UNI wins MVC Tournament, earns NCAA bid

Trey Campbell scores 23 points with 6 3-pointers in victory over UIC

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Trey Campbell scored 23 points, including 6 three-pointers, to lead Northern Iowa to an 84-69 victory over UIC in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game on Sunday. The win secures an automatic bid for Northern Iowa to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament is a key event for mid-major college basketball programs like Northern Iowa, providing an opportunity to earn an automatic bid to the lucrative and high-profile NCAA Tournament. This win continues Northern Iowa's strong season and gives them a chance to make noise in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Northern Iowa dominated the game, building a double-digit lead in the first half and maintaining control throughout. Campbell was the star, hitting 6 of 10 three-pointers to pace the Panthers' offense. UIC kept the game close for stretches but could not overcome Northern Iowa's balanced attack and hot shooting.

  • The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game was played on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Trey Campbell

A standout player for Northern Iowa, scoring 23 points with 6 three-pointers in the MVC Tournament final.

Northern Iowa

The college basketball team that won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

UIC

The opponent that Northern Iowa defeated 84-69 in the MVC Tournament championship game.

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The takeaway

Northern Iowa's dominant performance in the MVC Tournament final demonstrates their status as a formidable mid-major program capable of making noise in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The team's balanced scoring attack and sharp shooting from Trey Campbell will make them a tough out for any opponent.