The Creighton Bluejays women’s basketball team, leading the series against the Northern Iowa Panthers with a record of 42-20, is set to face them on December 7 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The matchup will showcase not only the team’s current form but also feature Northern Iowa’s head coach, Tanya Warren, a former Bluejay herself.
Last season, Northern Iowa wrapped up their campaign with a balanced 16-16 record, ending with a narrow 68-64 loss to Saint Louis in the first round of the WNIT. The Panthers have been predicted to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) preseason poll. Warren, who is entering her 18th season as the head coach, is a celebrated figure in Creighton’s history—having played guard for the Bluejays from 1983 to 1988 and being inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
Currently, Northern Iowa holds a record of 4-3, with notable wins against #8 Iowa State and Green Bay but also some defeats against Ball State, Auburn, and Kansas. Their offense is led by Maya McDermott and Kayba Laube, who together average an impressive 40.4 points per game, contributing to the Panthers’ overall scoring average of 79.1 points while allowing 68.3.
On the other side, Creighton stands at 6-2 and is riding a strong momentum with a five-game winning streak, having scored over 80 points during all of their victories this season. The Bluejays’ recent defensive performance has been commendable, successfully holding their last three opponents to less than 60 points. This remarkable defensive effort demonstrates the team’s dedication and improvement under their coaching staff.
The game promises to be a thrilling encounter, highlighting both teams’ strengths and strategies. With the Bluejays looking to extend their winning streak and the Panthers aiming to assert themselves in the MVC, fans can expect an exciting matchup.
This ongoing rivalry not only symbolizes the competitive spirit of college basketball but also showcases the significant ties and histories held between the teams, especially with the presence of Coach Warren. As the game approaches, there is much anticipation for how both teams will perform in this crucial matchup.
In summary, this matchup between Creighton and Northern Iowa is not just a game; it’s a celebration of basketball legacies and a chance for both teams to build momentum as they progress through the season. With each game, teams continue to grow, adapt, and inspire their fan bases.