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Missouri Valley Today
By the People, for the People
Northern Iowa Panthers return to NCAA Tournament
The Panthers secure automatic bid after winning Missouri Valley Conference Tournament
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The Northern Iowa Panthers have earned an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament after defeating UIC in the championship game of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Led by 23 points from Trey Campbell, the Panthers are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2016.
Why it matters
Northern Iowa's return to the NCAA Tournament is a significant accomplishment for the program, which has struggled to make the Big Dance in recent years. The Panthers' victory in the conference tournament final secures them a spot in the lucrative and high-profile NCAA Tournament, providing a boost in visibility and potential revenue for the school.
The details
In the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game, Northern Iowa defeated UIC by an unspecified score. Trey Campbell led the Panthers with 23 points in the victory, which clinched Northern Iowa's automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
- The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game took place on March 9, 2026.
The players
Trey Campbell
The leading scorer for the Northern Iowa Panthers in their Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game victory.
Northern Iowa Panthers
The men's basketball team from the University of Northern Iowa that earned an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament by winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
UIC
The opponent of the Northern Iowa Panthers in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game.
The takeaway
Northern Iowa's return to the NCAA Tournament after a 10-year absence is a testament to the program's resilience and the hard work of its players and coaches. The Panthers' victory in the conference tournament final secures them a spot in the lucrative and high-profile NCAA Tournament, providing a significant boost in visibility and potential revenue for the school.
