UNI Panthers Shine in MVC Tournament Opener
In a thrilling start to the 2025 MVC Tournament, the UNI women’s basketball team faced off against the Indiana State Sycamores. The Panthers came out swinging, securing an impressive 87-73 victory over their opponents. With this win, UNI advances to the quarterfinals to battle the Belmont Bruins on Friday, March 14.
A Fierce Battle Unfolds
The Panthers and the Sycamores engaged in a fierce contest during the early stages of the game. For the first 7:15 minutes, both teams were neck and neck, with the score tied at 17-17. However, UNI managed to break away, with standout players like Shateah Wetering, Emerson Green, and Kayba Laube contributing crucial points. By the end of the first quarter, UNI held a 23-17 lead, with Wetering leading the scoring effort with seven points.
UNI Dominates the Second Quarter
As the second quarter commenced, the Panthers showcased their dominance by embarking on a nine-point run. They held Indiana State scoreless for the first four minutes, propelling themselves to a commanding 32-17 lead. UNI continued to build on their advantage, ending the first half with a comfortable 40-28 lead. The Cats displayed a well-rounded scoring effort, with Green, Wetering, and Laube all making significant contributions.
A Shooting Duel in the Third Quarter
After halftime, both teams displayed potent offenses, shooting 50% from the floor in the third quarter. UNI managed to edge ahead with a 26-24 advantage, thanks to Wetering’s stellar performance, which included eight points, four of which came from the free-throw line. Heading into the final frame, the Panthers held a solid 66-52 lead over Indiana State.
Closing Strong in the Fourth Quarter
The final quarter saw UNI maintaining their lead over Indiana State, ultimately securing a well-deserved 87-73 victory. Laube and Wharton stepped up in the final minutes, contributing crucial points to seal the win. Notably, five Panthers finished in double figures, with Wetering leading the charge with an impressive 19 points, along with seven rebounds and three steals.
Noteworthy Achievements and Milestones
In addition to their victory, UNI achieved significant milestones during the game. The team secured their 16th consecutive season with a .500 or better record, underscoring their consistent performance. Players like Maya McDermott reached personal milestones, with McDermott becoming the second Panther in UNI history to surpass 1,900 career points. Ryley Goebel showcased her defensive prowess, recording three blocks and two steals, making her the first Panther in UNI history to achieve 150+ career blocks and steals.
Looking Ahead
With their eyes set on the quarterfinals, the Panthers are gearing up to face the Belmont Bruins on Friday, March 14. Fans can catch the action at 8:30 p.m. CT inside the Ford Center, with streaming available on ESPN+ or the Panther Sports Radio Network. As UNI continues their tournament journey, their resilience and determination will undoubtedly make for an exciting matchup against their upcoming opponents.
