UNI Panther Offense Dominates in 84-59 Win Against Southern Illinois – Women’s College Basketball
CARBONDALE, Illinois – The UNI women’s basketball team put on a show in Carbondale, Illinois, as they faced off against the Southern Illinois Salukis on Friday evening. The Panthers came out swinging and never looked back, securing an impressive 84-59 victory inside the Banterra Center.
Panthers Set the Tone Early
UNI wasted no time asserting their dominance, kicking off the game with an 11-3 run that included three impressive three-pointers. The Panthers continued to control the court, going on a 9-4 run to extend their lead to 13-7. Despite a brief surge from SIU, cutting the lead to eight at 20-12, the Panthers closed the first quarter with a commanding 26-14 lead.
Back-and-Forth Battle in the Second Quarter
The Salukis fought back in the second quarter, going on a six-point run to narrow UNI’s lead to single digits. The teams traded blows, with both recording nine points each. With just over a minute left in the first half, SIU called a timeout as UNI maintained a 35-31 lead. A late bucket from UNI pushed their lead to 37-31 heading into halftime, with Maya McDermott and Ryley Goebel leading the scoring effort with nine points each.
Panther Domination in the Third Quarter
The third quarter was all about the Panthers, as they went on multiple scoring runs to establish a 59-44 lead heading into the final frame. Maya McDermott shined, scoring 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting in the quarter, showcasing her offensive prowess and leadership on the court.
Strong Finish in the Fourth Quarter
UNI continued their offensive onslaught in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Salukis 25-15 to seal the deal with an 84-59 victory. Maya McDermott led the charge with 21 points, while Ryley Goebel and Shateah Wetering also contributed with 15 points each. Goebel’s seven rebounds added to her impressive performance on both ends of the court.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
In addition to their stellar performance, UNI achieved several milestones, including their 50th all-time victory over the Salukis and maintaining a program-record 550-game three-pointer streak. Kayba Laube hit her 250th career three-pointer, joining an elite group of players in UNI history. Maya McDermott’s standout performance further solidified her place in the record books, tying for no. 5 all-time in three-pointers.
UP NEXT
The Panthers look to carry their momentum into their upcoming matchup against Missouri State on Sunday, January 26. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+ or tune in to the Panther Sports Radio Network to support the team as they continue their quest for success on the court.
