Omaha, Neb. –
Creighton University is set to face the Northern Iowa Panthers in Cedar Falls this Saturday, December 7, with the tip-off scheduled for 2:00 p.m. The Bluejays currently hold a commanding lead in the series against the Panthers, boasting a 42-20 record over the years. Historically, Creighton has performed well on the road against Northern Iowa, winning 15 of the 29 matchups played in Cedar Falls.
Last season, Northern Iowa finished with a record of 16-16, concluding their campaign with a narrow loss to Saint Louis in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The Panthers have been marked as strong competitors in the Missouri Valley Conference, being picked to finish second in the MVC Preseason poll. Their head coach, Tanya Warren, who is not only in her 18th season but also a former player for Creighton, brings a wealth of experience to the game. Warren was inducted into the Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame back in 1996, with her No. 10 jersey being retired as a testament to her contributions to the program.
As of now, Northern Iowa has a 4-3 record this season, having notable victories over #8 Iowa State and Green Bay, showcasing their potential. However, they also experienced setbacks against teams like Ball State, Auburn, and Kansas.
Conversely, Creighton enters this match with a 6-2 record and momentum from a five-game winning streak, during which they have demonstrated offensive prowess by scoring 80 points or more in all of their wins. The Bluejays have also excelled defensively, limiting opponents to less than 60 points in their last three games. Their most recent victory was an impressive 82-54 win over Xavier, where they recorded 23 assists, marking the 22nd consecutive win when the team achieves 20 or more assists in a game.
In this game, the matchup between Creighton’s head coach and Warren will add an emotional layer to the competition, as both share a rich history with the Bluejays. Creighton’s improving defense and potent offense set a hopeful tone as they prepare for this exciting showdown against Northern Iowa.
This contest promises to be a fantastic encounter for both teams, with the potential to highlight emerging talents and further the ongoing rivalry. Fans can tune into the game live on ESPN+.
The continued success of both programs is an encouraging sign for women’s basketball, emphasizing the growth and competitiveness of the sport at collegiate levels.