2026 Tournament PreviewThe Panthers caught fire at the perfect time, winning four games in as many days to take the MVC automatic bid as the six seed -- the lowest winning seed in league tourney history. But Northern Iowa has more going for it than just a hot streak. Coach Ben Jacobson returned 11 players, giving the Panthers experience and continuity rarely seen in college basketball these days. Led by senior point guard Trey Campbell (13.7 ppg, 3.9 apg), who has 131 career starts for NIU, the Panthers win by controlling pace and defending the perimeter, both of which keep games within reach. Northern Iowa has the nation's third-lowest adjusted tempo mark, per KenPom, and hold opponents to 28.9 percent three-point shooting, third lowest in the nation. Don't sleep on this team giving a higher-seeded team trouble.
Scouting Report Offense Defense
Efficiency 1.11 155 0.95 18
Pace 63.8 (364)
Effective FG% 53.78 (75) 47.48 (31)
Turnover % 13.12 (65) 15.88 (91)
Off Reb % 21.80 (357) 26.55 (24)
FTA/FGA 25.56 (362) 29.62 (53)
3P% 34.67 (137) 29.10 (3)
2P% 54.93 (60) 50.23 (107)
FT% 69.18 (295) 71.68 (136)
3PA/FGA 39.12 (189) 41.77 (265)
Totals
Per Game
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Northern Iowa
Missouri Valley
Rankings
NET: #72 RPI: #77 RW: #60
Record
Overall: (23-13) Conference: (11-9) Quad 1: (0-3) Quad 2: (4-5) Quad 3: (7-5) Quad 4: (11-0)
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Northern Iowa Depth Chart
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Northern Iowa Starting Lineup - Last 5 Games
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Northern Iowa Roster
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