University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Wednesday, January 31
Evansville, Indiana
7 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
at
Evansville
UNI Looks For Road Win at Evansville
1/29/2018 4:54:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (11-11, 3-7) at Evansville (14-9, 4-6)
Wed., Jan. 31, 2018 • 7 p.m.
Evansville, Indiana (Ford Center)
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Alex Gould
Analyst: Preston Leinenbach
Radio, TuneIn App
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - KXEL 1540-AM
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: UNI leads 26-25
Last Meeting: UNI 61, Evansville 54 (Jan. 25, 2017)
UNI has won five of the last six meetings.
Ten of the last 11 matchups in Evansville have been decided by 12 points or less.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES AT EVANSVILLE
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (11-11 overall, 3-7 MVC) will travel to Evansville, Indiana, on Wednesday to take on the Evansville Purple Aces (14-9 overall, 4-6 MVC). Tip is set for 7 p.m.
• UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 65-35 (.650) in the second half of MVC seasons under head coach Ben Jacobson.
• UNI ranks No. 7 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (14.9). UNI ranks No. 8 in the nation in scoring defense (62.6 ppg).
• Senior Klint Carlson has shot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field and 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the free throw line in six career games vs. the Purple Aces. He is averaging 8.2 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game vs. Evansville in his career.
• Freshman guard Tywhon Pickford (6'4") is the nation's top rebounder (8.4 rpg) under 6'5". Pickford ranks No. 9 in the nation in rebounds among all freshmen.
• Freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 76.2 percent from the field (16-of-21 FGs) during Missouri Valley Conference play. Phyfe has made 14 of his last 16 field goal attempts. Phyfe has also connected on 11 straight free throw attempts.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT EVANSVILLE
EVANSVILLE PURPLE ACES
The Evansville Purple Aces has won two games in a row and have posted an 11-2 home record this season.
Evansville began the year 11-2, but have gone 3-7 since mid-December.
The Purple Aces are led in scoring the Missouri Valley Conference's top scorer Ryan Taylor at 20.1 points per game. Dru Smith (13.5 ppg) and Blake Simmons (11.8 ppg) are also averaging double figures in points.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. EVANSVILLE
UNI holds a 26-25 lead in the all-time series vs. Evansville.
The Panthers own seven victories all-time in Evansville.
UNI has won five of the last six overall meetings. UNI and Evansville split the season series last year with the home team winning each contest.
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 15-8 vs. Evansville.
TIGHT GAMES IN EVANSVILLE
Over the past 11 seasons, UNI and Evansville have played some tight, tense contests on the Purple Aces home court.
Six of the outcomes have been decided by three points or less.
Ten of the last 11 matchups in Evansville between the Panthers and Purple Aces have been decided by 12 points or less.
Last 11 Games at Evansville
2006-07 - UNI 79, Evansville 71
2007-08 - UNI 71, Evansville 68
2008-09 - UNI 58, Evansville 47
2009-10 - Evansville 55, UNI 54
2010-11 - Evansville 70, UNI 62
2011-12 - Evansville 63, UNI 62
2012-13 - Evansville 54, UNI 51 (OT)
2013-14 - UNI 80, Evansville 53
2014-15 - Evansville 52, UNI 49
2015-16 - UNI 54, Evansville 52
2016-17 - Evansville 70, UNI 58
CARLSON FINDS HIS MARK AGAINST EVANSVILLE
Senior forward Klint Carlson has posted some good numbers against Evansville during his collegiate career.
Carlson has shot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field and 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the free throw line in six career games vs. the Purple Aces.
Carlson posted 17-point performance in the 2016 MVC Tournament championship game when the Panthers scored a 56-54 triumph to advance to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
He is averaging 8.2 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game vs. Evansville in his career.
SECOND-HALF MVC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PANTHERS
UNI sits at 3-7 in MVC play as the Panthers embark on 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 65-35 (.650) 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 0-1
Totals 63-45 (.583) 65-35 (.650)
NO. 8 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks No. 8 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.6 points per game.
Rk. Team W-L Points
1. Virginia 20-1 52.1
2. Cincinnati 19-2 56.2
3. UCF 13-7 60.2
4. SMU 15-7 62.0
5. Rutgers 12-11 62.0
6. Texas Tech 17-4 62.1
7. Loyola 18-4 62.5
8. UNI 11-11 62.6
9. Bradley 16-7 62.7
10. New Mexico St. 18-3 62.7
UNC Greensboro 16-5 62.7
UNI RANKS NO. 7 IN THE NATION IN FEWEST FOULS PER GAME
UNI ranks No. 7 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (14.9).
Rk. Team Fouls/Game
1. Notre Dame 13.1
2. Virginia 14.0
3. George Washington 14.0
4. Elon 14.2
5. Loyola Chicago 14.2
6. Western Illinois 14.8
7. UNI 14.9
8. Minnesota 14.9
9. UCF 15.0
10. UAB 15.0
MAGIC NUMBER IS 68
UNI is 8-0 this season when scoring 68 or more points in a game.
STRONG NON-CONFERENCE WINS
UNI built a strong resume during its non-conference play with a mark of 8-4.
The Panthers posted wins over SMU (61-58), North Carolina State (64-60), UNLV (77-68 OT) and UT Arlington (62-58).
SMU was ranked No. 61 and North Carolina State was ranked No. 63 in Monday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 11-11 overall and 3-7 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
All 10 of UNI's losses have come against top-158 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 133 in Monday's NCAA RPI report.
RPI for UNI's Losses in 2017-18
No. 2 vs. Villanova - L, 64-50
No. 3 Xavier - L, 77-67
No. 11 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 52 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 52 at Loyola - L, 70-47
No. 84 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 93 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 102 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 102 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 112 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 158 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 76.2 percent from the field (16-of-21 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 34 points for the Panthers.
Phyfe has made 14 of his last 16 field goal attempts and has drained 11 consecutive free throws entering Wednesday's game at Evansville.
TWO SPARKS OFF THE BENCH
UNI is getting a pair of scoring bursts off the bench from junior Wyatt Lohaus and sophomore Spencer Haldeman.
Lohaus ranks first and Haldeman ranks second among MVC players in scoring without making a start this season.
Lohaus is scoring 8.7 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.5 points per game.
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 8.4 rebounds per game.
Buffalo's C.J. Massinburg (6'3") is the nation's next best rebounder under 6'5". Massinburg is averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 9 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.4 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke) 11.6
2. Mohamed Bamba (Texas) 10.9
3. Deandre Ayton (Arizona) 10.7
4. Brandon McCoy (UNLV) 9.8
5. Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne) 9.7
6. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke) 9.4
7. Oshae Brissett (Syracuse) 9.2
8. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) 8.5
9. Tywhon Pickford (UNI) 8.4
10. Jalen Canty (UC Santa Barbara) 7.7
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through 10 games in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Pickford is averaging 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in league play.
FROSH GUARD DOUBLE-DOUBLES
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford ranks tied for third among freshman guards who have recorded double-doubles this season. Pickford has posted five double-doubles in 2017-18.
Oklahoma's Trae Young (10) and Duquesne's Eric Williams Jr. (9) are the only freshman guards with more than five double-doubles this season.
MVC Frosh Double-Doubles (since '97)
9 -- Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-11)
6 -- Danny Granger, Bradley (2001-02)
6 -- Patrick O'Bryant, Bradley (2004-05)
5 -- Jamar Howard, Wichita State (2001-02)
5 -- Tywhon Pickford, UNI (2017-18)
PICKFORD DOUBLES UP
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford has reached double figures in rebounds nine times this season.
Pickford has registered a team-best five double-doubles. Pickford has recorded double-doubles against Alcorn State (16 pts., 10 rbs.), North Carolina State (18 pts., 18 rbs.), Missouri State (18 pts., 10 rbs.), Loyola (15 pts., 11 rbs.) and Drake (16 pts., 10 rbs.).
UNI's Active Double-Double List
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Bennett Koch (4)
Klint Carlson (1)
Luke McDonnell (1)
UNI's Single-Season Double-Double Leaders (Since 2000)
Joe Breakenridge (17) - 2000-01
Eric Coleman (16) - 2007-08
Grant Stout (13) - 2005-06
Eric Coleman (13) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (12) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (8) - 2004-05
Seth Tuttle (7) - 2013-14
David Gruber (6) - 2001-02
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2008-09
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2009-10
Matt Schneiderman (5) - 2002-03
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2012-13
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2014-15
Tywhon Pickford (5) - 2017-18
UNI's Overall Double-Double Leaders
(Since 2000)
Eric Coleman (36)
Grant Stout (33)
Seth Tuttle (21)
Joe Breakenridge (17)
Jordan Eglseder (15)
David Gruber (13)
Matt Schneiderman (8)
Jeremy Morgan (5)
Adam Koch (5)
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Erik Crawford (4)
Jake Koch (4)
Bennett Koch (4)
MCCLOUD CONTINUES HIS
DEVELOPMENT
UNI sophomore point guard Juwan McCloud leads the squad in assists (59) and steals (32).
McCloud ranks sixth on the team in scoring at 7.3 points per game.
McCloud has reached double-figure scoring six times this season. Last year, McCloud had four double-figure scoring games as a true freshman.
McCloud has drained 17 three-pointers this season after making nine three-pointers during the 2016-17 season.
FOUR UNDERCLASSMEN IN STARTING FIVE
UNI has gone young in its starting lineup over the past five games by starting four underclassmen.
UNI's starting five consists of senior Klint Carlson, sophomores Isaiah Brown and Juwan McCloud to go along with true freshmen Tywhon Pickford and Austin Phyfe. The current starting five have combined to start 151 career games.
Evansville's starting five has tallied 222 career starts.
UNI's Starters (Played, Started)
Juwan McCloud (52, 50)
Isaiah Brown (48, 24)
Tywhon Pickford (22, 22)
Klint Carlson (104, 50)
Austin Phyfe (19, 5)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 22 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 17 3-pointers this season.
Spencer Haldeman (33), Isaiah Brown (30), Tywhon Pickford (28), Klint Carlson (25), Wyatt Lohaus (22) and Juwan McCloud (17) have all made at least 17 shots from 3-point land this season.
UNI is averaging 7.6 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 583 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.
EIGHT STRAIGHT ROAD LOSSES
UNI has suffered eight consecutive road losses heading into Wednesday's game at Evansville.
UNI is 0-6 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.
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2016. The Panthers are 5-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
2016 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
7TH NCAA TOURNEY SINCE 2004
The Panthers have made seven NCAA appearances since the 2004 season. Only 27 other teams have made more than seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2004.
That is the most NCAA Tournament apperance since 2004 for any current member of the MVC. New MVC member Valparaiso has made three NCAA Tournaments in that same time frame (2004, 2013, 2015).
Current MVC NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Valparaiso (3) - 2004, 2013, 2015
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
UNI extended its streak of top-four finishes in the Missouri Valley Conference to a ninth straight season with its third-place finish in 2016-17.
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI recorded its 14th straight upper-half finish Missouri Valley Conference.
It is the longest active streak in the league.
Prior to the 2003-04 season, when the current streak began, UNI had finished in the top half of the MVC on two occasions (1993-94 - 5th, 1996-97 - 4th) since joining the league in 1991-92.
14 STRAIGHT YEARS OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI also extended its streak of nine or more MVC victories in a season to 14 straight years. It is the longest active streak in the league.
UNI in the MVC Since 2003-04
2003-04 - 12-6 (T-2nd)
2004-05 - 11-7 (T-3rd)
2005-06 - 11-7 (T-5th)
2006-07 - 9-9 (5th)
2007-08 - 9-9 (T-5th)
2008-09 - 14-4 (T-1st)
2009-10 - 15-3 (1st)
2010-11 - 10-8 (T-4th)
2011-12 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
2012-13 - 11-7 (3rd)
2013-14 - 10-8 (3rd)
2014-15 - 16-2 (2nd)
2015-16 - 11-7 (T-4th)
2016-17 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
PANTHERS PICKED SECOND IN MVC PRESEASON POLL
UNI has been slotted to finish second in the preseason 2017-18 Missouri Valley Conference poll.
UNI received eight first-place votes in the preseason poll. It is the most preseason first-place votes in a year that the Panthers were not picked as the preseason favorites.
MVC Preseason Poll
School (First-Place Votes) Total
1. Missouri State (30) 381
2. UNI (8) 337
3. Loyola (1) 321
4. Illinois State (1) 256
5. Southern Illinois 226
6. Valparaiso 214
7. Bradley 182
8. Indiana State 116
9. Evansville 88
10. Drake 79
KOCH, CARLSON EARN ALL-MVC PRESEASON HONORS
University of Northern Iowa seniors Bennett Koch and Klint Carlson have been named to the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference teams.
Koch earned first-team all-MVC honors, while Carlson was selected to the second team.
Koch is UNI's top returning scorer at 11.0 points per game. In his last 14 games last season, Koch averaged a team-best 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game.
Carlson averaged more points per game for the third consecutive season (8.3 ppg). He ranked No. 4 in the league at 36.6 minutes per game.
RADIO INFORMATION
This year's UNI men's basketball games can be heard on the UNI Sports Radio Network, with KXEL (1540 AM, Waterloo, Iowa) serving as flagship station. Affiliates include KBGG (1700 AM, Des Moines), KGYM (1600 AM, Cedar Rapids), KQCR (98.9 FM, Hampton), KILJ (105.5 FM, Mount Pleasant), KFXE (1160 AM, Decorah-Waukon) and KVFD (1400 AM, Fort Dodge).
Long-time Panthers announcer Gary Rima handles play-by-play duties, while Kevin Boyle serves as analyst. Head coach Ben Jacobson's weekly radio call-in show will air on Thursdays, beginning in December at 6 p.m., live from The Other Place in Cedar Falls.
UNI INKS TOP-100 RECRUIT GREEN
University of Northern Iowa head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson has announced the signing of consensus top-100 recruit A.J. Green to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in the 2018-19 season.
Green (6'4", 175 lbs., Guard – Cedar Falls, Iowa/Cedar Falls HS) is ranked among the top-100 recruits by ESPN (No. 74), 247 (No. 77), Scout (No. 77) and Rivals (No. 88). He is a four-star recruit and a first-team all-state pick by the Iowa Newspaper Association in both 2016 and 2017.
"A.J. has a tremendous work ethic and drive to be the absolute best. It has been a lot of fun watching him work and grow as player over the course of all these years," Jacobson said. "In A.J., we are getting a player who knows our program, comes in with lofty goals and has made himself one of the best players in the country. Most importantly we are getting a terrific young guy. This is an exciting day for our basketball family and for Panther Nation as A.J. officially becomes a Panther."
Green set the Cedar Falls High School scoring mark Jan. 16, 2018, with 1,435 points. Green averaged 21.5 points per game and grabbed 4.2 rebounds per game, while he shot 47.4 percent from the floor (43.4 – 3-point range) as a junior. He averaged 17.8 points per game and made 44 percent of his three-point shots as a sophomore. Green scored 186 points and averaged 8.0 points per game as a freshman.
Green played AAU basketball for the Iowa Barnstormers. He is the son of Kyle and Michele Green.
WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly press conference held each Monday at noon in the McLeod Center's Alumni Suite.
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER & YOUTUBE
Fans of UNI Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
UNI Athletics on Facebook will give fans the chance to connect with other Panther fans, as well as providing information on upcoming events. Followers on Twitter will be able to access news and scoring updates. Followers on YouTube will be able to access game highlights and press conference footage.
FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/UNIAthletics
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
TWITTER
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
UNI (11-11, 3-7) at Evansville (14-9, 4-6)
Wed., Jan. 31, 2018 • 7 p.m.
Evansville, Indiana (Ford Center)
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPN3
Play-by-Play: Alex Gould
Analyst: Preston Leinenbach
Radio, TuneIn App
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - KXEL 1540-AM
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: UNI leads 26-25
Last Meeting: UNI 61, Evansville 54 (Jan. 25, 2017)
UNI has won five of the last six meetings.
Ten of the last 11 matchups in Evansville have been decided by 12 points or less.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINES AT EVANSVILLE
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (11-11 overall, 3-7 MVC) will travel to Evansville, Indiana, on Wednesday to take on the Evansville Purple Aces (14-9 overall, 4-6 MVC). Tip is set for 7 p.m.
• UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 65-35 (.650) in the second half of MVC seasons under head coach Ben Jacobson.
• UNI ranks No. 7 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (14.9). UNI ranks No. 8 in the nation in scoring defense (62.6 ppg).
• Senior Klint Carlson has shot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field and 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the free throw line in six career games vs. the Purple Aces. He is averaging 8.2 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game vs. Evansville in his career.
• Freshman guard Tywhon Pickford (6'4") is the nation's top rebounder (8.4 rpg) under 6'5". Pickford ranks No. 9 in the nation in rebounds among all freshmen.
• Freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 76.2 percent from the field (16-of-21 FGs) during Missouri Valley Conference play. Phyfe has made 14 of his last 16 field goal attempts. Phyfe has also connected on 11 straight free throw attempts.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT EVANSVILLE
EVANSVILLE PURPLE ACES
The Evansville Purple Aces has won two games in a row and have posted an 11-2 home record this season.
Evansville began the year 11-2, but have gone 3-7 since mid-December.
The Purple Aces are led in scoring the Missouri Valley Conference's top scorer Ryan Taylor at 20.1 points per game. Dru Smith (13.5 ppg) and Blake Simmons (11.8 ppg) are also averaging double figures in points.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. EVANSVILLE
UNI holds a 26-25 lead in the all-time series vs. Evansville.
The Panthers own seven victories all-time in Evansville.
UNI has won five of the last six overall meetings. UNI and Evansville split the season series last year with the home team winning each contest.
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson is 15-8 vs. Evansville.
TIGHT GAMES IN EVANSVILLE
Over the past 11 seasons, UNI and Evansville have played some tight, tense contests on the Purple Aces home court.
Six of the outcomes have been decided by three points or less.
Ten of the last 11 matchups in Evansville between the Panthers and Purple Aces have been decided by 12 points or less.
Last 11 Games at Evansville
2006-07 - UNI 79, Evansville 71
2007-08 - UNI 71, Evansville 68
2008-09 - UNI 58, Evansville 47
2009-10 - Evansville 55, UNI 54
2010-11 - Evansville 70, UNI 62
2011-12 - Evansville 63, UNI 62
2012-13 - Evansville 54, UNI 51 (OT)
2013-14 - UNI 80, Evansville 53
2014-15 - Evansville 52, UNI 49
2015-16 - UNI 54, Evansville 52
2016-17 - Evansville 70, UNI 58
CARLSON FINDS HIS MARK AGAINST EVANSVILLE
Senior forward Klint Carlson has posted some good numbers against Evansville during his collegiate career.
Carlson has shot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field and 85.7 percent (12-of-14) from the free throw line in six career games vs. the Purple Aces.
Carlson posted 17-point performance in the 2016 MVC Tournament championship game when the Panthers scored a 56-54 triumph to advance to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
He is averaging 8.2 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game vs. Evansville in his career.
SECOND-HALF MVC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PANTHERS
UNI sits at 3-7 in MVC play as the Panthers embark on 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 65-35 (.650) 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 0-1
Totals 63-45 (.583) 65-35 (.650)
NO. 8 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks No. 8 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.6 points per game.
Rk. Team W-L Points
1. Virginia 20-1 52.1
2. Cincinnati 19-2 56.2
3. UCF 13-7 60.2
4. SMU 15-7 62.0
5. Rutgers 12-11 62.0
6. Texas Tech 17-4 62.1
7. Loyola 18-4 62.5
8. UNI 11-11 62.6
9. Bradley 16-7 62.7
10. New Mexico St. 18-3 62.7
UNC Greensboro 16-5 62.7
UNI RANKS NO. 7 IN THE NATION IN FEWEST FOULS PER GAME
UNI ranks No. 7 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (14.9).
Rk. Team Fouls/Game
1. Notre Dame 13.1
2. Virginia 14.0
3. George Washington 14.0
4. Elon 14.2
5. Loyola Chicago 14.2
6. Western Illinois 14.8
7. UNI 14.9
8. Minnesota 14.9
9. UCF 15.0
10. UAB 15.0
MAGIC NUMBER IS 68
UNI is 8-0 this season when scoring 68 or more points in a game.
STRONG NON-CONFERENCE WINS
UNI built a strong resume during its non-conference play with a mark of 8-4.
The Panthers posted wins over SMU (61-58), North Carolina State (64-60), UNLV (77-68 OT) and UT Arlington (62-58).
SMU was ranked No. 61 and North Carolina State was ranked No. 63 in Monday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 11-11 overall and 3-7 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
All 10 of UNI's losses have come against top-158 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 133 in Monday's NCAA RPI report.
RPI for UNI's Losses in 2017-18
No. 2 vs. Villanova - L, 64-50
No. 3 Xavier - L, 77-67
No. 11 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 52 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 52 at Loyola - L, 70-47
No. 84 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 93 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 102 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 102 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 112 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 158 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 76.2 percent from the field (16-of-21 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 34 points for the Panthers.
Phyfe has made 14 of his last 16 field goal attempts and has drained 11 consecutive free throws entering Wednesday's game at Evansville.
TWO SPARKS OFF THE BENCH
UNI is getting a pair of scoring bursts off the bench from junior Wyatt Lohaus and sophomore Spencer Haldeman.
Lohaus ranks first and Haldeman ranks second among MVC players in scoring without making a start this season.
Lohaus is scoring 8.7 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.5 points per game.
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 8.4 rebounds per game.
Buffalo's C.J. Massinburg (6'3") is the nation's next best rebounder under 6'5". Massinburg is averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 9 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.4 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke) 11.6
2. Mohamed Bamba (Texas) 10.9
3. Deandre Ayton (Arizona) 10.7
4. Brandon McCoy (UNLV) 9.8
5. Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne) 9.7
6. Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke) 9.4
7. Oshae Brissett (Syracuse) 9.2
8. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) 8.5
9. Tywhon Pickford (UNI) 8.4
10. Jalen Canty (UC Santa Barbara) 7.7
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through 10 games in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Pickford is averaging 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in league play.
FROSH GUARD DOUBLE-DOUBLES
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford ranks tied for third among freshman guards who have recorded double-doubles this season. Pickford has posted five double-doubles in 2017-18.
Oklahoma's Trae Young (10) and Duquesne's Eric Williams Jr. (9) are the only freshman guards with more than five double-doubles this season.
MVC Frosh Double-Doubles (since '97)
9 -- Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-11)
6 -- Danny Granger, Bradley (2001-02)
6 -- Patrick O'Bryant, Bradley (2004-05)
5 -- Jamar Howard, Wichita State (2001-02)
5 -- Tywhon Pickford, UNI (2017-18)
PICKFORD DOUBLES UP
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford has reached double figures in rebounds nine times this season.
Pickford has registered a team-best five double-doubles. Pickford has recorded double-doubles against Alcorn State (16 pts., 10 rbs.), North Carolina State (18 pts., 18 rbs.), Missouri State (18 pts., 10 rbs.), Loyola (15 pts., 11 rbs.) and Drake (16 pts., 10 rbs.).
UNI's Active Double-Double List
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Bennett Koch (4)
Klint Carlson (1)
Luke McDonnell (1)
UNI's Single-Season Double-Double Leaders (Since 2000)
Joe Breakenridge (17) - 2000-01
Eric Coleman (16) - 2007-08
Grant Stout (13) - 2005-06
Eric Coleman (13) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (12) - 2006-07
Grant Stout (8) - 2004-05
Seth Tuttle (7) - 2013-14
David Gruber (6) - 2001-02
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2008-09
Jordan Eglseder (6) - 2009-10
Matt Schneiderman (5) - 2002-03
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2012-13
Seth Tuttle (5) - 2014-15
Tywhon Pickford (5) - 2017-18
UNI's Overall Double-Double Leaders
(Since 2000)
Eric Coleman (36)
Grant Stout (33)
Seth Tuttle (21)
Joe Breakenridge (17)
Jordan Eglseder (15)
David Gruber (13)
Matt Schneiderman (8)
Jeremy Morgan (5)
Adam Koch (5)
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Erik Crawford (4)
Jake Koch (4)
Bennett Koch (4)
MCCLOUD CONTINUES HIS
DEVELOPMENT
UNI sophomore point guard Juwan McCloud leads the squad in assists (59) and steals (32).
McCloud ranks sixth on the team in scoring at 7.3 points per game.
McCloud has reached double-figure scoring six times this season. Last year, McCloud had four double-figure scoring games as a true freshman.
McCloud has drained 17 three-pointers this season after making nine three-pointers during the 2016-17 season.
FOUR UNDERCLASSMEN IN STARTING FIVE
UNI has gone young in its starting lineup over the past five games by starting four underclassmen.
UNI's starting five consists of senior Klint Carlson, sophomores Isaiah Brown and Juwan McCloud to go along with true freshmen Tywhon Pickford and Austin Phyfe. The current starting five have combined to start 151 career games.
Evansville's starting five has tallied 222 career starts.
UNI's Starters (Played, Started)
Juwan McCloud (52, 50)
Isaiah Brown (48, 24)
Tywhon Pickford (22, 22)
Klint Carlson (104, 50)
Austin Phyfe (19, 5)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 22 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 17 3-pointers this season.
Spencer Haldeman (33), Isaiah Brown (30), Tywhon Pickford (28), Klint Carlson (25), Wyatt Lohaus (22) and Juwan McCloud (17) have all made at least 17 shots from 3-point land this season.
UNI is averaging 7.6 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 583 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.
EIGHT STRAIGHT ROAD LOSSES
UNI has suffered eight consecutive road losses heading into Wednesday's game at Evansville.
UNI is 0-6 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.
EIGHT NCAA TRIPS FOR UNI
UNI made its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2016. The Panthers are 5-8 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
2016 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
7TH NCAA TOURNEY SINCE 2004
The Panthers have made seven NCAA appearances since the 2004 season. Only 27 other teams have made more than seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2004.
That is the most NCAA Tournament apperance since 2004 for any current member of the MVC. New MVC member Valparaiso has made three NCAA Tournaments in that same time frame (2004, 2013, 2015).
Current MVC NCAA Appearances Since 2004
UNI (7) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016
Southern Illinois (4) - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Valparaiso (3) - 2004, 2013, 2015
Indiana State (1) - 2011
Drake (1) - 2008
Bradley (1) - 2006
TOP-FOUR FINISHES IN MVC
UNI extended its streak of top-four finishes in the Missouri Valley Conference to a ninth straight season with its third-place finish in 2016-17.
IN THE UPPER HALF
UNI recorded its 14th straight upper-half finish Missouri Valley Conference.
It is the longest active streak in the league.
Prior to the 2003-04 season, when the current streak began, UNI had finished in the top half of the MVC on two occasions (1993-94 - 5th, 1996-97 - 4th) since joining the league in 1991-92.
14 STRAIGHT YEARS OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS
UNI also extended its streak of nine or more MVC victories in a season to 14 straight years. It is the longest active streak in the league.
UNI in the MVC Since 2003-04
2003-04 - 12-6 (T-2nd)
2004-05 - 11-7 (T-3rd)
2005-06 - 11-7 (T-5th)
2006-07 - 9-9 (5th)
2007-08 - 9-9 (T-5th)
2008-09 - 14-4 (T-1st)
2009-10 - 15-3 (1st)
2010-11 - 10-8 (T-4th)
2011-12 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
2012-13 - 11-7 (3rd)
2013-14 - 10-8 (3rd)
2014-15 - 16-2 (2nd)
2015-16 - 11-7 (T-4th)
2016-17 - 9-9 (T-3rd)
PANTHERS PICKED SECOND IN MVC PRESEASON POLL
UNI has been slotted to finish second in the preseason 2017-18 Missouri Valley Conference poll.
UNI received eight first-place votes in the preseason poll. It is the most preseason first-place votes in a year that the Panthers were not picked as the preseason favorites.
MVC Preseason Poll
School (First-Place Votes) Total
1. Missouri State (30) 381
2. UNI (8) 337
3. Loyola (1) 321
4. Illinois State (1) 256
5. Southern Illinois 226
6. Valparaiso 214
7. Bradley 182
8. Indiana State 116
9. Evansville 88
10. Drake 79
KOCH, CARLSON EARN ALL-MVC PRESEASON HONORS
University of Northern Iowa seniors Bennett Koch and Klint Carlson have been named to the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference teams.
Koch earned first-team all-MVC honors, while Carlson was selected to the second team.
Koch is UNI's top returning scorer at 11.0 points per game. In his last 14 games last season, Koch averaged a team-best 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game.
Carlson averaged more points per game for the third consecutive season (8.3 ppg). He ranked No. 4 in the league at 36.6 minutes per game.
RADIO INFORMATION
This year's UNI men's basketball games can be heard on the UNI Sports Radio Network, with KXEL (1540 AM, Waterloo, Iowa) serving as flagship station. Affiliates include KBGG (1700 AM, Des Moines), KGYM (1600 AM, Cedar Rapids), KQCR (98.9 FM, Hampton), KILJ (105.5 FM, Mount Pleasant), KFXE (1160 AM, Decorah-Waukon) and KVFD (1400 AM, Fort Dodge).
Long-time Panthers announcer Gary Rima handles play-by-play duties, while Kevin Boyle serves as analyst. Head coach Ben Jacobson's weekly radio call-in show will air on Thursdays, beginning in December at 6 p.m., live from The Other Place in Cedar Falls.
UNI INKS TOP-100 RECRUIT GREEN
University of Northern Iowa head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson has announced the signing of consensus top-100 recruit A.J. Green to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Panthers beginning in the 2018-19 season.
Green (6'4", 175 lbs., Guard – Cedar Falls, Iowa/Cedar Falls HS) is ranked among the top-100 recruits by ESPN (No. 74), 247 (No. 77), Scout (No. 77) and Rivals (No. 88). He is a four-star recruit and a first-team all-state pick by the Iowa Newspaper Association in both 2016 and 2017.
"A.J. has a tremendous work ethic and drive to be the absolute best. It has been a lot of fun watching him work and grow as player over the course of all these years," Jacobson said. "In A.J., we are getting a player who knows our program, comes in with lofty goals and has made himself one of the best players in the country. Most importantly we are getting a terrific young guy. This is an exciting day for our basketball family and for Panther Nation as A.J. officially becomes a Panther."
Green set the Cedar Falls High School scoring mark Jan. 16, 2018, with 1,435 points. Green averaged 21.5 points per game and grabbed 4.2 rebounds per game, while he shot 47.4 percent from the floor (43.4 – 3-point range) as a junior. He averaged 17.8 points per game and made 44 percent of his three-point shots as a sophomore. Green scored 186 points and averaged 8.0 points per game as a freshman.
Green played AAU basketball for the Iowa Barnstormers. He is the son of Kyle and Michele Green.
WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
UNI head coach Ben Jacobson or a member of his coaching staff will be available at the weekly press conference held each Monday at noon in the McLeod Center's Alumni Suite.
FOLLOW THE PANTHERS ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER & YOUTUBE
Fans of UNI Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube will have access to updates, score recaps and special announcements.
UNI Athletics on Facebook will give fans the chance to connect with other Panther fans, as well as providing information on upcoming events. Followers on Twitter will be able to access news and scoring updates. Followers on YouTube will be able to access game highlights and press conference footage.
www.facebook.com/UNIAthletics
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
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