University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panther men’s hoops accepts invite to NIT Season Tip-Off
7/25/2024 2:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UNI to play two games in central Florida during Thanksgiving holiday at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
BRISTOL, Conn. --- ESPN on Thursday announced that the UNI men's basketball team will be one of four teams set to compete in the 2024 NIT Season Tip-Off at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Florida over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The 2024 edition of the event will be held at the State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. This year's field includes North Texas, St. Bonaventure and Utah State. This will be Northern Iowa's debut in the NIT Season Tip-Off, which has been held annually since 1985 and will be held in Florida for the first time. Matchup and game times will be announced at a later date.
"We are excited to be competing against a great field of teams," said UNI head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson. "Having played each of these teams fairly recently and following their successes, we know both games are going to be played at a very high level. The venue is terrific and ESPN always puts together a first class experience for teams and fans."
MEET THE TOURNAMENT FIELD
- North Texas: The Mean Green advanced to the second round of the NIT in its first year as a member of the American Athletic Conference under first year head coach Ross Hodge. UNT's ten conference wins were also a program record for a new head coach. UNI opened the 2023-24 season on the road against the Mean Green in an 83-77 overtime loss, evening the all-time series at one win a piece.
- St. Bonaventure: The Bonnies have advanced to the championship game in its last three early-season tournaments (2019 Boca Beach Classic, 2021 Shriners Children's Charleston Classic, 2023 Legends Classic). Last season, St. Bonaventure won 20 games for the sixth time under head coach Mark Schmidt. The Panthers and Bonnies have split their only four meetings with UNI emerging victorious last time out in Cedar Falls, 62-52 on Dec. 21, 2022.
- Utah State: Coming off a first round win in last year's NCAA Tournament over TCU, the reigning Mountain West regular season champions won 28 games in 2023-24 under first-year head coach Danny Sprinkle, including an upset victory at home over No. 13 Colorado State in early January. The Aggies also finished as Mountain West Tournament semifinalists after a loss to San Diego State.
Northern Iowa's full non-conference schedule will be announced at a later date.
Fans looking to attend the two-day event can sign up for first access to pre-sale tickets through the NIT Season Tip-Off website. Tickets will go on sale later this summer.
New season tickets for the 2024-25 season can be purchased by contacting the UNI Ticket Office at 319-273-4849 or by email at tickets@uni.edu.
