Northern Iowa Panthers

Are part of the Missouri Valley Conference, were established in 1876, and their home arena is the McLeod Center, University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Intriguing Facts About the Northern Iowa Panthers

The Northern Iowa Panthers have a notable history of appearances in the NCAA Division I Tournament, having participated eight times. This showcases their consistent ability to compete at the highest collegiate levels.
One of their most significant achievements came in 2010 when the Panthers reached the Sweet Sixteen, a testament to their prowess and competitive spirit.
The team’s home, the McLeod Center, can host 7,018 spectators, creating a vibrant and intense atmosphere that is a nightmare for visiting teams and a fortress for the Panthers.
The era under Coach Ben Jacobson, who has been at the helm since 2006, is marked by unprecedented success, making him the winningest coach in the history of UNI Men’s basketball.
The Panthers’ international presence was highlighted in 2007 when they represented the United States at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing their talents on a global stage.

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The Historical Tapestry of the Northern Iowa Panthers

From modest beginnings, the Northern Iowa Panthers basketball program has developed into a formidable force in NCAA Division I basketball. Their journey from the early days of competing in the NCAA Division II Tournament in the 1960s to being a respected competitor in Division I is a story of growth, development, and adaptation. The program’s evolution over the years mirrors the broader changes and developments within the sport of college basketball, reflecting shifts in playing styles, coaching strategies, and the increasing competitiveness of collegiate sports.

The Golden Era: The Ben Jacobson Epoch

Coach Ben Jacobson’s tenure has been a golden era for the Panthers, characterized by significant achievements and an enhanced national profile. The pinnacle of this era was undoubtedly the 2009-2010 season, where the team made a remarkable run to the Sweet Sixteen, including a stunning victory over the top-seeded Kansas, a game that remains etched in the memories of college basketball fans. Jacobson’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes a balance between disciplined defense and opportunistic offense, has been crucial to the team’s success. His ability to develop raw talent into skilled players capable of competing at the highest levels has turned UNI into a respected program in the NCAA.

Legendary Figures in Northern Iowa Panthers History

The history of the Panthers is adorned with influential figures, with Coach Ben Jacobson leading the way with his record-breaking achievements and exceptional leadership. Players like A.J. Green, Ali Farokhmanesh, and Seth Tuttle have left indelible marks on the program with their outstanding performances and contributions. Notably, former player Nick Nurse went on to achieve great success in the professional ranks, coaching the Toronto Raptors to an NBA Championship in 2019.

A Game to Remember

The 2010 NCAA tournament game against Kansas is a landmark moment in the Panthers’ history. As underdogs, the Panthers triumphed over the top-seeded Jayhawks in a match filled with tension and excitement. This game is remembered not just for the victory but for Ali Farokhmanesh’s audacious three-pointer, a shot that symbolized the team’s courage and determination.

Northern Iowa Panthers 2025 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Tue 07/11/2023	Opponent: North Texas Mean Green	Result: L 77-83
Week 2	Date: Tue 14/11/2023	Opponent: Loras Duhawks	Result: W 90-50
Week 2	Date: Sun 19/11/2023	Opponent: South Florida Bulls	Result: L 65-74
Week 3	Date: Wed 22/11/2023	Opponent: North Carolina Tar Heels	Result: L 69-91
Week 3	Date: Thu 23/11/2023	Opponent: Texas Tech Red Raiders	Result: L 70-72
Week 3	Date: Fri 24/11/2023	Opponent: Stanford Cardinal	Result: W 73-51
Week 4	Date: Wed 29/11/2023	Opponent: Belmont Bruins	Result: L 70-90
Week 4	Date: Sat 02/12/2023	Opponent: Evansville Purple Aces	Result: L 89-91
Week 5	Date: Wed 06/12/2023	Opponent: Richmond Spiders	Result: W 78-73
Week 5	Date: Sat 09/12/2023	Opponent: Toledo Rockets	Result: L 80-84
Week 6	Date: Tue 12/12/2023	Opponent: Prairie View A&M Panthers	Result: W 74-55
Week 6	Date: Sun 17/12/2023	Opponent: Alcorn St. Braves	Result: W 100-82
Week 7	Date: Thu 21/12/2023	Opponent: Northern Illinois Huskies	Result: W 76-63
Week 8	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 9	Date: Wed 03/01/2024	Opponent: Missouri St. Bears	Result: W 64-62
Week 9	Date: Sun 07/01/2024	Opponent: Indiana St. Sycamores	Result: L 66-77
Week 10	Date: Wed 10/01/2024	Opponent: Illinois-Chicago Flames	Result: W 67-59
Week 10	Date: Sun 14/01/2024	Opponent: Murray St. Racers	Result: W 70-60
Week 11	Date: Wed 17/01/2024	Opponent: Belmont Bruins	Result: W 83-72
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: Southern Illinois Salukis	Result: W 61-57
Week 12	Date: Tue 23/01/2024	Opponent: Evansville Purple Aces	Result: W 70-63
Week 12	Date: Sat 27/01/2024	Opponent: Drake Bulldogs	Result: L 63-77
Week 13	Date: Wed 31/01/2024	Opponent: Bradley Braves	Result: L 69-85
Week 13	Date: Sat 03/02/2024	Opponent: Murray St. Racers	Result: L 43-71
Week 14	Date: Wed 07/02/2024	Opponent: Missouri St. Bears	Result: W 72-65
Week 14	Date: Sun 11/02/2024	Opponent: Illinois-Chicago Flames	Result: L 65-71
Week 15	Date: Wed 14/02/2024	Opponent: Valparaiso Beacons	Result: W 86-67
Week 15	Date: Sun 18/02/2024	Opponent: Bradley Braves	Result: W 74-63
Week 16	Date: Wed 21/02/2024	Opponent: Illinois St. Redbirds	Result: L 73-81
Week 16	Date: Sat 24/02/2024	Opponent: Drake Bulldogs	Result: W 91-77
Week 17	Date: Tue 27/02/2024	Opponent: Valparaiso Beacons	Result: W 68-54
Week 17	Date: Sun 03/03/2024	Opponent: Southern Illinois Salukis	Result: W 82-70
Week 18	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 19	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 20	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 21	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 22	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 23	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 24	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 25	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 26	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 27	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 28	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 29	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 30	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 31	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 32	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 33	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 34	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 35	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 36	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 37	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 38	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 39	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 40	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 41	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 42	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 43	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
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Week 45	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
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Week 47	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 48	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 49	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 50	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 51	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 52	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 53	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 54	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 55	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 56	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 57	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 58	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 59	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE
Week 60	Date: BYE	Opponent: BYE	Result: BYE

Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Fri 08/03/2024	Opponent: Belmont Bruins	Result: W 67-62
Conf. Tournament	Date: Sat 09/03/2024	Opponent: Indiana St. Sycamores	Result: L 72-94

Home of the Northern Iowa Panthers: McLeod Center

The McLeod Center serves as more than just a venue for basketball games; it is a symbol of community pride and school spirit. The state-of-the-art facility offers a thrilling atmosphere for home games, giving the Panthers a significant home-court advantage. The history and significance of the arena resonate with every game played, making it a central part of the team’s identity and success.

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References:

https://unipanthers.com/sports/mens-basketball