Expect another high-scoring women’s basketball match between UNI and Drake

Panthers ‘don’t panic’ after losing first MVC on new offense

Northern Iowa Panthers forward Grace Boffeli (42) passes Iowa Hawkeyes forward Addison O’Grady (44) in the first half of a game at Carver Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Sunday, December 18, 2022. drive to (Cliff Jet) / Freelance)

CEDAR FALLS — The northern Iowa women’s basketball team prepares for its annual trip to Des Moines’ Knapp Center Wednesday night to face Missouri Valley Conference rival Drake.

UNI’s recent history at the Knapp Center has been unkind, as both programs have cemented themselves as MVC contenders of the year over the last decade, and the Panthers have been without a win in the capital since 2016. .

With the high-scoring game defining the series as of late, UNI (8-5, 3-1) coach Tanya Warren made a statement Wednesday (ESPN+) against the Bulldogs (8-4, 3-1) at 6 p.m. I expect the same from time to time.

“We know they play match-ups (zones), and we also know they mix some (player-versus-player defenses),” Warren said. “Both teams like to run. Who can take the transition basket and who can win his basket easy in the paint?”

UNI top scorer Grace Bofferi finished the season last with a 9-point performance against Belmont. The Bruins have consistently double-teamed sophomore forwards, but Panthers guard Emerson Green said he has absolute confidence Bofferi will bounce back.

“Not everyone plays their best game every night, but that’s okay,” said Green. “We know we’re picking up[Boffelli]. She’s a hard-headed girl. She knows what she has to do.

“I trust her enough to know that she will get back on her feet and we will be fine.”

A cold shooting in the first half turned out to be the cause of the Panthers’ loss to the Belmont on Sunday. Warren noted on Monday how unexpected the extension was, but conceded that it comes with territory given the fact that it’s the first year they’ve carried out the new offensive.

“When we decided to do this[the new attack]we knew we had some issues,” said Warren. “But it’s really important that we stay true to what we want to do, and this is what we want to do. And honestly, it’s been very good for us. We struggled in the second quarter (Sunday).

“We are not going to panic.”