
The Northern Iowa Panthers men's basketball team represents the University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The team has had notable successes, including eight appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament and three appearances in the NIT. They are currently a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, where they have achieved a 5th place standing in the 2024-25 season. The Panthers have also achieved a Conference Championship four times in the regular season and six times in tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Northern Iowa Panthers |
| University | University of Northern Iowa |
| Location | Cedar Falls, Iowa |
| Current Conference | Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) |
| Previous Conferences | Mid-Cont and Ind |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 8 |
| NCAA Tournament Record | 5-8 |
| NIT Appearances | 3 |
| NIT Record | 2-3 |
| NAIA National Tournament Appearances | 1946, 1948, 1949, 1953 |
| NAIA National Tournament Record | 2-4 |
| Conference Championships (Regular Season) | 4 |
| Conference Championships (Tournaments) | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Northern Iowa Panthers are in the Missouri Valley Conference
- They have a 5–8 record in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
- The Panthers have made the NIT three times, with a record of 2-3
- They have appeared in the NAIA National Tournament four times
- The team is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa

The Northern Iowa Panthers are in the Missouri Valley Conference
The team has appeared in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament eight times, most recently in 2016. They have a record of 5-8 in these tournaments and have also made the NIT three times, with a record of 2-3. The Panthers have had success in the NAIA National Tournament as well, with appearances dating back to 1946.
In the 2009-10 season, the Northern Iowa Panthers had one of their most memorable runs in the NCAA tournament. They reached the Sweet Sixteen, pulling off an upset over the top national seed, Kansas. ESPN columnist Pat Forde hailed the victory as "the biggest tourney upset in years."
The Panthers have also experienced success in their conference, the Missouri Valley Conference. Ben Jacobson, the head coach, has been named MVC Coach of the Year three times: in 2009, 2010, and 2015. During the 2014-15 season, Jacobson led the Panthers to their highest ranking in school history, reaching #10 in the AP Poll and #9 in the Coaches Poll. That season, UNI achieved the most wins in school history with 31.
The Northern Iowa Panthers continue to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference, striving for more achievements and success in the world of college basketball.
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They have a 5–8 record in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
The Northern Iowa Panthers men's basketball team represents the University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They are currently a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and have made the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament eight times, most recently in 2016. Their overall record in the tournament stands at 5–8.
One of the team's most notable achievements was during the 2009-10 season when they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, pulling off an upset victory over top national seed Kansas. ESPN columnist Pat Forde hailed the Panthers' triumph as "the biggest tourney upset in years." The winning shot was made by Panthers guard Ali Farokhmanesh, who clinched the game and secured their place in the next round.
The Panthers have also experienced success in other tournaments. They have competed in the NIT three times, with a record of 2-3, and in the NAIA National Tournament in 1946, 1948, 1949, and 1953, where they had a combined record of 2-4. Additionally, they represented Team USA in the 2007 World University Games, finishing in ninth place.
The Northern Iowa Panthers have had their share of impressive seasons, including the 2014-15 season, where they achieved the highest ranking in the school's history at #10 in the AP Poll and #9 in the Coaches Poll. During that season, they also accumulated the most wins in school history, with a total of 31. The team's success has been guided by their coach, whose milestones include notching his 167th UNI victory against his alma mater, the University of North Dakota.
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The Panthers have made the NIT three times, with a record of 2-3
The Northern Iowa Panthers men's basketball team represents the University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The team currently competes in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Panthers have enjoyed several successful seasons, including a notable run in the 2009-10 season, where they reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. During that season, they pulled off an impressive upset against the top national seed, Kansas, with ESPN columnist Pat Forde hailing the victory as "the biggest tourney upset in years." This game was marked by a memorable clinching shot from Panthers guard Ali Farokhmanesh.
In addition to their NCAA Tournament appearances, the Panthers have also qualified for the NIT on three occasions, posting a record of 2-3 in those tournaments. While their NIT appearances may not have yielded the same level of success as their NCAA Tournament runs, it demonstrates the team's consistent competitiveness and their ability to qualify for prestigious postseason competitions.
The Panthers have also achieved success in other tournaments, including appearances in the NAIA National Tournament in 1946, 1948, 1949, and 1953, as well as representing Team USA at the 2007 World University Games, where they finished ninth. The team has also achieved notable rankings and milestones throughout its history, including achieving the highest ranking in school history during the 2014-15 season under coach Jacobson, who has led the team to numerous victories and accolades.
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They have appeared in the NAIA National Tournament four times
The Northern Iowa Panthers men's basketball team is quite the historic team. They have appeared in the NAIA National Tournament four times, in 1946, 1948, 1949, and 1953. In those four appearances, they have a combined record of 2-4.
The Northern Iowa Panthers call the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, their home. They are currently a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and compete in the NCAA Division I basketball competition.
The Panthers have a rich history in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, with eight appearances, the most recent being in 2016. They have also made it to the NIT three times, with a record of 2-3.
The team's biggest achievement came during the 2009-10 season when they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. They achieved a major upset by defeating the top national seed, Kansas. ESPN.com columnist Pat Forde hailed the victory as "the biggest tourney upset in years." He also praised the clinching shot by Panthers guard Ali Farokhmanesh as a "gutty early-round shot."
The Northern Iowa Panthers have left their mark on the basketball world, with their appearances in the NAIA National Tournament being a part of their storied history.
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The team is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa
The Northern Iowa Panthers men's basketball team is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and represents the University of Northern Iowa. Cedar Falls has a rich history, dating back to before the Civil War when it served as a milling and industrial centre. The city is known for its strong community, as evidenced by initiatives like the Cedar Falls Art and Culture Board, which was established in 1986 to oversee the city's cultural offerings.
Cedar Falls is also home to a thriving arts scene, with the Cedar Falls Community Theatre producing approximately seven to eight shows per season. The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, located on the University of Northern Iowa campus, hosts a variety of professionally touring Broadway plays and musicals throughout the year. The city also boasts an impressive public library, offering a wide range of materials and services to patrons, including a vast collection of books, audio and video materials, and public computers with internet access.
In terms of infrastructure, Cedar Falls has been recognised for its advanced utilities and transportation systems. The city owns its power, gas, water, and cable TV service, which has allowed Cedar Falls Utilities to provide residents with exceptionally fast internet speeds. The city also has an efficient public transportation system, with services provided by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Black Hawk County.
Cedar Falls is committed to the well-being of its residents and has been recognised by the American Discovery Trail as a Trail Town, the first in Iowa and the second in the United States. The city encourages community engagement and invites residents to share their vision for the future through initiatives like 'Your City, Your Parks'. Cedar Falls also prioritises financial transparency, as demonstrated by its publication of the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR).
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Frequently asked questions
Northern Iowa is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
The Northern Iowa Panthers.
The Panthers have a record of 5-8 in their eight appearances.
Northern Iowa has made the NIT three times, with a record of 2-3.
The coach is Ben Jacobson, who has won the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year award three times.







































