The Northern Iowa Panthers women’s basketball team has achieved a monumental victory, stunning the eighth-ranked Iowa State Cyclones with an 87-75 win at the McLeod Center. This victory not only handed Iowa State its first loss of the season but also marked UNI’s first-ever win against a top-10 opponent. And the hero of the night? Senior star Maya McDermott, whose performance will go down in history.
Let’s dive into how McDermott and her teammates pulled off one of the biggest upsets in program history and why this win is a massive statement for the Panthers.
A Hard-Fought Victory Amid Adversity
Northern Iowa entered the game with heavy hearts. Grace Boffeli, one of their star players, had just been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL. The loss of Boffeli, who had been averaging nearly 9 points and 8 rebounds per game, was a crushing blow for the team.
Coach Tanya Warren admitted that the news was devastating. She shared that, during practice the day before the game, the team was emotional and struggling to focus. “We had kids sobbing,” Warren said. “We couldn’t even practice.”
Despite the emotional setback, the Panthers didn’t dwell on the bad news for long. They turned their focus to the challenge ahead: the Iowa State Cyclones.
McDermott’s Legendary 37-Point Performance
While the loss of Boffeli left a gap in the roster, McDermott’s leadership and determination filled that void. The senior from Johnston, Iowa, made her presence felt in the most significant way possible, scoring a career-high 37 points.
Her shooting was clinical—14-of-21 from the field—and she added 5 rebounds and 3 assists, doing everything she could to keep her team in the game. “My performance, that’s just dedicated to Grace Boffeli,” McDermott said after the game, highlighting how her performance was a tribute to her injured teammate.
McDermott’s scorching form carried UNI through tough stretches, but it was her clutch shooting, particularly in the second half, that really made the difference.
The Game-Changing Third Quarter
Iowa State had a 3-point lead at halftime, but the Panthers turned things around in the third quarter with a dominating 23-11 performance. Northern Iowa used a 13-0 run to take control of the game. The Panthers’ defence stifled the Cyclones, forcing them into difficult shots while UNI was hitting theirs with precision.
Key moments included:
- A 3-pointer by Kayba Laube that gave UNI its first lead of the second half at 54-53.
- A layup by Shateah Wetering and another 3-pointer from McDermott extended the lead to 5.
- UNI capped off the quarter with a pair of three-pointers, including one by Laube at the buzzer, to make it 64-53 going into the final 10 minutes.
That run was a game-changer. The Cyclones simply couldn’t recover.
The Defensive Strategy That Worked
UNI’s defence was nothing short of exceptional. Coach Tanya Warren emphasised how well her team defended throughout the game, particularly in that pivotal third quarter. They slowed down Iowa State’s star players and made it hard for the Cyclones to score in crucial moments.
- Addy Brown, who had 17 points in the first half, finished with 21 points, but struggled in the second half.
- Emily Ryan, another key Iowa State player, managed to score only 13 points, with all of them coming in the first two quarters.
- Audi Crooks, Iowa State’s standout post player, had 22 points but was inconsistent, making just 6-of-10 free throws.
As Iowa State’s stars faltered, UNI capitalised on every opportunity. The Panthers’ discipline and defensive execution were key to their success.
A Historic Victory for Northern Iowa
The victory marked the first time in UNI’s history that they had defeated a top-10 opponent. It also ended a four-game losing streak to Iowa State, dating back to December 2019. The McLeod Center erupted in celebration as fans stormed the court to honour the team’s historic win.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group,” said Coach Warren. “They fought through everything and earned this victory.”
Looking Ahead for Northern Iowa
The win over Iowa State is a massive boost for Northern Iowa. After an emotional few days, the Panthers showed resilience and determination. With Grace Boffeli out for the season, UNI will need to lean on their remaining players, but this victory proves that they are capable of competing with the best.
For McDermott, this victory was just another moment where she proved that no stage is too big for her. Whether it’s a historic win over a top-10 opponent or a heart-wrenching loss, she thrives when the spotlight is on her. “No moment’s too big for her,” Coach Warren said. “She lives for these moments.”
The Road Ahead for Iowa State
For Iowa State, this loss serves as a wake-up call. Despite having one of the best teams in the country, they were unable to execute when it mattered most. Head coach Bill Fennelly acknowledged UNI’s outstanding play, saying, “You’ve got to give them credit. They won the game and played a great game.”
The Cyclones will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches. Though this loss was tough, there’s still plenty of basketball left to be played in the season.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Northern Iowa Women’s Basketball UNI Panthers Basketball
- Iowa State Cyclones Women’s Basketball Iowa State Athletics
