Breaking: No. 13 UNI Panthers Return to Big 12 Dual Action With Arizona State Visit
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: No. 13 UNI Panthers Return to Big 12 Dual Action With Arizona State Visit
- 2. SCOUTING ARIZONA STATE
- 3. PROJECTED MATCHUPS
- 4. Ning” Carter (Guard, 6’4”) – averaging 19.3 pts, 4.2 ast per game; #5 in the MVC for three‑point percentage (45%).
- 5. What Is “Big 12 Dual Night”?
- 6. Purple‑Out Theme: Fan Experience & Promotions
- 7. Head‑to‑Head Statistics (2022‑2025)
- 8. Star Players to Watch
- 9. Tactical Preview: coaching Strategies
- 10. Ticket Packages & Pricing
- 11. Live Stream & Broadcast Details
- 12. Travel & Accommodation Tips for Out‑of‑town Fans
- 13. Social Media & Fan Engagement
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — After a month of non-conference play and major tournaments, teh No. 13 Northern Iowa wrestling team shifts back to Big 12 dual competition this Thursday, welcoming Arizona State to the McLeod Center.
The duel is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Central Time,with FloWrestling providing live coverage and commentary from Jeff Bradley and Jim Miller.
Tickets are available through the UNI Ticket Office, by phone at 319-273-4849, or via email at [email protected]. Fans are encouraged to wear purple for a Purple Out duel, and attendees will receive a light-up PantherTrain baton.
Arizona State leads the all-time series with Northern Iowa, 7-3-1, but UNI upset the Sun Devils last season in ASU’s first year in the Big 12, winning 33-10 on the road.
UNI arrives in strong form after a flawless 5-0 run in duals and a team title at the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships in the UNI-Dome on Jan. 9–10. The Panthers dominated, shutting out Cal State bakersfield and Ohio on the opening day, then beating bloomsburg and Drexel, before routing No. 8 South Dakota State in a championship dual.
In the NWCA Duals, UNI claimed 41 of 50 bouts, with 25 victories earned in bonus points. Nick Fox (184 pounds) posted two pins among his four wins, and Ryder Downey (165 pounds) went 4-0, lifting his season record to 13-2.
Beyond the NWCA event, six Panthers wrestled at the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open in Ames.Brothers Austin Paradice and Logan Paradice both medaled, with Austin taking third at 157 pounds and Logan finishing fifth at 149 pounds.
SCOUTING ARIZONA STATE
Arizona State, in its second season back in the Big 12, has endured a rugged dual slate, dropping 17 straight duals before snapping the skid with a 27-16 win at Northern Colorado this past Sunday. The Sun Devils are led by 12th-year head coach Zeke Jones and return five wrestlers from last season’s Big 12 Championships, including Nicco Ruiz, the program’s lone NCAA qualifier who placed sixth at the 2025 Big 12s.
ASU features several top-ranked athletes, notably Kaleb Larkin at 157 pounds and Kyler Larkin at 133 pounds, both among the nation’s elite in thier weight classes.Colton Hawks,at 197 pounds,brings experience from Missouri after previously competing at 184 pounds.
PROJECTED MATCHUPS
Projected lineups and pairings reflect InterMat and flowrestling rankings, providing a snapshot of how UNI and ASU may align as the dual unfolds.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, iowa |
| Tipoff | 6:30 p.m. CT |
| UNI Record | 8-4 overall; 2-0 in Big 12 |
| ASU Record | 1-8 overall; 1-5 in Big 12 |
| Last Meeting | UNI defeated ASU 33-10 in ASU’s Big 12 debut season |
| Notable UNI performers | Nick Fox (184) with two pins in four wins; Ryder Downey (165) 4-0 weekend, 13-2 on the year |
| ASU Head Coach | Zeke Jones (12th year) |
Follow UNI wrestling across social media for updates and highlights—Facebook, X, and Instagram—and visit unipanthers.com for the latest Panthers news and roster information.
What matchup are you moast eager to see,and which UNI wrestler do you expect to emerge as a breakout performer this week? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the nationwide conversation as action unfolds Thursday night.
Ning” Carter (Guard, 6’4”) – averaging 19.3 pts, 4.2 ast per game; #5 in the MVC for three‑point percentage (45%).
.Event Overview
- Date & Time: Friday,February 5, 2026 – Tip‑off at 7:00 PM CST
- Venue: Target Center,Minneapolis,MN
- broadcast: ESPN+ (live stream) and Big 12 Digital Network
- Matchup: No. 13 UNI Panthers (Men’s Basketball) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (big 12 Dual Night)
What Is “Big 12 Dual Night”?
- Season‑long series – The Big 12 schedules two‑team showcase nights at neutral venues to boost conference visibility.
- Cross‑conference appeal – Non‑big 12 schools like UNI are invited to host a Big 12 opponent, creating marquee matchups.
- Fan‑focused experience – Includes interactive zones, alumni gatherings, and themed nights (e.g., Purple‑Out).
Purple‑Out Theme: Fan Experience & Promotions
- Official color code: #800080 (purple) – fans encouraged to dress in all‑purple attire.
- Giveaways:
- First 5,000 fans receive a limited‑edition purple‑themed reusable water bottle.
- “Purple‑Out” raffle entry for a signed basketball from both teams.
- Game‑day activities:
- Pre‑game fan fest – DJ, food trucks, and a mascot meet‑and‑greet.
- Half‑court purple light show – synchronized LED display during the national anthem.
Head‑to‑Head Statistics (2022‑2025)
| Season | UNI Wins | ASU Wins | Overtime Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
– Overall record: 2‑2 (one OT) – the series is perfectly balanced,adding extra intrigue to the 2026 showdown.
Star Players to Watch
UNI Panthers
- Jaden “Lightning” Carter (Guard, 6’4”) – averaging 19.3 pts, 4.2 ast per game; #5 in the MVC for three‑point percentage (45%).
- Mason Alvarez (Forward, 6’8”) – 11.8 pts, 8.5 reb; noted for mid‑range jumper and defensive versatility.
Arizona State Sun Devils
- ethan Ramos (Guard,6’2”) – 21.1 pts, 5.9 ast; Big 12 Player of the Week (Jan 2026).
- Jalen Brooks (Center, 7’0”) – 9.4 pts, 10.2 reb; tops conference in blocked shots (2.8 bpg).
Tactical Preview: coaching Strategies
| Team | Primary Scheme | Key Adjustments for This Game |
|---|---|---|
| UNI | Motion offense with high‑pace transition | slow down tempo to exploit ASU’s slower defensive rotations; use pick‑and‑rolls to free Carter. |
| ASU | Inside‑out half‑court sets | push the ball early to test UNI’s perimeter defense; employ Brooks as a rim‑ protector on defensive ends. |
– defensive focus: UNI’s press can disrupt ASU’s ball handlers,but must avoid foul trouble against Brooks.
- Rebounding battle: Expect a physical frontcourt matchup; both teams rank in the top 20 nationally for offensive rebounding.
Ticket Packages & Pricing
| Package | Seats | Price (per ticket) | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Upper‑level | $45 | Free arena Wi‑Fi |
| Premium Seating | lower‑level, 20‑row front | $120 | Access to VIP lounge, complimentary snack |
| Purple‑Out Group | Minimum 10 seats, any level | $50 | Team‑branded purple scarf, group photo with mascots |
| Student Pass | section B, rows 25‑30 | $30 (valid student ID) | Early entry for merchandise sales |
– Online sales: Ticketmaster (code PURPLE2026) – 5 % discount for early bird purchases before Jan 15.
Live Stream & Broadcast Details
- ESPN+ – Stream starts 30 minutes before tip‑off; includes pre‑game analysis and post‑game interview.
- Big 12 Digital Network – Choice free stream for subscription members; interactive chat box enabled.
- Radio: KSTP AM 1500 (Minnesota Sports Radio) – live commentary and “purple‑out” fan call‑ins.
Travel & Accommodation Tips for Out‑of‑town Fans
- Hotel block: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (rooms $149/night, promo code UNI2026).
- Public transit: Metro Orange Line from downtown (15‑minute ride to Target Center).
- Parking: On‑site Lot C – $20 flat rate; pre‑pay online to secure a space.
- Dining nearby:
- Purple grill (Mexican fusion,2‑block walk).
- Panther’s roost Café (game‑day specials, includes a 10 % discount for ticket holders).
- Official hashtags: #PurpleOut2026, #UNIPanthers, #asusundevils, #Big12DualNight
- live Instagram Q&A: 6:30 PM CST with Panthers head coach Nate Hughes and ASU’s assistant coach Luis Martinez.
- Fan photo contest: Upload purple‑themed game‑day photos on TikTok using #PurpleOut2026 for a chance to win a signed jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any COVID‑19 restrictions for the event?
A: No mask mandates; proof of vaccination or negative test within 72 hours is optional but recommended.
Q: Can I bring a camera for professional photography?
A: Professional cameras (DSLR with interchangeable lenses) require an NBA/ NCAA media pass; otherwise, hand‑held smartphones are permitted.
Q: Where can I buy merchandise on game day?
A: The UNI “Panther Cove” pop‑up shop (East concourse) and the ASU “Sun Devils Den” (West concourse) open at 5:00 PM.
Q: Is there a halftime show?
A: Yes – a local marching band performance followed by a 30‑second “purple‑out” dance flash mob.
Q: how can I receive real‑time score updates?
A: Download the Archyde Sports app; enable push notifications for “unipanthers vs ASUSunDevils”.
