Creighton University is set to take on the Northern Iowa Panthers this Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m. in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Bluejays hold a commanding lead in their historical series against Northern Iowa, with 42 victories compared to just 20 losses.
Northern Iowa finished the previous season with a balanced 16-16 record, with their last game ending in a narrow 68-64 defeat against Saint Louis in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). This year, they were projected to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) preseason poll. The Panthers’ head coach, Tanya Warren, is a notable figure in Creighton’s history, having played for the Bluejays from 1983 to 1988 and being inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. With 18 years at the helm, Warren’s leadership is pivotal as the Panthers seek to improve their current 4-3 record.
Creighton enters the matchup with an impressive 6-2 record and has been on a winning streak following a setback to #10 Kansas State on November 14. The Bluejays have shown their offensive power by scoring over 80 points in all six of their victories and by limiting their last three opponents to under 60 points—a feat unseen since February 2017.
Both teams come into this matchup with distinct strengths, as Northern Iowa boasts a solid offensive duo in Maya McDermott and Kayba Laube, averaging a combined 40.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Creighton’s recent performance has been highlighted by strong teamwork, as seen in their 22 assists during a recent game against Xavier, showcasing a robust offensive strategy.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting contest. With both teams eager to assert themselves in the conference and the historic rivalry between them, fans can anticipate a competitive matchup. As the Bluejays aim to extend their winning streak and Northern Iowa looks to capitalize on their home court, this game could set the tone for the rest of the season.
This matchup not only highlights the ongoing competitive spirit of college basketball but also provides an opportunity for familiar stories to unfold, like the connection between Creighton’s former player and current Northern Iowa coach, Tanya Warren, and her alma mater’s present-day efforts.