Discover the Vibrant Spirit of University of Northern Iowa

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI men’s basketball squad absorbed a flurry of three-point shots from Belmont on Wednesday evening, resulting in a 76-70 triumph over the Bruins at the McLeod Center, which advanced the Panthers to a 3-0 record in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play.

Northern Iowa achieved a 45.3% shooting rate from the field, with four starters scoring in double digits, marking the program’s first 3-0 conference initiation since the 2009-10 season. Additionally, this matchup was notable for head coach Ben Jacobson, as it was his 600th career coaching game.

HOW IT UNFOLDED

The Panthers made a swift start against the Bruins in the first half, displayed by an impressive 50% shooting efficiency, spearheaded by 11 points from Trey Campbell. UNI capitalized on inside scoring early, outpacing Belmont 24-12 in the paint, executing a crucial 13-0 scoring streak to establish a double-digit edge, while sinking three-pointers from Campbell, Jacob Hutson, and Kyle Pock. However, Northern Iowa’s 14-point advantage diminished to single digits as the Bruins converted five of their last seven shots in the half, allowing UNI to lead 39-34 at halftime.

Leon Bond III, Tytan Anderson, and Ben Schwieger provided strong contributions for the Panthers during a second half where Belmont intensified its offensive pressure, attempting 19 three-pointers. A critical six-minute stretch and a 12-2 scoring run allowed the Panthers to extend their lead and silence the Bruins offensively for over five minutes during the first part of the final period. Bond’s seven rebounds in the second half were vital for UNI to maintain its advantage, as the Bruins began to chip away at Northern Iowa’s lead while Anderson added ten points in the closing period. Late baskets from Anderson and free throws by Schwieger and Anderson secured the victory for UNI, culminating in a six-point win.

Anderson concluded the night as the leading scorer with 18 points, equaling his season bests in steals (3) and blocks (2). Bond contributed 15 points and matched his career-high with nine rebounds, while Campbell also achieved 15 points, alongside five boards and a team-best of four assists. Schwieger recorded ten points and tied his career mark with nine rebounds, while Will Hornseth and Hutson each added five points.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

• Northern Iowa leveled its all-time series against Belmont at 3-3 with Wednesday night’s win. This victory represents the Panthers’ initial home win against the Bruins and is their third consecutive overall.
• UNI head coach Ben Jacobson marked his 600th career contest on Wednesday night, joining Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Henry P. Iba as the only coach in MVC history to coach at least 600 games in the league.
• Senior center Jacob Hutson is merely three points away from achieving his 500th point as a Panther, aiming to become the 115th member of the program’s 500 career point club. Hutson previously registered 254 points at Loyola-Chicago (2020-23).
• On Wednesday, UNI outperformed the Bruins 40-22 in paint scoring.

UP NEXT

Northern Iowa is set to return to play on Saturday, Jan. 4, with a matchup against Valparaiso. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT at the Athletics-Recreation Center, with live broadcast available on ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network.

UNI men’s basketball activities can be followed throughout the season on social media platforms on Facebook (UNI Men’s Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and on Instagram (@uni_basketball). The complete 2024 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther updates and information, can be accessed online at UNIpanthers.com.