Omaha, Nebraska –
The Creighton Bluejays are set to face off against the Northern Iowa Panthers this Saturday, December 7, with the tip-off scheduled for 2:00 p.m. The game, available to watch on ESPN+, marks a significant matchup in the ongoing season for both teams. Currently, Creighton leads the all-time series against Northern Iowa with a record of 42 wins to 20 losses, showcasing a solid historical performance.
Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, wrapped up the previous season with a balanced record of 16-16, concluding their campaign with a narrow 68-64 loss to Saint Louis in the first round of the WNIT. In the preseason MVC poll, they were projected to finish second, signifying optimism surrounding their potential this season. The Panthers are guided by Tanya Warren, a former Bluejay standout who played from 1983 to 1988 and is now entering her 18th season as Northern Iowa’s head coach. Warren’s notable achievements include her induction into the Creighton University Athletics Hall of Fame and having her jersey number retired.
Currently, Northern Iowa holds a record of 4-3 for the season and boasts impressive wins, including an 87-75 triumph against #8 Iowa State. However, they have faced challenges with losses to teams such as Ball State and Auburn. Maya McDermott and Kayba Laube are the offensive leaders for the Panthers, combining to average over 40 points per game, while the team averages 79.1 points scored but allows 68.3.
On the other hand, the Bluejays come into this game riding a five-game winning streak after recovering from a loss to #10 Kansas State. Creighton has consistently scored over 80 points in all of their six wins, demonstrating their offensive prowess, while also improving defensively by limiting their last three opponents to under 60 points. Head Coach Jim Flanery has witnessed impressive performances from the team, particularly in their ability to accumulate assists, as they achieved 23 assists in a recent victory against Xavier, marking their 22nd consecutive win when recording 20 or more assists in a game.
The rivalry between Creighton and Northern Iowa has been intense, with both teams having passionate support from their fans. For Creighton, the opportunity to extend their winning streak while potentially exploiting their historical advantage against a team led by a former player adds an exciting dimension to the upcoming matchup. The Bluejays will be aiming to build on their strong performance and continue their upward trajectory in the season.
In summary, this upcoming game presents an exciting opportunity for both teams, highlighting the competitive spirit of college basketball while showcasing the connections between players and coaches across teams.
With both teams possessing strong offensive capabilities and defensively improving strategies, fans can look forward to a thrilling contest that may help define the early part of the season for both programs.