Maya McDermott's Unwavering Spirit Leads UNI to Upset Victory

McDermott's Promise and Performance

Maya McDermott, a Johnston alum, had a memorable night. She connected on 14-of-21 shots from the field, adding five rebounds and three assists. Her performance was dedicated to Grace Boffeli, who suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. McDermott's ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in crucial moments is what makes her a standout player.

The Panthers trailed by three at halftime but erupted in the third quarter, outscoring Iowa State 23-11. McDermott's 3-pointer gave the Panthers a 54-53 lead, and they never looked back. Her layup and another 3-pointer extended the lead to five, and the Panthers went on to win by 12 points.

Defense and Team Effort

Coach Tanya Warren was proud of her team's defensive effort. They held Iowa State's biggest stars in check, with Addy Brown finishing with just 21 points after having 17 in the first half. Emily Ryan scored all 13 of her points in the first two quarters, and post player Audi Crooks struggled, shooting 8-of-16 from the field and 6-10 from the free throw line.

The Panthers' defense was key in keeping Iowa State at bay and allowing them to build their lead. They shot 49.2% (30-61) from the field and got 21 points from Kayba Laube and nine points from Elise Jaeger.

Fan Reaction and Coach's Pride

Northern Iowa fans celebrated the victory by storming the court, showing their support for the team. Coach Tanya Warren was proud of her players, saying, "I couldn't be more proud of this group." Her team's ability to handle the news of Boffeli's injury and come back stronger was a testament to their character.

This win is a significant one for the UNI women's basketball program. It shows their ability to overcome adversity and compete at a high level. Maya McDermott's performance will be remembered as one of the greatest in program history.