ROCHESTER, MICHIGAN — The Northern Iowa Panther men’s basketball team appeared poised to steal a road victory Saturday evening, November 14, 2026, but a disastrous offensive drought over the final four minutes allowed Oakland to rally for an 80-76 victory at OU Credit Union O’Rena.
The Panthers battled back from a nine-point deficit and eventually pulled even at 76-76, but UNI failed to score over the final 4 minutes, 22 seconds as the Golden Grizzlies seized control of the closing moments.
Oakland broke the deadlock with a three-pointer with just 17 seconds remaining, delivering the decisive blow in a frustrating non-conference loss for Northern Iowa.
The Panthers shot 45.6% from the field but struggled to contain Oakland inside, where the Golden Grizzlies held a commanding 38-20 advantage in points in the paint. Oakland also dominated second-chance scoring opportunities, outscoring UNI 22-8.
Northern Iowa showed offensive promise early, getting three-point baskets from Carson Vis and Greyson Uelmen before Isaiah Johnson-Arigu threw down a dunk to give the Panthers a 10-7 lead.
Oakland answered with a 12-0 scoring run, taking control as turnovers and foul trouble disrupted UNI’s rhythm.
Despite the setbacks, the Panthers remained within striking distance throughout the opening half. UNI connected on eight of 18 three-point attempts and shot 48% from the floor before halftime.
Uelmen led Northern Iowa with 10 first-half points, while Tate McCubbin and Johnson-Arigu added eight apiece. The Panthers trimmed Oakland’s advantage to two points late in the half before heading to the locker room trailing 46-42.
Both teams struggled to find their shooting touch coming out of halftime, combining to make just one of their first 16 field-goal attempts.
Northern Iowa eventually found its rhythm and put together an 8-0 run that erased Oakland’s advantage.
Consecutive three-pointers from McCubbin and Jalen Wilson helped the Panthers battle back to a 58-58 tie, while Uelmen’s free throws briefly pushed UNI into the lead.
The teams continued trading blows until Northern Iowa’s offense suddenly went silent.
Oakland outscored the Panthers 16-4 over the final seven minutes, taking advantage of UNI’s inability to convert crucial possessions. The Panthers did not score again after the 4:22 mark, allowing the Golden Grizzlies to complete the comeback.
Vis led Northern Iowa with 15 points. Uelmen finished with 14 points and four assists, connecting on six free throws.
Johnson-Arigu contributed 13 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots, while McCubbin scored 12 points behind three successful three-point baskets.
Geon Hutchins and Will Gerdes each added six points off the bench. Levi Valdo finished with five points and a team-high six rebounds, while Wilson also scored five.
The loss evened the all-time series between Northern Iowa and Oakland at 1-1. Saturday marked the Panthers’ first visit to Oakland. The Panthers defeated Oakland 75-63 in the teams’ previous meeting.
Uelmen, a transfer from North Dakota, continued his productive start to the season. According to UNI’s game notes, he has scored at least 10 points in all five games referenced this season and is averaging 17.8 points per contest. Saturday was his 34th career game reaching double figures.
McCubbin has now made at least three three-pointers in three games this season, including consecutive contests.
Northern Iowa will look to regroup when it returns to Cedar Falls for a home game against Lindenwood on Tuesday, November 17.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside the McLeod Center, with television coverage available on ESPN+ and radio coverage through the Panther Sports Radio Network.
Fans attending Tuesday’s game can receive free admission by bringing a non-perishable food item valued at $5 or more as part of UNI’s annual food drive.