CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — Ben Jacobson made it clear Sunday — his Panthers are, in no way, satisfied with partial success. As the famous clip goes, “You play to win the game.”
But in a season that, so far, has featured a crucial injury, multiple dreadful shooting nights, an extended losing streak and little momentum after some strong early glimpses, it’s understandable why there was a hint of relief in Jacobson’s voice after Sunday’s performance.
“Yeah, I’ll tell you what, after the last two basketball games and the frustration that they guys have had and the fact that we’ve practiced well, absolutely (it was encouraging),” he said following UNI’s 80-66 loss to Wichita State, a game the Panthers trailed by just two with 12 minutes remaining.