The UNI women's basketball team (0-2) is set to face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0) on November 16, 2025, at the McLeod Center. Historically, the Hawkeyes dominate the series 27-3, but last season's matchup ended closely, with UNI nearly completing an 18-point comeback. The Panthers, coming off a recent road loss to Saint Louis, look to recover with standout players like Ryley Goebel and Taryn Wharton seeking to build momentum from previous performances.

By the Numbers
  • Now 27-3 in their all-time series, Iowa defeated UNI 92-86 in their last encounter.
  • Ryley Goebel recorded 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks last season against Iowa.
  • UNI has 5.5 blocks per game thus far, leading the MVC in this category.
  • The Panthers averaged 2,519 points last season, marking a program record.
State of Play
  • UNI is looking to rebound from a 62-58 defeat at Saint Louis.
  • Four players were named to the MVC Preseason Watchlist, including Goebel and Wharton.
  • Last season, UNI set records for points and field goals, showcasing offensive improvements.
What's Next

Following the Iowa matchup, the Panthers will seek to leverage their performance to gain momentum in the Missouri Valley Conference, aiming for a better standing than their current record. With the season just beginning, key matchups following Iowa will be critical for their postseason aspirations.

Bottom Line

For UNI to succeed this season, they must translate past performances into wins against strong opponents like Iowa. The team's potential for improvement lies in maximizing contributions from key players and reinforcing their defensive play, critical for closing out games as seen in previous contests.