UNI Upsets Carolina: Iowa Time Machine November 21, 2015

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On November 21, 2015, the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls erupted into chaos and joy as the UNI men’s basketball team stunned the third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, 71–67. For Panther fans, the win was a defining moment of pride that echoed across the national college basketball scene, reminding fans that UNI is an underdog to fear.

North Carolina entered the season as a national title contender led by veteran stars Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson. UNI, though respected after several NCAA Tournament runs earlier in the decade, was not expected to challenge a blue-blood powerhouse. The Panthers had lost key players from the previous season’s 31-win team, and rebuilding seemed more likely than shocking the sport’s elite. Yet, under head coach Ben Jacobson, UNI had developed a reputation for disciplined defense, smart playmaking, and fearless execution.

When the ball tipped off that November evening, the McLeod Center felt electric but hopeful rather than expectant. By halftime, hope had turned to belief. UNI’s Wes Washpun led the charge, scoring 21 points and controlling the tempo against the heavily favored Tar Heels. As the final minutes ticked away, the Panthers’ composure never wavered. The crowd roared with every stop and every shot until the buzzer sounded and history was made. The unthinkable had happened: UNI had toppled one of the most storied programs in college basketball on its home court.

The 2015 upset over North Carolina remains a symbol of what makes college basketball special: the idea that on any given night, heart, preparation, and belief can overcome tradition and talent. For UNI, it was a declaration of identity for a program that thrived on defying expectations. #Iowa #CollegeBasketball #Upset #Basketball #OTD