The Florida Gators started off hot against the Panthers by going on a 19-5 run that included 13 straight points against UNI. Northern Iowa answered with a 10-5 run of their own to cut the lead to 24-17 after the first quarter. Maya McDermott scored seven straight points in the quarter and ended with 10 in it. 

In the second quarter, the Panthers continued to show perseverance as the team put up 21 points to the Gators’ 14. UNI saw a 10-point run and a five-point run to tie the game at 38 heading into halftime. A seven-point quarter from Kayba Laube helped bring the Panthers back into the game. 

Coming out of the half, Northern Iowa continued to battle as they saw an eight-point run late in the quarter. Some triples and some free-throws helped make up some ground as Laube made a late 3-pointer to put the team within three points at 61-58 going into the fourth quarter. Laube had 10 points in the third quarter. 

The fourth quarter saw the Gators dominate with a 22-13 advantage and multiple 5+ point runs. Ultimately, Florida came out on top with an ending score of 83-71 over Northern Iowa to advance to the second round of the WBIT. Laube finished with 21 points and five rebounds, McDermott and Ryley Goebel with 13 points. Shateah Wetering ended with 10 points and five rebounds as well. Goebel also added three blocks and two steals during the game.