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University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Upper Iowa (Exhibition)
10/29/2026 10:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Vis, Uelmen, Johnson-Arigu push Panthers to win over veteran Division II challenger. UNI hosts Cornell College to open regular season next Tuesday.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- Three Panther newcomers all finished in double-digit scoring figures on Thursday night as the UNI men's basketball team rallied in the second half to defeat Division II Upper Iowa in a preseason exhibition, 85-78 inside the McLeod Center.
Despite a slow start offensively, Northern Iowa found its footing in the second half and found multiple opportunities at the free throw line, outshooting the Peacocks 30-14 at the charity stripe, while shooting 44% from the field overall.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Upper Iowa jumped out to an early lead on the Panthers with a 6-0 scoring run to open the game, shooting 46% from the field in the opening frame. UNI struggled early on offense and finished the half on just 27% shooting, but was able to climb back into the game with 15 made free throws, including a ten-for-ten showing by Greyson Uelmen at the charity stripe. Northern Iowa's defense forced 12 turnovers in the first half and helped the Panthers pull within four points with two minutes to play in the period as Upper Iowa carried a 35-29 lead into halftime.
Northern Iowa flipped the script in the second half offensively with an improved three-point and interior paint attack. Multiple three-point baskets from Carson Vis, Geon Hutchins and Tate McCubbin helped fuel the Panther comeback that saw UNI shooting 56% in the second half, while Isaiah Johnson-Arigu powered the Panthers on the interior with 13 second half points. The Panthers shot 15-for-17 at the free throw line in the final frame, with Uelmen knocking down four more shots and five from Vis as Northern Iowa pulled away for the seven-point victory.
Vis led the night with 20 points as well as three assists, as Uelmen scored 19 points going a perfect 14-for-14 at the free throw line along with three assists and a pair of steals. Johnson-Arigu posted 17 points and a team-high five rebounds while also posting two blocks on defense, while Kyle Pock scored nine points with five boards, McCubbin with nine points and four rebounds, and Hutchins six points.
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to action next Tuesday, Nov. 3 as they open the 2026-27 regular season against Cornell College at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT inside the McLeod Center with live coverage available on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network (93.5 The Mix / Varsity Network app).
Single-game and season tickets for the 2026-27 men's basketball regular season can be purchased online through the UNI Ticket Office, by calling 319-273-4849 or through email at tickets@uni.edu.
UNI men's basketball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Men's Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and on Instagram (@uni_basketball). Schedule and roster information, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
