Northern Iowa punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, with Trey Campbell scoring 23 points, including six threes, to beat UIC 84-69 and secure the automatic bid.

UNI became the lowest-seeded team (No. 6) to win the MVC Tournament and accomplished the feat of four wins in four days to claim the title.

The Panthers clinched the MVC Tournament title, marking UNI’s ninth NCAA appearance and first since 2016.

Jacobson credited the victory to the team’s experience and grit, underscoring the value of veteran leadership and a fighting spirit.

STLPR Visuals provided photo coverage of the game.

Tristan Smith contributed nine points and a game-high eight rebounds as part of UNI’s balanced performance.

UNI totaled a season-high 25 assists in the win, showcasing unselfish, decisive ball movement.

High Point, a 30-win program, stands among the top mid-major teams, with Rob Martin scoring 24 and seven assists and Cam’Ron Fletcher adding 17 points and 19 rebounds off the bench for a strong showing.

UNI led wire-to-wire, carrying a 48-41 halftime edge and answering a second-half lull with a 7-0 run, then a 13-2 stretch to push the lead to as many as 17 late.

The Panthers built momentum early in the second half, maintaining the lead and stretching it with a critical 7-for-7 stretch to start the period.

UNI’s defense and efficient offense helped them finish strong, sealing the win with less than a minute remaining.

Ben Schwieger came off the bench to score 18 on 8-for-8 shooting, with 3 three-pointers, while Will Hornseth and Leon Bond III added 10 points apiece and Tristan Smith grabbed eight boards.