Northern Iowa (13-16, 2-7)

at Creighton (15-15, 7-2)

When: Today, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.

Where: Omaha, Neb. (Rosenblatt Stadium, today and Saturday; CU Sports Complex, Sunday)

Radio/Internet: KQMG (95.3 FM)/www.unipanthers.com

Last time out: UNI had 16 hits and scored 11 runs in the first two innings to pound South Dakota State Wednesday, 14-4. Creighton pounded Nebraska 15-0 in Lincoln Tuesday.

Series: Creighton leads 45-28, including a 5-2 advantage in the last seven games. UNI did take two of three at Riverfront Stadium last season.

Probable pitching matchups (UNI listed first): Today (Nick Kirk, 3-2, 2.88 ERA vs. Jeremy Hauer, 0-5, 5.18); Saturday (Derek Ott, 1-3, 5.50 ERA vs. Jonas Dufek, 2-4, 4.10); Sunday (Carlos Pinedo 1-4, 6.10 ERA vs. Greg Hellhake, 2-1, 4.50).

Series notes: UNI's Deric Manrique, who broke Eric Snider's school record for career stolen bases last weekend, has swiped 70 bases in his 2 1/2 seaons with the Panthers. He is 22-for-24 this year. … Five of the Panthers' nine MVC games have been decided by one run, with UNI 1-4 in those games. … UNI catcher Jeff Taliaferro is hitting .465 during the last 11 games, while senior reliever Zach Zirbel boasts a team-best 0.92 ERA in 19 2/3 innings pitched. … Creighton, hitting .310 as a team, is led by Robbie Knight's .361 average and .490 on-base percentage. TJ Roemmich and Darin Ruf are tied for the team lead with six HRs.

Quoting UNI coach Rick Heller:

"Creighton is playing extremely well. They're one of the best teams in the league and one of the best-coached teams in the league. They'll be a tough challenge for us."

Around the Valley this weekend: Evansville (3-6) at Wichita State (3-1); Bradley (0-4) at Indiana State (4-3); Missouri State (5-0) at Illinois State (4-3); Jacksonville State at Southern Illinois .

On deck: UNI returns home for a non-conference tilt against NAIA Grand View Wednesday at 6 p.m.

- Compiled by Matt Coss, Courier Sports Writer