University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Saturday, February 17
Normal, Illinois
5 p.m.
University of Northern Iowa
at
Illinois State
UNI, Illinois State Set for ESPN2 in Normal
2/15/2018 2:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COMPLETE RELEASE (PDF)
UNI (13-14, 5-10) at Illinois State (14-13, 8-7)
Sat., Feb. 17, 2018 • 5 p.m.
Normal, Illinois (Redbird Arena)
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPN2
Play-by-Play: Mitch Holthus
Analyst: Malcolm Huckaby
Radio, TuneIn App
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - KXEL 1540-AM
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: Illinois State leads 41-34
Last Meeting: UNI 83, Illinois State 72 (Jan. 24, 2018)
UNI has won 10 times in Normal, including five times under head coach Ben Jacobson.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINE AT ILLINOIS STATE
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (13-14 overall, 5-10 MVC) will look to complete a season series sweep of the Illinois State Redbirds (14-13 overall, 8-7 MVC). UNI and Illinois State will tip on Saturday 5 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
• UNI ranks No. 5 in the nation in scoring defense (62.5 ppg).
• UNI limited Evansville to 41 points in its win over the Purple Aces Tuesday in the McLeod Center. UNI is 49-1 in those contests. UNI has won 42 straight games when holding the opposition to less than 50 points.
• Tywhon Pickford has set the UNI freshman record for rebounds in a season. Pickford has 219 rebounds, besting the previous mark of 205 set by Eric Coleman in the 2004-05 season. Pickford's season total ranks as the 10th-best single-season mark for a freshman in MVC history. Pickford ranks as the nation's best rebounder under 6'5" at 8.1 rebounds per game.
• Bennett Koch is closing in on becoming the 42nd UNI Panther to score 1,000 points. Koch has tallied 968 career points.
• Isaiah Brown is one of eight MVC players this year to have improved their scoring by five points or more from last year to this year. Brown averaged 1.8 points per game in 2016-17 and has upped his scoring to 6.8 points per game this year.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT ILLINOIS STATE
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (13-14 overall, 5-10 MVC) will look to complete a season series sweep of the Illinois State Redbirds (14-13 overall, 8-7 MVC). UNI and Illinois State will tip on Saturday 5 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's UNI at Illinois State game will be shown live on ESPN2.
   Mitch Holthus (play-by-play) and Malcolm Huckaby (analyst) will call the game in Redbird Arena.
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS
Dan Muller is in his sixth year as the head coach of the Illinois State Redbirds. Muller has posted at least 18 wins in each of his previous five seasons.
   The Redbirds have lost two straight games after running off four consecutive wins.Â
   Illinois State is 9-3 at home, including a 6-1 mark in MVC play at Redbird Arena this year. ISU's only loss at home in MVC play came against Loyola on Jan. 10 (L, 68-61). Illinois State has won four straight home games heading into Saturday's matchup.
   Illinois State is led in scoring by Milik Yarbrough (16.5 ppg), Phil Fayne (15.5 ppg) and Keyshawn Evans (15.4 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. ILLINOIS ST
Illinois State holds a 41-34 lead in the all-time series vs. UNI.
   The Redbirds are 22-10 against the Panthers all-time in games played in Normal. The Panthers have won five of those matchups under the direction of head coach Ben Jacobson.
   Jacobson has compiled an 18-10 record against Illinois State.
IN OUR LAST MEETING
UNI used a 25-0 run in the first half against the Illinois State Redbirds to score an 83-72 win on Jan. 24 in the McLeod Center.
   Isaiah Brown and Juwan McCloud guided the Panthers to the victory. Brown scored a career-high 20 points, while McCloud tallied career highs in assists (9) and steals (6).Â
   Senior Bennett Koch added 17 points off the bench. Junior Wyatt Lohaus grabbed a career-best eight rebounds in the triumph.
   UNI led by as many as 31 points in the contest as the Panthers defeated the Redbirds for the 11th time in 12 tries in the McLeod Center.
MOST IMPROVED MVC SCORERS
UNI sophomore guard Isaiah Brown is one of eight MVC players this year to have improved their scoring by five points or more from last year to this year.
   Brown averaged 1.8 points per game as a true freshman in 2016-17. Brown has upped his scoring to 6.8 points per game in 2017-18.
MVC's Most-Improved Scorers
1. Jordan Barnes (INS)Â Â Â +11.0 (6.5, 17.5)
2. Keyshawn Evans (ILS)Â Â Â +9.6 (5.8, 15.4)
3. Dru Smith (UE)Â Â Â +8.1 (5.3, 13.4)
4. Ryan Taylor (UE)Â Â Â +7.3 (14.1, 21.4)
5. Aaron Cook (SIU)Â Â Â +7.0 (3.0, 10.0)
6. Nick McGlynn (DU)Â Â Â +6.9 (4.9, 11.8)
7. Phil Fayne (ILS)Â Â Â +6.4 (9.1, 15.5)
8. Isaiah Brown (UNI)Â Â Â +5.0 (1.8, 6.8)
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
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.
   UNI will be looking for its sixth regular season sweep of Illinois State under Coach Jacobson, which would tie for the most sweeps of an MVC school during his tenure.
   UNI's last regular season series sweep vs. Illinois State in the 2014-15 campaign.
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) - 07-08Â
WIN WITH COLD SHOOTING
UNI shot 27.8 percent from the floor in its 47-41 win against Evansville on Tuesday. Â
   It marks the fourth-lowest FG percentage by a winning team in the NCAA this year. The 47 points are the second fewest by a winning team (St. John's beat UCF, 46-43.)Â
   In the past five seasons, only once did an MVC team shoot worse from the floor and win (Illinois State, 27.3, vs. Wichita State on Feb. 6, 2016).
UNI'S LOWEST FIELD GOAL % UNDER JAKE
.239 at Indiana State (1/7/2011)
.255 vs. Illinois State (3/2/2012)
.259 GEORGE MASON (11/30/2016)
.268 vs. Iowa (12/17/2016)
.271 LOYOLA (1/16/2016)
.271 at Saint Mary's (11/14/2011)
.273 at Iowa (12/7/2010)
.273 at Syracuse (11/12/2010)
.275 SMU (3/21/2011)
.275 at Wichita State (2/18/2017)
.278 EVANSVILLE (2/13/2018)
.290 CREIGHTON (2/8/2009)
FIRST START FOR RHODES
UNI senior guard Hunter Rhodes made his first start as a Panther in Tuesday's 47-41 victory over Evansville.
   Rhodes scored a team-high 12 points. He tallied six of UNI's first nine points with a pair of three-pointers in the opening five-plus minutes against Evansville.
   Rhodes also scored UNI's final field goal of the at 10:17 of the second half. His layup gave UNI a 42-27 lead over the Purple Aces.
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 on Feb. 7.Â
   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 12 of his free throw attempts this season. Rhodes's streak of consecutive free throws made stands at 16 heading into Saturday's game at Illinois State.
9 or More FTs (100%), No Made FGs
Kyle Mallers (Ball State) vs. OregonÂ
   10-10 FTs, 0-3 FGs
Justice Sueing (California) vs. Portland St.Â
   9-9 FTs, 0-5 FGs
Hunter Rhodes (UNI) vs. BradleyÂ
   9-9 FTs, 0-2 FGs
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.Â
   Koch has tallied 968 points heading into Saturday's game at Illinois State.
   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.
PICKFORD SETS UNI FRESHMAN REBOUNDING MARK
Guard Tywhon Pickford has set the UNI Panther freshman rebounding record.
   Pickford has registered 219 rebounds this season, besting the previous mark of 205 set by Eric Coleman in the 2004-05 season. Pickford's 209 rebounds ranks as the 10th-best freshman single-season mark in Missouri Valley Conference history.Â
   Only four players have put up higher freshman rebounding numbers in the MVC in the past 25 years - Doug McDermott (Crieghton) had 280 in 2010-11; Josh Cunningham (Bradley) had 247 in 2014-15); Jamie Arnold (Wichita State) had 242 in 1993-94; Michael Ruffin (Tulsa) had 232 in 1995-96.
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. Tywhon Pickford - UNI (2017-18) - 219
11. Danny Granger - BU (2001-02) - 207
12. Jordan Caroline - SIU (2014-15) - 206
13. Eric Coleman - UNI (2004-05) - 205
14. Patrick O'Bryant - BU (2004-05) - 201
-------------------------------------------------------
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
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 9.1 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.2 points per game.
MVC Bench Scorers (no starts)
1. Â Â Â Wyatt Lohaus (UNI)Â Â Â Â Â Â 9.1 ppg
2.   Spencer Haldeman (UNI)   6.2 ppg
3.   Micah Bradford (Valpo)   5.0 ppg
4.   Casey Schlatter (Drake)   4.2 ppg
5.   Bruno Skokna (Loyola)   3.9 ppg
6.   Rudy Stradnieks (SIU)      3.5 ppg
   Isaac Gassman (Ill. St.)   3.5 ppg
NO. 5 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks No. 5 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.5 points per game.
Rk.   Team   W-L   Points
1.   Virginia   24-2   52.7  Â
2.   Cincinnati   23-2   55.9
3.   UCF   16-9   61.2
4.   New Mexico St.   22-3   61.7
5.   UNI   13-14   62.5
6.   UNC Greensboro   20-6   62.5
7.   Texas Tech   22-4   62.7
8.   Texas State   14-12   62.7
9.   Old Dominion   19-5   63.2
10.   Michigan   21-7   63.5
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.Â
   The Panthers are 4-13 when scoring 67 points or less.
SCORE IT MORE AT HOME
UNI is scoring nearly 11 more points per game at home than on the road during Missouri Valley Conference play.
   UNI is averaging 65.3 points per game at home in seven MVC games. The Panthers have posted 55.4 points per game in their seven road league games.
STRONG NON-CONF WINS
UNI built a strong resume during its non-conference play with a mark of 8-4.Â
   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. 70 and SMU was ranked No. 81 in Thursday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 13-14 overall and 5-10 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
   All 14 of UNI's losses have come against top-169 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 158 in Thursday's NCAA RPI report.
RPI for UNI's Losses in 2017-18
No. 2 Xavier - L, 77-67
No. 3 vs. Villanova - L, 64-50
No. 7 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 51 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 51 at Loyola - L, 70-47
No. 95 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 96 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 96 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 100 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 106 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 128 at Evansville - L, 57-49
No. 146 at Drake - L, 71-64
No. 169 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
No. 169 Indiana State - L, 77-66
SECOND-HALF MVC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PANTHERS
UNI sits at 5-10 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.
   UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 67-38 (.638) in the second half of MVC seasons under Jacobson.
Halfway in MVC Under Jake
Season   1st Half   2nd Half
2006-07Â Â Â 6-3Â Â Â 5-4
2007-08 Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 5-4
2008-09 Â Â Â 8-1Â Â Â 6-3
2009-10Â Â Â 8-1Â Â Â 7-2
2010-11Â Â Â 6-3Â Â Â 4-5
2011-12Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 5-4
2012-13Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 7-2
2013-14Â Â Â 5-4Â Â Â 5-4
2014-15Â Â Â 8-1Â Â Â 8-1
2015-16Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 8-1
2016-17Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 5-4
2017-18Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2-4
Totals   63-45 (.583)   67-38 (.638)
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 65.5 percent from the field (19-of-29 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 48 points for the Panthers.Â
NATION'S BEST REBOUNDER UNDER 6'5"
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford is the nation's best rebounder under 6'5". Pickford (6'4") is averaging 8.1 rebounds per game.
   UMass Lowell's Jahad Thomas (6'2") is the nation's second-best rebounder under 6'5". Thomas is averaging 7.9 rebounds per game.
Â
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 12 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.1 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1.   Marvin Bagley III (Duke)   11.4
2.   Mohamed Bamba (Texas)   10.8
3. Â Â Â Deandre Ayton (Arizona)Â Â Â 10.8
4.   Brandon McCoy (UNLV)   10.2
5.   Loudon Love (Wright State)   9.9
6.   Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke)   9.5
7.   Oshae Brissett (Syracuse)   8.9
8.   Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne)   8.8
9.   Terry Taylor (Austin Peay)   8.3
10.   Cameron Lard (Iowa State)   8.2
11.   Steffon Mitchell (Boston College)   8.2
12.   Tywhon Pickford (UNI)   8.1
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through 15 games in Missouri Valley Conference play.Â
   Pickford is averaging 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in league play.
FROSH GUARD DOUBLE-DOUBLES
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford ranks tied for fourth among freshman guards who have recorded double-doubles this season. Pickford has posted five double-doubles in 2017-18.
   Oklahoma's Trae Young (12), Duquesne's Eric Williams Jr. (9) and Murray State's Ja Morant (6) 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 11 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 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 LeadersÂ
(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)
Bennett Koch (5)
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Erik Crawford (4)
Jake Koch (4)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 27 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 18 3-pointers this season.
   Spencer Haldeman (39), Wyatt Lohaus (35), Isaiah Brown (32), Klint Carlson (32), Tywhon Pickford (28) and Juwan McCloud (18) have all made at least 18 shots from 3-point land this season.
   UNI is averaging 7.4 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 588 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.
UNI'S STREAK OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS SNAPPED
UNI's streak of 14 straight seasons with nine or more league wins has been snapped after the Panthers dropped their 10th MVC game of the season at Drake (Feb. 10).Â
   The league's current longest streak of nine or more wins is now Illinois State with four. The Redbirds would extend the streak to five with their next MVC victory this year.
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 247 and also No. 6 in MVC games only wins with 128.
   Henry Iba tops both lists with 486 total wins and 187 league wins.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State)Â Â Â 486
2. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis)Â Â Â 337
3. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton)Â Â Â 327
4.   Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU)   266
5.   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)   261
6.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)   247
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. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) Â Â Â 187
2. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton) Â Â Â 182
3. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) Â Â Â 163
4.   Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU)    144
5.   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)    134
6.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)    128
7. Â Â Â Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) Â Â Â 126
8. Â Â Â Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) Â Â Â 111
9. Â Â Â Jim Molinari (Bradley) Â Â Â 110
10.   Maurice John (Drake)    95
ROAD LOSING STREAK
UNI has dropped 10 straight road games dating back to the 2016-17 season. It ranks as the 17th-longest current road losing streak in the country.
   Overall, the Panthers are 0-8 on the road this year. UNI is 0-7 in MVC play on the road and is looking to avoid having its first 0-9 road mark in league play since the 2000-2001 season.Â
   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.Â
   UNI has only had two winless road seasons in MVC play (1994-95 and 2000-2001).
UNI in MVC Road Games
1991-92Â Â Â 2-7Â Â Â 1992-93Â Â Â 2-7
1993-94Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 1994-95Â Â Â 0-9
1995-96Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 1996-97Â Â Â 4-5
1997-98Â Â Â 1-8Â Â Â 1998-99Â Â Â 2-7
1999-2000Â Â Â 1-8Â Â Â 2000-01Â Â Â 0-9
2001-02Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2002-03Â Â Â 1-8
2003-04Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 2004-05Â Â Â 4-5
2005-06Â Â Â 5-4Â Â Â 2006-07Â Â Â 4-5
2007-08Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2008-09Â Â Â 8-1
2009-10Â Â Â 6-3Â Â Â 2010-11Â Â Â 4-5
2011-12Â Â Â 2-7Â Â Â 2012-13Â Â Â 4-5
2013-14Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2014-15Â Â Â 7-2
2015-16Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 2016-17Â Â Â 3-6
2017-18Â Â Â 0-7
THE UNDER 50 CLUB
UNI limited Evansville to 41 points in its win over the Purple Aces on Feb. 13 in the McLeod Center.Â
   It marks the 50th time in the Ben Jacobson coaching era that the Panthers have held a team to under 50 points. UNI is 49-1 in those contests.
   UNI has won 42 straight games when holding the opposition to less than 50 points.
OPP. HELD UNDER 50 PTS IN JACOBSON COACHING ERA
Date   Opponent   Result
2/13/18   Evansville   W, 47-41
12/10/17   Dubuque   W, 80-47
11/18/17   Chicago State   W, 82-44
11/15/17   Wartburg   W, 72-43
11/13/17   Alcorn State   W, 73-45
2/8/17   Southern Illinois   W, 49-41
11/12/16   Coe   W, 74-37
2/24/15   Indiana State   W, 66-44
1/9/15   Drake   W, 77-44
12/30/15   Bradley   W, 80-44
3/7/15   vs. Loyola   W, 63-49
   (MVC Tournament)
3/6/15   vs. Bradley   W, 71-46
   (MVC Tournament)
2/21/15   Bradley   W, 56-39
2/18/15   at Loyola   W, 58-39
1/18/15   Missouri State   W, 60-46
1/10/15   at Drake   W, 64-40
1/7/15   Southern Illinois   W, 55-39
12/20/14   vs. Iowa   W, 56-44
11/26/14   vs. Northwestern   W, 61-42
11/22/14   North Florida   W, 66-49
1/1/14   Bradley   W, 80-46
2/5/13   Missouri State   W, 48-37
1/23/13   Southern Illinois   W, 58-45
11/17/12   North Dakota   W, 72-47
1/31/12   Southern Illinois   W, 58-49
1/4/12   Indiana State   W, 65-48
12/19/11   Loras   W, 84-48
11/22/11   Western Carolina   W, 59-39
11/12/11   Old Dominion   W, 63-46
1/22/11   Drake   W, 69-49
1/12/11   at Illinois State   W, 46-44
12/19/10   SIU Edwardsville   W, 68-47
11/16/10   Coe   W, 84-45
3/6/10   vs. Bradley   W, 57-40
   (MVC Tournament)
3/5/10   vs. Drake   W, 55-40
   (MVC Tournament)
2/10/10   at Drake   W, 57-48
1/16/10   vs. Indiana State   W, 62-40
1/9/10   at Illinois State   W, 59-44
1/6/10   at Southern Illinois   W, 61-49
1/1/10   vs. Evansville   W, 65-46
12/19/09   at North Dakota   W, 64-41
11/28/09   vs. Northern Illinois   W, 52-45
2/18/09   vs. Drake   L, 47-46
12/6 /08   vs. North Dakota   W, 69-49
3/7/08   vs. Southern Illinois   W, 54-49Â
   (MVC Tournament)
12/29/07   at Bradley   W, 59-46
12/15/07   vs. Wartburg   W, 99-48
11/27/07   at Iowa State   W, 61-48
11/9/07   vs. Northern Illinois   W, 75-45
12/2/06   at Bucknell   W, 57-48
9 HOME WINS IN 12 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won nine or more home games in the McLeod Center in 12 consecutive seasons.
   UNI will play 16 home games during the 2017-18 season - the most regular season home games since the 2007-08 season when the Panthers had 17 on the slate.
UNI's Home Record Since 2006-07
Year   Record
2006-07Â Â Â 9-4
2007-08Â Â Â 11-6
2008-09Â Â Â 11-4
2009-10Â Â Â 14-0
2010-11Â Â Â 13-5
2011-12Â Â Â 13-3
2012-13Â Â Â 16-4
2013-14Â Â Â 11-2
2014-15Â Â Â 15-0
2015-16Â Â Â 11-3
2016-17Â Â Â 9-4
2017-18Â Â Â 11-4
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.Â
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
2016 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
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).  Â
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
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.Â
   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.Â
   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).Â
   Long-time Panthers announcer Gary Rima handles play-by-play duties, while Kevin Boyle serves as analyst.  Head coach Ben Jacobson's weekly radio call-in show will air on Thursdays, beginning in December at 6 p.m., live from The Other Place in Cedar Falls.
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.Â
WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCEÂ
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.Â
   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.Â
FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/UNIAthleticsÂ
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
TWITTER
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
INSTAGRAM
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
UNI (13-14, 5-10) at Illinois State (14-13, 8-7)
Sat., Feb. 17, 2018 • 5 p.m.
Normal, Illinois (Redbird Arena)
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television
ESPN2
Play-by-Play: Mitch Holthus
Analyst: Malcolm Huckaby
Radio, TuneIn App
Panther Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Gary Rima
Analyst: Kevin Boyle
Flagship Station - KXEL 1540-AM
On the Web - www.UNIPanthers.com
Stats
UNI.Statbroadcast.com
SERIES NOTES
All-Time Series: Illinois State leads 41-34
Last Meeting: UNI 83, Illinois State 72 (Jan. 24, 2018)
UNI has won 10 times in Normal, including five times under head coach Ben Jacobson.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL STORYLINE AT ILLINOIS STATE
• The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (13-14 overall, 5-10 MVC) will look to complete a season series sweep of the Illinois State Redbirds (14-13 overall, 8-7 MVC). UNI and Illinois State will tip on Saturday 5 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
• UNI ranks No. 5 in the nation in scoring defense (62.5 ppg).
• UNI limited Evansville to 41 points in its win over the Purple Aces Tuesday in the McLeod Center. UNI is 49-1 in those contests. UNI has won 42 straight games when holding the opposition to less than 50 points.
• Tywhon Pickford has set the UNI freshman record for rebounds in a season. Pickford has 219 rebounds, besting the previous mark of 205 set by Eric Coleman in the 2004-05 season. Pickford's season total ranks as the 10th-best single-season mark for a freshman in MVC history. Pickford ranks as the nation's best rebounder under 6'5" at 8.1 rebounds per game.
• Bennett Koch is closing in on becoming the 42nd UNI Panther to score 1,000 points. Koch has tallied 968 career points.
• Isaiah Brown is one of eight MVC players this year to have improved their scoring by five points or more from last year to this year. Brown averaged 1.8 points per game in 2016-17 and has upped his scoring to 6.8 points per game this year.
UNI MEN'S BASKETBALL NOTES AT ILLINOIS STATE
The University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team (13-14 overall, 5-10 MVC) will look to complete a season series sweep of the Illinois State Redbirds (14-13 overall, 8-7 MVC). UNI and Illinois State will tip on Saturday 5 p.m. at Redbird Arena.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Saturday's UNI at Illinois State game will be shown live on ESPN2.
   Mitch Holthus (play-by-play) and Malcolm Huckaby (analyst) will call the game in Redbird Arena.
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS
Dan Muller is in his sixth year as the head coach of the Illinois State Redbirds. Muller has posted at least 18 wins in each of his previous five seasons.
   The Redbirds have lost two straight games after running off four consecutive wins.Â
   Illinois State is 9-3 at home, including a 6-1 mark in MVC play at Redbird Arena this year. ISU's only loss at home in MVC play came against Loyola on Jan. 10 (L, 68-61). Illinois State has won four straight home games heading into Saturday's matchup.
   Illinois State is led in scoring by Milik Yarbrough (16.5 ppg), Phil Fayne (15.5 ppg) and Keyshawn Evans (15.4 ppg).
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. ILLINOIS ST
Illinois State holds a 41-34 lead in the all-time series vs. UNI.
   The Redbirds are 22-10 against the Panthers all-time in games played in Normal. The Panthers have won five of those matchups under the direction of head coach Ben Jacobson.
   Jacobson has compiled an 18-10 record against Illinois State.
IN OUR LAST MEETING
UNI used a 25-0 run in the first half against the Illinois State Redbirds to score an 83-72 win on Jan. 24 in the McLeod Center.
   Isaiah Brown and Juwan McCloud guided the Panthers to the victory. Brown scored a career-high 20 points, while McCloud tallied career highs in assists (9) and steals (6).Â
   Senior Bennett Koch added 17 points off the bench. Junior Wyatt Lohaus grabbed a career-best eight rebounds in the triumph.
   UNI led by as many as 31 points in the contest as the Panthers defeated the Redbirds for the 11th time in 12 tries in the McLeod Center.
MOST IMPROVED MVC SCORERS
UNI sophomore guard Isaiah Brown is one of eight MVC players this year to have improved their scoring by five points or more from last year to this year.
   Brown averaged 1.8 points per game as a true freshman in 2016-17. Brown has upped his scoring to 6.8 points per game in 2017-18.
MVC's Most-Improved Scorers
1. Jordan Barnes (INS)Â Â Â +11.0 (6.5, 17.5)
2. Keyshawn Evans (ILS)Â Â Â +9.6 (5.8, 15.4)
3. Dru Smith (UE)Â Â Â +8.1 (5.3, 13.4)
4. Ryan Taylor (UE)Â Â Â +7.3 (14.1, 21.4)
5. Aaron Cook (SIU)Â Â Â +7.0 (3.0, 10.0)
6. Nick McGlynn (DU)Â Â Â +6.9 (4.9, 11.8)
7. Phil Fayne (ILS)Â Â Â +6.4 (9.1, 15.5)
8. Isaiah Brown (UNI)Â Â Â +5.0 (1.8, 6.8)
MVC SWEEPS FOR COACH JAKE
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.
   UNI will be looking for its sixth regular season sweep of Illinois State under Coach Jacobson, which would tie for the most sweeps of an MVC school during his tenure.
   UNI's last regular season series sweep vs. Illinois State in the 2014-15 campaign.
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) - 07-08Â
WIN WITH COLD SHOOTING
UNI shot 27.8 percent from the floor in its 47-41 win against Evansville on Tuesday. Â
   It marks the fourth-lowest FG percentage by a winning team in the NCAA this year. The 47 points are the second fewest by a winning team (St. John's beat UCF, 46-43.)Â
   In the past five seasons, only once did an MVC team shoot worse from the floor and win (Illinois State, 27.3, vs. Wichita State on Feb. 6, 2016).
UNI'S LOWEST FIELD GOAL % UNDER JAKE
.239 at Indiana State (1/7/2011)
.255 vs. Illinois State (3/2/2012)
.259 GEORGE MASON (11/30/2016)
.268 vs. Iowa (12/17/2016)
.271 LOYOLA (1/16/2016)
.271 at Saint Mary's (11/14/2011)
.273 at Iowa (12/7/2010)
.273 at Syracuse (11/12/2010)
.275 SMU (3/21/2011)
.275 at Wichita State (2/18/2017)
.278 EVANSVILLE (2/13/2018)
.290 CREIGHTON (2/8/2009)
FIRST START FOR RHODES
UNI senior guard Hunter Rhodes made his first start as a Panther in Tuesday's 47-41 victory over Evansville.
   Rhodes scored a team-high 12 points. He tallied six of UNI's first nine points with a pair of three-pointers in the opening five-plus minutes against Evansville.
   Rhodes also scored UNI's final field goal of the at 10:17 of the second half. His layup gave UNI a 42-27 lead over the Purple Aces.
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 on Feb. 7.Â
   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 12 of his free throw attempts this season. Rhodes's streak of consecutive free throws made stands at 16 heading into Saturday's game at Illinois State.
9 or More FTs (100%), No Made FGs
Kyle Mallers (Ball State) vs. OregonÂ
   10-10 FTs, 0-3 FGs
Justice Sueing (California) vs. Portland St.Â
   9-9 FTs, 0-5 FGs
Hunter Rhodes (UNI) vs. BradleyÂ
   9-9 FTs, 0-2 FGs
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.Â
   Koch has tallied 968 points heading into Saturday's game at Illinois State.
   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.
PICKFORD SETS UNI FRESHMAN REBOUNDING MARK
Guard Tywhon Pickford has set the UNI Panther freshman rebounding record.
   Pickford has registered 219 rebounds this season, besting the previous mark of 205 set by Eric Coleman in the 2004-05 season. Pickford's 209 rebounds ranks as the 10th-best freshman single-season mark in Missouri Valley Conference history.Â
   Only four players have put up higher freshman rebounding numbers in the MVC in the past 25 years - Doug McDermott (Crieghton) had 280 in 2010-11; Josh Cunningham (Bradley) had 247 in 2014-15); Jamie Arnold (Wichita State) had 242 in 1993-94; Michael Ruffin (Tulsa) had 232 in 1995-96.
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. Tywhon Pickford - UNI (2017-18) - 219
11. Danny Granger - BU (2001-02) - 207
12. Jordan Caroline - SIU (2014-15) - 206
13. Eric Coleman - UNI (2004-05) - 205
14. Patrick O'Bryant - BU (2004-05) - 201
-------------------------------------------------------
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
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 9.1 points per game, while Haldeman is averaging 6.2 points per game.
MVC Bench Scorers (no starts)
1. Â Â Â Wyatt Lohaus (UNI)Â Â Â Â Â Â 9.1 ppg
2.   Spencer Haldeman (UNI)   6.2 ppg
3.   Micah Bradford (Valpo)   5.0 ppg
4.   Casey Schlatter (Drake)   4.2 ppg
5.   Bruno Skokna (Loyola)   3.9 ppg
6.   Rudy Stradnieks (SIU)      3.5 ppg
   Isaac Gassman (Ill. St.)   3.5 ppg
NO. 5 IN SCORING DEFENSE
UNI ranks No. 5 in the nation in scoring defense. The Panthers are giving up 62.5 points per game.
Rk.   Team   W-L   Points
1.   Virginia   24-2   52.7  Â
2.   Cincinnati   23-2   55.9
3.   UCF   16-9   61.2
4.   New Mexico St.   22-3   61.7
5.   UNI   13-14   62.5
6.   UNC Greensboro   20-6   62.5
7.   Texas Tech   22-4   62.7
8.   Texas State   14-12   62.7
9.   Old Dominion   19-5   63.2
10.   Michigan   21-7   63.5
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.Â
   The Panthers are 4-13 when scoring 67 points or less.
SCORE IT MORE AT HOME
UNI is scoring nearly 11 more points per game at home than on the road during Missouri Valley Conference play.
   UNI is averaging 65.3 points per game at home in seven MVC games. The Panthers have posted 55.4 points per game in their seven road league games.
STRONG NON-CONF WINS
UNI built a strong resume during its non-conference play with a mark of 8-4.Â
   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. 70 and SMU was ranked No. 81 in Thursday's NCAA RPI.
NO 'BAD' LOSSES
UNI sits at 13-14 overall and 5-10 in the MVC but you have to search far and wide to find a 'bad' loss for the Panthers in 2017-18.
   All 14 of UNI's losses have come against top-169 RPI opponents. UNI's RPI sits at No. 158 in Thursday's NCAA RPI report.
RPI for UNI's Losses in 2017-18
No. 2 Xavier - L, 77-67
No. 3 vs. Villanova - L, 64-50
No. 7 at North Carolina - L, 86-69
No. 51 Loyola - L, 56-50
No. 51 at Loyola - L, 70-47
No. 95 vs. Iowa State - L, 76-65
No. 96 at Southern Illinois - L, 64-53
No. 96 Southern Illinois - L, 56-53
No. 100 at Missouri State - L, 62-55
No. 106 at Bradley - L, 72-53
No. 128 at Evansville - L, 57-49
No. 146 at Drake - L, 71-64
No. 169 at Indiana State - L, 69-67
No. 169 Indiana State - L, 77-66
SECOND-HALF MVC IMPROVEMENT FOR THE PANTHERS
UNI sits at 5-10 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.
   UNI has produced a winning record in the second half of 10 of the last 11 conference seasons. The Panthers have gone 67-38 (.638) in the second half of MVC seasons under Jacobson.
Halfway in MVC Under Jake
Season   1st Half   2nd Half
2006-07Â Â Â 6-3Â Â Â 5-4
2007-08 Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 5-4
2008-09 Â Â Â 8-1Â Â Â 6-3
2009-10Â Â Â 8-1Â Â Â 7-2
2010-11Â Â Â 6-3Â Â Â 4-5
2011-12Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 5-4
2012-13Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 7-2
2013-14Â Â Â 5-4Â Â Â 5-4
2014-15Â Â Â 8-1Â Â Â 8-1
2015-16Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 8-1
2016-17Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 5-4
2017-18Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2-4
Totals   63-45 (.583)   67-38 (.638)
PHYFE FEASTING IN MVC PLAY
UNI freshmen forward Austin Phyfe is shooting 65.5 percent from the field (19-of-29 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 48 points for the Panthers.Â
NATION'S BEST REBOUNDER UNDER 6'5"
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford is the nation's best rebounder under 6'5". Pickford (6'4") is averaging 8.1 rebounds per game.
   UMass Lowell's Jahad Thomas (6'2") is the nation's second-best rebounder under 6'5". Thomas is averaging 7.9 rebounds per game.
Â
FRESHMEN REBOUNDERS
UNI's Tywhon Pickford ranks No. 12 in the nation in rebounds among freshmen at 8.1 per game.
Freshman Rebounders
1.   Marvin Bagley III (Duke)   11.4
2.   Mohamed Bamba (Texas)   10.8
3. Â Â Â Deandre Ayton (Arizona)Â Â Â 10.8
4.   Brandon McCoy (UNLV)   10.2
5.   Loudon Love (Wright State)   9.9
6.   Wendell Carter Jr. (Duke)   9.5
7.   Oshae Brissett (Syracuse)   8.9
8.   Eric Williams Jr. (Duquesne)   8.8
9.   Terry Taylor (Austin Peay)   8.3
10.   Cameron Lard (Iowa State)   8.2
11.   Steffon Mitchell (Boston College)   8.2
12.   Tywhon Pickford (UNI)   8.1
TYWHON TAKES CHARGE IN MVC
UNI freshmen guard Tywhon Pickford is the squad's leading scorer through 15 games in Missouri Valley Conference play.Â
   Pickford is averaging 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in league play.
FROSH GUARD DOUBLE-DOUBLES
UNI freshman guard Tywhon Pickford ranks tied for fourth among freshman guards who have recorded double-doubles this season. Pickford has posted five double-doubles in 2017-18.
   Oklahoma's Trae Young (12), Duquesne's Eric Williams Jr. (9) and Murray State's Ja Morant (6) 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 11 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 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 LeadersÂ
(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)
Bennett Koch (5)
Tywhon Pickford (5)
Erik Crawford (4)
Jake Koch (4)
COUNTLESS 3-POINT BOMBERS
Through 27 games, UNI has six players who have made at least 18 3-pointers this season.
   Spencer Haldeman (39), Wyatt Lohaus (35), Isaiah Brown (32), Klint Carlson (32), Tywhon Pickford (28) and Juwan McCloud (18) have all made at least 18 shots from 3-point land this season.
   UNI is averaging 7.4 made 3-pointers per game.
UNI'S 3-POINT STREAK
UNI has made at least one 3-pointer in 588 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.
UNI'S STREAK OF 9 OR MORE MVC WINS SNAPPED
UNI's streak of 14 straight seasons with nine or more league wins has been snapped after the Panthers dropped their 10th MVC game of the season at Drake (Feb. 10).Â
   The league's current longest streak of nine or more wins is now Illinois State with four. The Redbirds would extend the streak to five with their next MVC victory this year.
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 247 and also No. 6 in MVC games only wins with 128.
   Henry Iba tops both lists with 486 total wins and 187 league wins.
MVC Coaching Victories
1. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State)Â Â Â 486
2. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis)Â Â Â 337
3. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton)Â Â Â 327
4.   Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU)   266
5.   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)   261
6.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)   247
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. Â Â Â Henry P. Iba (Oklahoma State) Â Â Â 187
2. Â Â Â Dana Altman (Creighton) Â Â Â 182
3. Â Â Â Eddie Hickey (Creighton/St. Louis) Â Â Â 163
4.   Barry Hinson (Missouri State/SIU)    144
5.   Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)    134
6.   Ben Jacobson (UNI)    128
7. Â Â Â Dr. F.C. Allen (Kansas) Â Â Â 126
8. Â Â Â Rich Herrin (Southern Illinois) Â Â Â 111
9. Â Â Â Jim Molinari (Bradley) Â Â Â 110
10.   Maurice John (Drake)    95
ROAD LOSING STREAK
UNI has dropped 10 straight road games dating back to the 2016-17 season. It ranks as the 17th-longest current road losing streak in the country.
   Overall, the Panthers are 0-8 on the road this year. UNI is 0-7 in MVC play on the road and is looking to avoid having its first 0-9 road mark in league play since the 2000-2001 season.Â
   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.Â
   UNI has only had two winless road seasons in MVC play (1994-95 and 2000-2001).
UNI in MVC Road Games
1991-92Â Â Â 2-7Â Â Â 1992-93Â Â Â 2-7
1993-94Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 1994-95Â Â Â 0-9
1995-96Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 1996-97Â Â Â 4-5
1997-98Â Â Â 1-8Â Â Â 1998-99Â Â Â 2-7
1999-2000Â Â Â 1-8Â Â Â 2000-01Â Â Â 0-9
2001-02Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2002-03Â Â Â 1-8
2003-04Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 2004-05Â Â Â 4-5
2005-06Â Â Â 5-4Â Â Â 2006-07Â Â Â 4-5
2007-08Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2008-09Â Â Â 8-1
2009-10Â Â Â 6-3Â Â Â 2010-11Â Â Â 4-5
2011-12Â Â Â 2-7Â Â Â 2012-13Â Â Â 4-5
2013-14Â Â Â 3-6Â Â Â 2014-15Â Â Â 7-2
2015-16Â Â Â 4-5Â Â Â 2016-17Â Â Â 3-6
2017-18Â Â Â 0-7
THE UNDER 50 CLUB
UNI limited Evansville to 41 points in its win over the Purple Aces on Feb. 13 in the McLeod Center.Â
   It marks the 50th time in the Ben Jacobson coaching era that the Panthers have held a team to under 50 points. UNI is 49-1 in those contests.
   UNI has won 42 straight games when holding the opposition to less than 50 points.
OPP. HELD UNDER 50 PTS IN JACOBSON COACHING ERA
Date   Opponent   Result
2/13/18   Evansville   W, 47-41
12/10/17   Dubuque   W, 80-47
11/18/17   Chicago State   W, 82-44
11/15/17   Wartburg   W, 72-43
11/13/17   Alcorn State   W, 73-45
2/8/17   Southern Illinois   W, 49-41
11/12/16   Coe   W, 74-37
2/24/15   Indiana State   W, 66-44
1/9/15   Drake   W, 77-44
12/30/15   Bradley   W, 80-44
3/7/15   vs. Loyola   W, 63-49
   (MVC Tournament)
3/6/15   vs. Bradley   W, 71-46
   (MVC Tournament)
2/21/15   Bradley   W, 56-39
2/18/15   at Loyola   W, 58-39
1/18/15   Missouri State   W, 60-46
1/10/15   at Drake   W, 64-40
1/7/15   Southern Illinois   W, 55-39
12/20/14   vs. Iowa   W, 56-44
11/26/14   vs. Northwestern   W, 61-42
11/22/14   North Florida   W, 66-49
1/1/14   Bradley   W, 80-46
2/5/13   Missouri State   W, 48-37
1/23/13   Southern Illinois   W, 58-45
11/17/12   North Dakota   W, 72-47
1/31/12   Southern Illinois   W, 58-49
1/4/12   Indiana State   W, 65-48
12/19/11   Loras   W, 84-48
11/22/11   Western Carolina   W, 59-39
11/12/11   Old Dominion   W, 63-46
1/22/11   Drake   W, 69-49
1/12/11   at Illinois State   W, 46-44
12/19/10   SIU Edwardsville   W, 68-47
11/16/10   Coe   W, 84-45
3/6/10   vs. Bradley   W, 57-40
   (MVC Tournament)
3/5/10   vs. Drake   W, 55-40
   (MVC Tournament)
2/10/10   at Drake   W, 57-48
1/16/10   vs. Indiana State   W, 62-40
1/9/10   at Illinois State   W, 59-44
1/6/10   at Southern Illinois   W, 61-49
1/1/10   vs. Evansville   W, 65-46
12/19/09   at North Dakota   W, 64-41
11/28/09   vs. Northern Illinois   W, 52-45
2/18/09   vs. Drake   L, 47-46
12/6 /08   vs. North Dakota   W, 69-49
3/7/08   vs. Southern Illinois   W, 54-49Â
   (MVC Tournament)
12/29/07   at Bradley   W, 59-46
12/15/07   vs. Wartburg   W, 99-48
11/27/07   at Iowa State   W, 61-48
11/9/07   vs. Northern Illinois   W, 75-45
12/2/06   at Bucknell   W, 57-48
9 HOME WINS IN 12 STRAIGHT YRS
UNI has won nine or more home games in the McLeod Center in 12 consecutive seasons.
   UNI will play 16 home games during the 2017-18 season - the most regular season home games since the 2007-08 season when the Panthers had 17 on the slate.
UNI's Home Record Since 2006-07
Year   Record
2006-07Â Â Â 9-4
2007-08Â Â Â 11-6
2008-09Â Â Â 11-4
2009-10Â Â Â 14-0
2010-11Â Â Â 13-5
2011-12Â Â Â 13-3
2012-13Â Â Â 16-4
2013-14Â Â Â 11-2
2014-15Â Â Â 15-0
2015-16Â Â Â 11-3
2016-17Â Â Â 9-4
2017-18Â Â Â 11-4
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.Â
UNI's All-Time NCAA Tourney Results
1990 - W, 74-71 vs. #3 Missouri
1990 - L, 84-81 vs. #6 Minnesota
2004 - L, 65-60 vs. #3 Georgia Tech
2005 - L, 57-52 vs. #6 Wisconsin
2006 - L, 54-49 vs. #7 Georgetown
2009 - L, 61-56 vs. #5 Purdue
2010 - W, 69-66 vs. #8 UNLV
2010 - W, 69-67 vs. #1 Kansas
2010 - L, 59-52 vs. #5 Michigan State
2015 - W, 71-54 vs. #12 Wyoming
2015 - L, 66-53 vs. #4 Louisville
2016 - W, 75-72 vs. #6 Texas
2016 - L, 92-88 (2OT) vs. #3 Texas A&M
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).  Â
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
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.Â
   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.Â
   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).Â
   Long-time Panthers announcer Gary Rima handles play-by-play duties, while Kevin Boyle serves as analyst.  Head coach Ben Jacobson's weekly radio call-in show will air on Thursdays, beginning in December at 6 p.m., live from The Other Place in Cedar Falls.
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.Â
WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCEÂ
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.Â
   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.Â
www.facebook.com/UNIAthleticsÂ
www.facebook.com/UNIMensBasketball
www.twitter.com/UNIAthletics
www.twittercom/UNIMBB
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/UNIAthletics
www.instagram.com/UNIAthletics
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/ Men's BasketballPanther basketball and wrestling bring skills to Main Street Madness 2025
Friday, September 26
UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 5)
Wednesday, September 24
UNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 4)
Wednesday, September 17
UNI Football Highlights vs. Eastern Washington (Sept. 13, 2025)
Tuesday, September 16