For the second time in program history, the Upper Iowa Peacocks were victorious in their opening contest of the postseason. UIU has played in six NCAA tournament games, coming out on top in two of them. Their last run was back in 2022, where they defeated Central Oklahoma 91-74, but fell in the semifinals to Augustana in a 65-60 decision. 
 
Jake Hilmer netted a game-high 35 points, followed by Noah King who pitched in 25. Nick Reid notched a double-double as he contributed ten points and hauled in ten rebounds, while adding five assists. 
 
The Peacocks started off hot as they hit 4-5 from deep to open the game, two from both King and Caleb Delzell. They led 16-10 after the first five minutes of competition.
 
Upper Iowa found themselves behind 34-29 with five minutes remaining in the first half, but a driving bucket from King and four straight free throws from Reid put the squad back on top, 35-34.
 
The Peacocks saw a six-point lead at the conclusion of the first stint where they held the 45-39 advantage after Hilmer went on his own 8-0 run. 
 
At the intermission, both teams were shooting 47% from the field. Kentucky Wesleyan held the edge beyond the arc as they connected on 50% and Upper Iowa hit 33%. UIU converted 9-10 from the charity stripe.
 
King opened the second half with a three-pointer and extended their lead out to 48-39. 
 
Throughout the second half, the Panthers clawed all the way back to trail by four (56-51) with 13 minutes remaining.
 
Kentucky Wesleyan never regained the lead, but followed close behind, 69-68, with three minutes left to play. Upper Iowa revved into gear as a kick out three in the corner for Delzell from Reid put them up 72-68. The momentum continued as King grabbed a steal on the other end to give the Peacocks the possession.
 
Upper Iowa had a four-point cushion with one minute remaining after a Hrncir layup in traffic. The Panthers turned the ball over on the other end and Delzell came up with the steal to get the ball back. A KWC foul put Noah King at the free throw line where he went 2-2, putting UIU up 76-60 with 40 seconds left.
 
Upper Iowa netted six free throws to end the game on top 82-72 and advance to the Midwest Region semifinals. They will face Lake Superior State at 4 p.m. CST.