BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA — The Northern Iowa women’s basketball team struggled to contain a hot-shooting South Dakota State offense Friday, November 6, 2026, as the Jackrabbits pulled away in the second half for a 76-54 victory, handing the Panthers their first loss of the young season.
UNI fell to 1-1 on the year after opening its campaign with a victory over St. Thomas, while South Dakota State used efficient shooting and a strong fourth-quarter performance to secure the 22-point win on its home court.
Jenna Twedt led Northern Iowa with 18 points, while Elise Jaeger delivered an impressive double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
Despite those efforts, the Panthers struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm against a South Dakota State team that shot 50.9 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range.
The Jackrabbits never trailed.
South Dakota State established control early, forcing UNI head coach Tanya Warren to call a timeout during the opening three minutes.
Jenna Twedt and Elise Jaeger provided the Panthers’ first two baskets, but the Jackrabbits responded with an eight-point run to take a 12-4 lead by the first media timeout.
Northern Iowa showed signs of life following the break.
The Panthers assembled a 5-2 run, highlighted by Kaylynn Janes connecting on UNI’s first three-pointer of the contest.
Mya Nicholson then provided another spark, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to help trim the Jackrabbits’ advantage to five points late in the opening quarter.
South Dakota State answered with two free throws, taking a 22-15 lead into the second period.
UNI continued battling in the second quarter and briefly appeared capable of turning the game into a much tighter contest.
The Panthers outscored the Jackrabbits 7-5 during the opening portion of the period, with Twedt connecting on her first three-pointer of the evening.
After the media timeout, Nicholson scored on a layup to bring Northern Iowa within three points.
But the Jackrabbits quickly regained control.
South Dakota State responded with seven consecutive points, rebuilding its advantage to double digits and preventing UNI from completing the comeback.
Twedt added another basket before halftime, but the Panthers headed to the locker room trailing 36-26.
Nicholson led Northern Iowa with eight first-half points, while Twedt contributed seven.
Jaeger provided an important presence on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds during the opening 20 minutes.
The Panthers entered the second half needing to slow South Dakota State’s offense while generating more consistent scoring opportunities of their own.
Neither task proved easy.
Northern Iowa remained competitive during the third quarter, with the Jackrabbits holding a narrow 16-14 scoring advantage in the period.
However, UNI was unable to significantly reduce the deficit.
South Dakota State then delivered its decisive push during the fourth quarter.
The Jackrabbits maintained their efficient shooting while Northern Iowa struggled offensively, allowing the home team to steadily extend its lead.
South Dakota State outscored the Panthers 40-28 over the final two quarters, completing the 76-54 victory.
Although the result was disappointing, UNI received several encouraging individual performances.
Twedt’s 18 points led the Panthers, continuing her role as a key offensive contributor early in the season.
Jaeger was particularly effective in the paint.
The forward finished with 12 points, 16 rebounds and three steals, recording her first double-double of the season and ninth of her collegiate career.
Her 16 rebounds tied a career high, while her six made field goals also matched a personal best.
Jaeger’s ability to control the boards was one of the strongest aspects of Northern Iowa’s performance.
Nicholson provided another positive development, tying her career high with eight points.
She made a career-best three field goals, including two three-pointers, while playing a career-high 19 minutes.
Callie Levin and Abby Tuttle each distributed three assists to lead the Panthers in that category.
The contest also provided valuable experience for several younger Northern Iowa players.
Harper Whetstine, Emily Larsen and Le’Sedra Williams made their first appearances in a Panther uniform.
Taylor Franck scored the first six points of her collegiate career, recording her first field goal and free throws in just three minutes of action.
Anna Greene also reached a milestone, scoring her first collegiate point on a fourth-quarter free throw.
Greene played a career-high five minutes and collected her first collegiate rebound.
The contributions from those players offered encouragement for a Northern Iowa program continuing to develop its lineup during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season.
Warren acknowledged that her young team is still learning how to respond when facing difficult stretches against quality opponents.
The coach pointed to missed opportunities when Northern Iowa had chances to narrow the deficit, but expressed confidence that the Panthers would learn from the experience and improve.
The loss dropped Northern Iowa to 5-15 all-time against South Dakota State.
For UNI, the biggest challenge was slowing a Jackrabbits offense that consistently generated quality scoring opportunities.
South Dakota State’s 50.9 percent shooting from the field and 41.7 percent accuracy from beyond the arc made it difficult for the Panthers to mount an extended comeback.
Northern Iowa’s inability to match that efficiency became especially costly during the final period.
The Panthers will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated in-state matchup.
Northern Iowa will travel to Iowa City on Thursday, November 12, to face the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Central Time.
The contest will be available on FOX One, with radio coverage through the Panther Sports Radio Network and broadcaster Chris Kleinhans-Schulz.
The matchup will provide another significant early-season test as Warren’s Panthers attempt to rebound from their first defeat.
For Northern Iowa, the trip to South Dakota State provided valuable lessons about the importance of consistent shooting, defensive execution and capitalizing on opportunities to close scoring gaps.
With the Hawkeyes awaiting them in Iowa City, the Panthers will look to turn those lessons into a stronger performance against another talented opponent.
Additional information about the UNI women’s basketball program, including team schedules and roster updates, is available through UNI Athletics.