In one of the most volatile basketball tournaments in recent memory, the story of Midwest bracket wins the title of biggest loser. Kansas entered the NCAA tournament as a possible tournament winner. Their season was near perfect and they seemed poised for a clear shot to the final four, until game two when they played the number nine seed University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The game proved too much for the multitalented Kansas team. From the opening minutes of the game, the struggle evolved as a match between big school talent vs. small school grit and determination.
Ben Jacobsen’s battle plan stymied the Kansas offence, delivering an in-your-face defense that left the starting lineup for Kansas reeling. The Panthers owned the floor for the entire game. Kansas managed to fight back the indignation throughout the game, but was never able to put together a sustained run, an underlying talent that had served the team well throughout the regular season.
The Northern Iowa team displayed precision ball handling skills combined with NBA deftness of disposing of the ball under duress and the poise of seasoned three point play. Kansas seemed unable to confound the Panthers and had to settle for points in arrears.
Jacobson exuded confidence and poise throughout the game, flashing smiles at his well disciplined squad and grinning at their individual successes. The game offers parents and their high school championship sons a glimpse of what playing for a top notch basketball team can produce. The thrill of victory with a well developed sense of fun in the process. Next year’s recruiting class should be filled with enthusiastic young men with a sense of purpose.
Jacobson is equally talented in his off court life. He graduated from high school as valedictorian and excelled in academics in college. His internal drive for academic excellence is equally evident in his basketball team. The Panthers currently boast a 3.0 GPA and aptly display the persistence to win not only in the big dance, but more importantly in the class room.
Next up in the tournament, N Iowa vs. Michagan State on Friday in St.Louis. A win here would be a spectacular accomplishment for the Panthers.
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