Omaha, Nebraska –
The Creighton Bluejays are gearing up to take on the Northern Iowa Panthers in a matchup that continues their dominance in a long-standing series, currently led by Creighton with a record of 42-20. The game is set for Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m. and will be available for viewing on ESPN+.
The Panthers, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, finished last season with a .500 record at 16-16 and faced a narrow 68-64 loss to Saint Louis in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). Northern Iowa is predicted to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) according to the preseason poll. Tanya Warren, in her 18th year as head coach, has a personal connection to the Bluejays, having been a standout player at Creighton from 1983-1988 and being inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame.
As for the teams’ recent performances, Northern Iowa enters the game with a record of 4-3, having achieved commendable non-conference victories, including an 87-75 home win against #8 Iowa State. However, they have faced challenges, suffering losses against teams like Ball State, Auburn, and Kansas. Meanwhile, Creighton is enjoying a strong season, boasting a 6-2 record, highlighted by a five-game winning streak. A key element to their success has been their offensive showcases, scoring over 80 points in each of their six wins.
The stakes of this upcoming game are heightened by the fostering rivalry between the two coaches; Creighton’s Jim Flanery and Northern Iowa’s Tanya Warren have a shared history that adds further intrigue to their matchups, with Flanery holding a 17-8 advantage over Warren in their encounters since she took the helm at Northern Iowa.
Creighton’s performance has been particularly impressive, with an effective offensive strategy, registering over 20 assists in their games, a feat contributing to their consecutive wins when achieving that level of teamwork. They also maintain a strong defensive front, recently limiting opponents to under 60 points in three straight games, an indication of their commitment to solid team defense.
This matchup provides an exciting opportunity for fans and players alike to witness a blend of history and skill, as two formidable programs clash on the court. The performance of both teams could have implications for their respective trajectories this season, making it a game to look forward to as they chase their competitive aspirations.
In summary, as the Creighton Bluejays prepare to face the Northern Iowa Panthers, the matchup not only promises thrilling basketball but also highlights the individual and team legacies surrounding the game. With both teams focusing on strengthening their records, fans can anticipate an engaging confrontation filled with talent and determination.