Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson says improvement on defense will be the key to a deep run in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The Panthers are the eighth seed and open Thursday afternoon against ninth seeded Illinois State. UNI lost eight of nine to close the regular season and defensive breakdowns were a major factor.

Jacobson says defense will be the focus heading into the tournament.

Jacobson says there are areas the Panthers have made strides despite their struggles.

UNI finished the regular season 13-17.