GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Just short of a two week break since the Panthers last tipped it off on the court, Davenport will look to begin the New Year in road travel fashion heading to the upper peninsula of Michigan to face No. 12 Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. 

DU's last outing was in the Sunshine State where they walked away with split performances beginning with a dominant 64-42 win over Rollins before falling short 70-57 against No. 13 in the nation, Embry-Riddle (ERAU). 

In those two competitions, Davenport leaned on balanced production across the lineup, led by Ellie Toney's scoring consistency and Maddie Geers' all-around impact. Toney averaged 13.5 points per game across the trip, while Geers contributed on both ends of the floor, including a team-high eight rebounds and two blocks against Embry-Riddle. Neveah Williams added a scoring and playmaking lift in the matchup with the Eagles, and Kayla Covington delivered a steady interior presence on the glass and around the rim as the Panthers wrapped up nonconference play.

Davenport will now resume GLIAC competition. The Panthers (1-1 GLIAC) opened conference play in early December against Saginaw Valley State and Lake Superior State. DU dropped a narrow 68–64 decision to the Cardinals before responding with a 74–59 victory over the Lakers. Both contests were played at home, making the upcoming trip to the Upper Peninsula the Panthers' first conference road action of the season.

Scouting the Opponents 
#12 Northern Michigan - Jan. 2, 1:00 p.m.

• Historically, Northern Michigan holds a 16–3 advantage in the all-time series against Davenport. The Panthers' most recent victory came during the 2020–21 season, earning a 61–45 road win in Marquette on March 2, 2021. That season also included a second Davenport victory over the Wildcats on Feb. 20, 2021 (56–50), accounting for DU's most recent wins in the series since joining NCAA Division II.
• The Wildcats sit second in the GLIAC standings with a 2–0 conference record and an 11–1 mark overall. Their lone loss this season came against Minnesota Duluth on Nov. 21, 2025, an 85–70 setback.
• NMU enters the matchup riding a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating GMAC opponent Northwood on Dec. 17, 2025, after wins over GLIAC foes Parkside (56–48) and Roosevelt (83–82).
• Senior Jacy Weisbrod was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Dec. 22, 2025, and currently leads both her team and the GLIAC with 224 points, averaging 18.7 per game. She is shooting 46.4 percent from the field, with 112 of her 179 attempts coming from beyond the 3-point arc, where she is connecting at a 42 percent clip.
• Head coach Casey Thousand enters her fourth season with the Wildcats, holding a career record of 60–32, including 38–18 in GLIAC play. She is joined by associate head coach Jordan Sweeney, entering his third season, while alumna Emily Mueller begins her first season as an assistant coach at NMU.

Michigan Tech - Jan. 3, 1:00 p.m. 

• The Huskies of MTU hold a 16–1 all-time record against the Panthers, with their most recent win coming on Jan. 25, 2020, during the 2020–21 season, an 81–66 victory.
• Michigan Tech sits just below Northern Michigan in the GLIAC standings, posting a 2–0 conference record and an 8–2 mark overall. Their only two losses this season came against No. 17 Concordia–St. Paul and Winona State.
• MTU comes off a thrilling 89–87 victory over Northwood on Dec. 19, following wins over GLIAC opponents Roosevelt and Parkside that added to their win column.
• Ella Mason leads her team with 149 points, averaging 14.9 per game, ranking fourth in the GLIAC in scoring. The sophomore guard is shooting 42.5 percent from the field. Soraya Timms and Janie Tormanen also average double figures, with Timms at 11.0 points and Tormanen at 10.3. Kendall Standest leads the team in rebounds with 62, averaging 6.2 per game.
• Head coach Sam Clayton enters her eighth season with a 95–45 record, including two NCAA Tournament appearances. She is joined by associate head coach Elisa Pietila and assistant coach Ward Helakoski.

Live Coverage: 
Thursday, Jan. 2 vs. Northern Michigan (1:00 p.m.) - Live Video ($) - Live Stats
Saturday, Jan. 3 vs. Michigan Tech (1:00 p.m.) - Live Video ($) - Live Stats

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