CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — The Northern Iowa Panthers and Southern Illinois Salukis will meet for the second time this season in a Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday at SIU Arena. The Panthers (12-12, 5-8 MVC) enter with momentum after a 91-79 home victory over Indiana State on Feb. 12, powered by a career-high 32 points from standout forward Ryley Goebel. Northern Iowa dominated the previous meeting with Southern Illinois, winning 91-64 in Cedar Falls on Jan. 4. Goebel has been a force for UNI, averaging 15.9 points over her last seven games. Her most remarkable performance was a triple-double at Drake on Feb. 1, where she recorded 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks. She is complemented by guards Jenna Twedt and Kaylynn Janes, who combined for 41 points in the win over Indiana State. The Southern Illinois Salukis (9-14, 5-8) look to defend their home court and avenge January’s lopsided loss. They are coming off a narrow 56-53 home loss to Bradley on Feb. 15, despite a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double from forward Indya Green. Green has been a consistent performer for SIU, posting double-doubles in two of her last five contests, including a 29-point, 14-rebound effort in a win at Valparaiso on Feb. 7. Guard Alayna Kraus, who scored 18 against Bradley, provides perimeter scoring. Both teams are tied in the conference standings at 5-8, making this a pivotal game for seeding ahead of the MVC tournament. Northern Iowa seeks its first road win since Feb. 1, while Southern Illinois aims to build on a recent stretch that saw them win three of four games before the Bradley loss. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. The Panthers visit Evansville on Saturday, while the Salukis travel to Indiana State.