Omaha, Neb. –
The Creighton Bluejays are set to continue their season as they face off against the Northern Iowa Panthers this Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This matchup marks the 63rd encounter between the two teams, with Creighton historically leading the series 42-20. The Bluejays hold an impressive record of 25-3 against Northern Iowa when playing at home and 15-14 in away games.
Last season, Northern Iowa concluded its campaign with a balanced record of 16-16. The Panthers’ last outing was a narrow 68-64 defeat to Saint Louis in the first round of the WNIT, showing they are a competitive team. They were predicted to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Preseason poll, indicating expectations of strong performance this year.
The Panthers are led by Tanya Warren, who is in her 18th year as head coach and a former Bluejay player herself. Warren’s legacy includes being inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996 after an impressive playing career from 1983 to 1988. This personal connection adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.
Currently, Northern Iowa boasts a record of 4-3, with the team’s offense, spearheaded by Maya McDermott and Kayba Laube, averaging an impressive 40.4 points per game. However, they do allow 68.3 points per game, indicating that defense might be a focus area for improvement.
In contrast, Creighton has been on a roll, displaying a strong 6-2 record this season. The Bluejays have recently been dominant in their outings, securing a five-game winning streak and surpassing 80 points in all six of their victories. Their defense has also been commendable, limiting last three opponents to less than 60 points, a feat Creighton has not accomplished in four consecutive games since February 2017.
This matchup will not only be a test of skill on the court but also a significant moment for Warren as she faces her former team and players she once coached alongside current Bluejay coach Kirsten Flanery. The stakes are high, and fans can expect an intense game filled with skill, strategy, and emotional narratives as both teams seek to secure a valuable win.
In summary, both teams possess strong offensive capabilities, and with Creighton’s recent form, this game promises to be an exciting and competitive clash. The positive momentum for the Bluejays, alongside a well-matched challenge from the Panthers, sets the stage for an engaging basketball encounter.
As fans look forward to this exciting battle, it’s a reminder of the competitive spirit and growth inherent in sports, where past connections intertwine with present ambitions.