The UNI men's basketball team ended their 2025-26 season with a 79-53 defeat against No. 9 St. John's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite capturing the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title and earning an NCAA berth, the Panthers struggled against the Red Storm, who took an early 10-0 lead and maintained control throughout the game. Trey Campbell led the Panthers with 14 points, while Northern Iowa finished the season with 23 wins. The loss marked UNI's fifth defeat in 14 NCAA tournament appearances under head coach Ben Jacobson.

By the Numbers
  • UNI finished with a 23-11 overall record this season.
  • The Panthers had a rebounding disadvantage, getting out-rebounded 45-29 in the game.
  • Trey Campbell scored 14 points, ending his collegiate career with 1,403 points.
State of Play
  • UNI was the 12th seed facing the 5th-ranked St. John's in the NCAA Tournament.
  • The Panthers held a slight edge in scoring within the paint during the second half, outscoring St. John鈥檚 18-16.
What's Next

With the season concluded, focus shifts to recruitment and building for future success. The team will look to replace key players, including Trey Campbell, as they prepare for next season's challenges in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Bottom Line

UNI鈥檚 early exit from the NCAA Tournament underscores the significant gap faced when competing against higher-ranked teams. As they regroup and strategize for the next season, developing depth and resilience will be crucial for future tournament success.