The mythical women’s basketball state championship is on the line when UNI and Iowa collide on Friday

Hawkeyes will try to slow down the Panthers’ productive guards and limit turnovers

IOWA CITY — Immediately following Iowa’s win over Iowa State on Dec. 11, the reaction — whether from fans or on social media — was to call this the “Hawkeye State.”

It could prove to be true. But back then it was premature.

There is still one game that separates the Hawkeyes from a truly mythical state championship in women’s basketball.

This game.

No. 22 Iowa (9-2) hosts Northern Iowa (5-5) in the final non-conference game for both teams. Kickoff will take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“A state championship would be a huge accomplishment for this group,” Iowa coach Jan Jensen said Thursday. “I know (UNI coach) Tanya (Warren) feels the same way about her team and that they are in the same spot as us.”

Both teams have a win over Iowa State under their belt. Iowa also beat Drake, and UNI still has a Missouri Valley Conference matchup with the Bulldogs.

Iowa has won eight straight intrastate games. A ninth-place finish would make the Hawkeyes undisputed state champions for the third straight year.

“It’s important to prove you’re the best in the state,” said Iowa native Hannah Stuelke, a Cedar Rapids native. “The coach wants it and we all really want it.”

If it matters to the Hawkeyes, it really matters to the Panthers, who have 10 Iowans on their roster.

These include guards Maya McDermott (Johnston) and Kayba Laube (Marion), who you’ll find prominently on the NCAA Stats Leaders charts.

McDermott ranks eighth nationally with 21.9 points per game. Laube is third in 3-point percentage (.522) and fourth in 3-pointers per game (3.6).

“They’re both really tough,” said Lucy Olsen of Iowa. “We need to make it as difficult for them as possible whenever we can.”

As a team, UNI shoots 39.6 percent, making it the seventh-best team in the country.

“McDermott, she’s fine. The urges she makes and she can kill you with the three of them. It’s crazy,” Jensen said. “And Laube’s shot is as pure as it gets.”

As a former player and assistant coach at Drake, Jensen understands the dynamics on both sides, be it a power conference or mid-major.

“When you’re the big one in the fight, you’re under a lot of pressure,” she said. “If we win, we should win. If we lose, everyone wants to cry “Chicken Little.”

Speaking of pressure…

Turnovers were the theme in Iowa’s two losses. The Hawkeyes scored 30 against Tennessee and 23 against Michigan State.

“We don’t have to be perfect, but we have to be much better,” Jensen said.

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