirds (24-5, 16-1 MVC).
SENIOR DAY
UNI will honor a pair of seniors in Jordan Ashton (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) and Jeremy Morgan (Coralville, Iowa) prior to Saturday's 1 p.m. tip vs. Illinois State.
Ashton joined the Panthers as a graduate transfer for the 2016-17 season. Ashton has played in every game this season and has drawn a starting assignment in 19 games.
Morgan became the 41st member of UNI's 1,000-Point Club and will be playing in his 130th career game Saturday.
TICKET INFORMATION
UNI is offering a ticket deal in the general admission area with $10 adult tickets and $5 youth (16-and-under) tickets for its final home game.
Call 319-273-4849 or visit www.UNIPanthers.com/tickets to order.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's game will be available for viewing on CBS Sports Network.
Brent Stover (play-by-play) and Bob Wenzel (analyst) will call the action courtside.
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS
Illinois State has won 17 of its last 18 games and is tied at the top of the MVC standings with Wichita State. Both teams enter Saturday with league marks of 16-1.
Illinois State is looking to claim its sixth Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and first since the 1997-98 season.
The Redbirds are led by fifth-year head coach Dan Muller. Muller was a player on the last Redbird MVC title team as Illinois State capped off back-to-back regular season crowns in 1996-97 and 1997-98.
Illinois State is led in scoring by Deontae Hawkins (14.3 ppg), Paris Lee (13.0 ppg) and MiKyle McIntosh (12.7 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES
Illinois State holds a 40-33 lead in the all-time series vs. UNI.
Illinois State recorded a 57-51 win over the Panthers on Feb. 1 in Normal, Ill.
The Redbirds have lost 12 consecutive games in Cedar Falls and are 0-10 in the McLeod Center. Illinois State and Southern Illinois (0-11) are the only MVC teams to be winless in the McLeod Center.
Illinois State's last win in Cedar Falls came Jan. 28, 2004, in a 68-60 triumph in the UNI-Dome. Trey Guidry scored 17 points off the bench for the Redbirds.
MVC SEEDING IMPLICATIONS
Saturday's game between Illinois State and UNI will go a long way in determing the top three seeds for the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
A UNI victory over Illinois State or a Southern Illinois win over Loyola would clinch the No. 3 seed for the Panthers. UNI can also clinch the No. 3 seed by having a higher RPI than Loyola (should the Ramblers defeat the Salukis). UNI would win the tiebreaker with SIU by virtue of UNI's sweep of SIU this season.
Illinois State and Wichita State are tied at the top of the league standings with 16-1 marks. An Illinois State win coupled with a stronger overall RPI would clinch the No. 1 seed for the MVC Tournament.
An Illinois State loss coupled with a Wichita State win at Missouri State would give the Shockers the top seed and move the Redbirds to No. 2 for Arch Madness.
Overall adjusted RPI, as published in The RPI Report on Sunday morning after the final regular season MVC game, will be used to determine the final seedings.
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
The Panthers are currently in sole possession of third place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings.
With one game remaining in the 2017 MVC schedule, UNI is guaranteed to finish no worse than a tie for third place.
As a result, UNI will extend its streak of top-four finishes in the MVC to a ninth straight season.
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI has clinched another upper-half fnished in the Missouri Valley Conference. It marks the 14th straight season that UNI will finish in the upper-half of the league standings.
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 has 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.
Wichita State has the second-longest active streak at eight.
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 - 9-8 (3rd)
MORGAN STUFFS STAT SHEET
UNI senior guard Jeremy Morgan is the only NCAA Division I player in the country to currently lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocked shots, steals, 3-pointers made and free throws made.
MORGAN RANKS AMONG THE NATION'S BEST
No NCAA player in the past 10 seasons has done the following for a season: 15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 blocks, 2.0 3FGM/g, and only one has done that stat line in the past 20 seasons (Shane Battier of Duke in 1999-00).
Senior Jeremy Morgan, the preseason MVC player of the year, is averaging 15.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.1 blocks and 2.1 made 3-pointers.
JACOBSON AGAINST THE LAND OF LINCOLN
Ben Jacobson has taken full advantage of the four schools representing the state of Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference in his 11 seasons as UNI's head coach.
He has an overall mark of 62-27 vs. Southern Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley and Loyola.
Jake Overall vs. MVC's Illinois Schools
Bradley 21-6
Southern Illinois 18-7
Illinois State 17-9
Loyola 6-5
7 STRAIGHT WINS IN TIGHT GAMES
UNI has won seven straight matchups decided by three points or less dating back to last season.
This season, UNI is 4-0 in games decided by three points or less. UNI has won its last two games by three points with victories at Missouri State (55-52) and vs. Bradley (64-61).
7 Straight One-Possession Victories
W, 64-61 vs. Bradley (2/15/17)
W, 55-52 at Missouri State (2/12/17)
W, 58-57 at Southern Ill. (1/21/17)
W, 72-69 vs. Loyola (1/18/17)
W, 75-72 vs. Texas (3/18/16)
W, 56-54 vs. Evansville (3/6/16)
W, 54-52 at Evansville (2/17/16)
WINNING TRADITION
IN MCLEOD CENTER
UNI is playing its 11th season in the McLeod Center and the Panthers have made winning a priority in their home venue.
UNI has posted an all-time mark of 133-34 (.796) in games played in the McLeod Center.
UNI secured a school-record 16 home wins in the 2012-13 season.
UNI has posted a trio of perfect home seasons since moving to NCAA Division I. UNI was a perfect 14-0 in both the 1983-84 and 2009-10 seasons and then UNI notched a 15-0 mark at home in 2014-15.
UNI set its home-court win streak of 21 consecutive victories between the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons.
The McLeod Center opened in November 2006.
10 HOME WINS IN 9 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won 10 or more home games in the McLeod Center in nine consecutive seasons. A win Saturday over Illinois State would extend that streak to 10 straight years.
UNI's Home Record Since 2007-08
Year Record
2007-08 11-6
2008-09 11-4
2009-10 14-0
2010-11 13-5
2011-12 13-3
2012-13 16-4
2013-14 11-2
2014-15 15-0
2015-16 11-3
2016-17 9-3
JAKE LOVES FEBRUARY
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has guided the Panthers to a mark of 20-5 over their last 25 games in the month of February.
UNI in February
Feb. 2017 - 4-3
Feb. 2016 - 7-1
Feb. 2015 - 7-1
Feb. 2014 - 4-4 (won last two)
DEFENSE STEPS UP
Over its last 12 games, UNI has given up 59.7 points per game and limited the opposition to 39.2 percent field goal shooting.
UNI has also taken advantage of the free throw line in its last 12 games by draining 174-of-230, while the opposition has made 102-of-138 free throws.
WHAT CHANGED?
UNI started the season with a 5-11 mark through 16 games and had given up 67.6 points per game. UNI allowed 70 or more points on seven occasions in its first 16 games.
Since then, UNI has gone 9-3 and allowed only 59.7 points per game. UNI has allowed its opposition to score 70 or more points only once in its last 12 games - 73 at Wichita State last Saturday.
KOCH TURNAROUND
Junior Bennett Koch has helped the Panthers turn their season around.
In UNI's 0-5 start to MVC play, Koch was averaging 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game.
In UNI's last 12 games, Koch is averaging a team-best 14.8 points, 5.6 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per game.
Koch has also blocked 15 shots in his last 12 games. Koch did not record a blocked shot in his first five MVC games this season.
IRONMEN IN VALLEY PLAY
UNI has three players ranked in the top five of minutes played in MVC games only.
Senior Jordan Ashton ranks second in the league by playing in 37.7 minutes per game in MVC play. Ashton has sat out a total of 49 minutes in conference play.
Junior Klint Carlson ranks No. 4 in the league at 36.6 minutes per game, while senior Jeremy Morgan ranks No. 5 at 35.6 minutes per game.
TURNING IT AROUND
UNI became only the third team in the history of the Missouri Valley Conference to begin league play at 0-5 and bounce back to win its next five games.
Previously, only two teams in MVC history had lost their first five league games and rebounded to win their next five. Iowa State started 0-5 in 1915 and won its next five; Washburn started 0-5 in 1936 and won its next five.
A WIN TO JOIN OKLAHOMA
UNI is looking to become only the second school in the history of the MVC to lose its first five games and finish the conference season with an above .500 record.
Only Oklahoma in 1924-25 lost its first five games and finished at 9-7 in MVC play.
UNI enters Saturday's game with a mark of 9-8 in MVC action.
FOR STARTERS
UNI has used eight different starting lineups this season in its 28 games.
UNI has had nine different players draw starts this season.
UNI's 2016-17 Starting Lineups
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Ashton (15)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Lohaus (4)
Carlson-McCloud-Morgan-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-Morgan-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (2)
Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Brown-Haldeman (2)
Carlson-McCloud-Ashton-Koch-Haldeman (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Ashton (1)
Carlson-Friedman-McCloud-Morgan-Haldeman (1)
MORGAN NETS 1,000 POINTS
Jeremy Morgan became the 41st member of UNI's 1,000 point club at Evansville (1/1).
Morgan has tallied 1,198 career points and ranks No. 20 on UNI's all-time scoring list.
UNI'S 1,000-POINT SCORERS SINCE 2001
Morgan became the 16th Panther to score 1,000 or more points since the start of the 2001 season – the first season that Ben Jacobson joined the coaching staff as an assistant. Jacobson took over the head job in the 2006-07 season.
1,000-Point Scorers Since 2001
Ben Jacobson (2003-06) 1,787 pts.
Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 1,747 pts.
Eric Coleman (2005-08) 1,522 pts.
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 1,329 pts.
Anthony James (2008-13) 1,305 pts.
Grant Stout (2004-07) 1,232 pts.
Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 1,200 pts.
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 1,198 pts.
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186 pts.
David Gruber (2002-04) 1,116 pts.
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113 pts.
Matt Bohannon (2011-16.) 1,092 pts.
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066 pts.
Johnny Moran (2008-12) 1,048 pts.
Wes Washpun (2013-16.) 1,035 pts.
Chris Foster (2000-05) 1,027 pts.
MORGAN MOVING UP THE DEFENSIVE CHARTS
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan, who earned a spot on last year's MVC All-Defensive squad, is making his way up the UNI defensive charts in regard to blocked shots and steals.
Morgan ranks No. 2 at UNI in steals (176) and No. 6 in blocked shots (97).
Morgan is looking to become only the second UNI player to tally 100 steals and 100 blocks in his career. The only previous Panther to achieve that feat was Jake Koch, who posted 118 steals and 123 blocks from 2009-2013.
STEALS - UNI (CAREER)
1. Brent Carmichael (1981-83) 180
2. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 176
3. Nick Nurse (1986-89) 165
4. Andy Woodley (1998-02) 159
5. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 154
6. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 152
7. Dale Turner (1988-92) 143
8. Robbie Williams (1982-86) 140
9. Brian Carpenter (1992-96) 138
10. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 131
BLOCKED SHOTS - UNI (CAREER)
1. Grant Stout (2004-0) 222
2. Jake Koch (2009-13) 123
3. Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 120
4. Sean Hawkins (1995-98) 118
5. Eric Coleman (2004-08) 115
6. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 97
7. Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 95
8. Jason Sims (1993-96) 90
9. Scott Stafford (1984-85) 85
10. Steve Phyfe (1988-90) 66
MORGAN KNOCKS DOWN TRIPLES TOO
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan can also knock down the three-point shot.
Morgan has tallied 170 career three-pointers made to rank T-No. 5 all-time at UNI with Nick Nurse (1985-1989).
THREE-POINTERS MADE - UNI (CAREER)
1. Matt Bohannon (2012-16) 268
2. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 203
3. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 201
Marc Sonnen (2009-13) 201
5. Nick Nurse (1985-89) 170
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 170
7. Darian DeVries (1994-98) 166
8. Robbie Sieverding (1998-02) 157
9. Ali Farohkmanesh (2008-10) 152
10. Maurice Newby (1987-91) 146
MORGAN JOINS UNI'S TOP 10 GAMES PLAYED, STARTED LISTS
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan has joined UNI's top-10 list for games played and games started.
Morgan has played in 129 career games heading into Saturday's contest vs. Illinois State, which ranks him No. 10 on UNI's games played list.
Morgan has made 108 career starts for the Panthers, which ranks him tied for No. 8 with Matt Bohannon.
GAMES PLAYED - UNI (CAREER)
1. Marc Sonnen (2009-2013) 139
2. Jake Koch (2008-13) 138
Matt Bohannon (2012-2016) 138
4. Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 136
5. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 135
Chip Rank (2010-14) 135
Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 135
8. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 133
9. Adam Koch (2006-10) 132
10. Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 129
GAMES STARTED - UNI (CAREER)
1. Seth Tuttle (2011-15) 136
2. Johnny Moran (2008-12) 135
3. Ben Jacobson (2002-06) 120
4. Brooks McKowen (2003-07) 117
5. Deon Mitchell (2011-15) 115
6. Eric Coleman (2004-08) 114
7. Cedrick McCullough (1988-92) 109
8. Matt Bohannon (2012-16) 108
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 108
10. Randy Kraayenbrink (1982-86) 107
Dale Turner (1988-92) 107
Kwadzo Ahelegbe (2006-11) 107
MORGAN JOINS 500/500 CLUB
Senior guard Jeremy Morgan became the 25th UNI men's basketball player to record at least 500 points and 500 rebounds in his career.
Morgan has posted 542 rebounds in his Panther career to go along with 1,198 points.
Morgan is one of 14 UNI players to tally 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.
UNI's 500 Points/500 Rebounds Club
Name (Years) Pts./Rbs.
Del Nicklaus (1954-57) 604/611
Ron La Frentz (1957-60) 723/551
Jim Jackson (1959-61) 891/1,097
Pete Spoden (1959-63) 1,239/1,104
Craig Kneppe (1963-66) 1,200/685
Ken Huelman (1966-69) 1,275/818
John Martin (1967-70) 1,027/571
Randy Beilke (1970-73) 729/752
Darrell Timion (1971-73) 722/586
Bill Runchey (1973-76) 830/534
Randy Podhaski (1974-77) 831/510
Ron Lemons (1975-79) 1,476/760
Bill Jones (1978-81) 915/574
Jason Reese (1986-90) 2,033/773
Troy Muilenburg (1987-91) 1,251/599
Joe Breakenridge (1997-01) 956/766
David Gruber (2001-04) 1,116/625
Grant Stout (2003-07) 1,232/920
Eric Coleman (2004-08) 1,522/997
Jordan Eglseder (2006-10) 1,066/656
Adam Koch (2006-10) 1,186/596
Lucas O'Rear (2007-11) 529/517
Jake Koch (2009-2013) 1,113/677
Seth Tuttle (2011-2015) 1,747/917
Jeremy Morgan (2013-pres.) 1,198/542
SPENCER TRACKING DOWN UNI FRESHMAN 3-POINT MARK
Redshirt freshman guard Spencer Haldeman is tracking on the UNI freshman three-point record set by Chris Foster with 58 in the 2001-02 season.
Haldeman ranks second on the team this season having drained 47 three-pointers.
UNI Freshman 3-Point FGs Made List
Chris Foster (2001-02) - 58
Johnny Moran (2008-09) - 50
Spencer Haldeman (2016-17) - 47
Sredrick Robinson (1994-95) - 46
AMONG THE ELITE
UNI is one of 13 teams to have won at least one game in the NCAA Tournament and accumulate 54 combined wins over the previous two seasons.
The elite list of squads include UNI, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oregon, Villanova, Wichita State, Wisconsin and Virginia.
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Panthers are 5-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
2016 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
MVC's Dance Partners
Since the 2003-04 season, UNI and Wichita State have made the most appearances in the NCAA Tournament for the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Panthers have made seven NCAA Tournament apperances since the 2003-04 season, while the Shockers have appeared in six NCAA tournaments in the same time frame.
MVC'S NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Wichita St. (6) - 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Creighton (4) - 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
20-WIN SEASONS
UNI has had 12 20-win seasons in program history – 10 of those 20-win seasons have come since 2003-04.
3-POINT TALK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 559 straight games – the longest active streak in the MVC.
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.
JAKE RANKS AMONG VALLEY'S ALL-TIME WINNINGEST COACHES
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson ranks No. 6 in the Missouri Valley Confernce history in victories (234).
Jacobson ranks No. 7 in league history in MVC games only (123).
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) 256
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 245
6. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 234
7. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 225
8. Ralph Miller (Wichita State) 221
9. Maury John (Drake) 211
10. Joe Stowell (Bradley) 197
MVC Coaching Wins (Conf. Games Only)
1. Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) 187
2. Dana Altman (Creighton) 182
3. Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) 163
4. Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) 133
5. Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU) 131
6. Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) 126
7. Ben Jacobson (UNI) 123
8. Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) 111
9. Jim Molinari (Bradley) 110
10. Maurice John (Drake) 95
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
UNI has secured a season sweep of both Southern Illinois and Drake this season.
The Panthers will be looking for season sweep of Indiana State on Wednesday. It would be the third time that UNI head coach Ben Jacobson has swept the season series against Indiana State. The Panthers swept the Sycamores in the 2009-10 and 2014-15 seasons.
Overall, UNI has swept an MVC opponent 37 times since the start of the 2006-07 season - Jacobson's first year as the Panther head coach.
MVC Season Sweeps Under Coach Jacobson
Bradley (6) - 06-07, 08-09, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16
Creighton (1) - 09-10
Drake (6) - 09-10, 11-12, 12-13, 14-15, 15-16, 16-17
Evansville (5) - 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 13-14, 15-16
Illinois St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
Indiana State (2) - 09-10, 14-15
Loyola (1) - 14-15
Missouri St. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15
Southern Ill. (5) - 08-09, 09-10, 11-12, 14-15, 16-17
Wichita State (1) - 07-08
PANTHERS ARE RARELY SWEPT
Since Ben Jacobson took over the head coaching duties in 2006-07, the UNI program has been swept in an MVC home-and-home series on 12 occasions.
MVC Sweeps of UNI (since 2006-07)
Creighton - 06-07, 07-08
Drake - 06-07, 07-08
Evansville - 11-12, 12-13
Indiana State - 10-11, 12-13
Loyola - 15-16
Wichita State, 11-12, 13-14, 16-17
UNI MBB IN APR TOP-10 PERCENT
The UNI men's basketball, men's golf, women's golf, women's cross country and women's volleyball teams have been recognized by the NCAA for their latest multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. These teams posted multi-year APR scores in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports.
The UNI men's basketball team has been recognized with a perfect APR score (1,000) in each of the last four seasons - the only MVC school to do that in each of the past three years.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
UNI SIGNS PHYFE TO NLI
UNI head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson announced the signing of Austin Phyfe (Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock HS) to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in 2017-18.
Phyfe (6'9", 235 lbs., Forward) is the No. 2 recruit in the state of Iowa, according to IowaPreps.com. He earned second-team all-state honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association as a junior for head coach Nate Stegge. Phyfe notched third-team all-state accolades as a sophomore. Phyfe is a three-time all-Northeast Iowa Conference pick, including a pair of first-team honors the past two seasons. Phyfe averaged 14.5 points, grabbed 8.4 rebounds and shot 64 percent from the field in leading Waverly-Shell Rock to an 18-6 record in 2015-16. Phyfe scored 13.7 points and grabbed 7.9 rebounds as a sophomore in helping the GoHawks to a 22-3 record and a berth into the state tournament. As a freshman, he helped the GoHawks the state tournament and into the semifinals. Phyfe played AAU for the Iowa Barnstormers.
He is the son of Steve and Lisa Phyfe. His father, Steve, played basketball for the Panthers from 1987-1990. His sister, Aftin, is a member of the UNI swimming and diving team.
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.
WEEKLY PRESS LUNCHEONS
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly Press Luncheons held each Monday beginning at noon in the back room of Pepper's Grill and Sports Pub located on 18th Street in Cedar Falls.
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER & YOUTUBE
Fans of UNI Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
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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