UNI Women’s Basketball Game vs. Murray State – Thursday Night Showdown
CEDAR FALLS – The UNI women’s basketball team is gearing up for a thrilling showdown against Murray State on Thursday night at the McLeod Center. This highly anticipated matchup will mark the seventh time these two teams have faced off, with UNI maintaining a perfect 6-0 record against the Racers. The last time these teams met, UNI staged a remarkable comeback, securing an 89-87 victory in Kentucky after trailing by 18 points. The win was a significant milestone for head coach Tanya Warren, who surpassed her own record with a 20-point comeback against UIC earlier in the season.
### Dominant Performance Against Bradley
In their most recent game, UNI showcased their dominance with a commanding 67-44 victory over Bradley. Maya McDermott and Kayba Laube led the charge for the Panthers, each contributing 21 points to the team’s success. Ryley Goebel also made her presence known with 10 points and led the team alongside Laube with eight rebounds. McDermott’s stellar performance marked her 15th double-figure game of the season, while Laube’s impressive 21 points highlighted her sixth 20+-point game this season.
### Impressive Statistics and Rankings
UNI continues to impress with an active program-record 548-game three-pointer streak and currently holds the no. 70 spot in the NET Rankings. The team ranks third in the Valley behind Belmont and Murray State, setting the stage for an exciting matchup. Kayba Laube is on the cusp of joining the 1,000-point club, sitting just 61 points shy of this milestone. Laube’s exceptional three-point shooting places her among the top performers in the Valley, with a career percentage of 42.4% and a record-breaking pace for the Panthers’ single-season three-point percentage.
### Individual Achievements and Recognition
Maya McDermott’s exceptional skills have not gone unnoticed, as she was recently named to the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award midseason watch list. McDermott leads the MVC in various statistical categories, highlighting her impact on the team’s success. Kayba Laube’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc has been a key asset for UNI, leading the MVC in three-point percentage and solidifying her position as a top performer in the conference.
### Murray State’s Momentum
On the other side of the court, Murray State is coming off a solid 67-60 victory over UIC, with head coach Rechelle Turner securing her place as the Racers’ all-time wins leader. The team’s impressive statistical dominance in categories like free throws per game, rebounds per game, and scoring offense sets the stage for a competitive matchup against UNI.
Don’t miss out on the action as UNI takes on Murray State in what promises to be an exhilarating game at the McLeod Center. Tune in to ESPN+ or the Panther Sports Radio Network to catch all the live action and witness these two powerhouse teams battle it out on the court.
