NU Women Stand Undefeated

No I’m not talking about the football team, volleyball team or even the women’s bowling squad, this is basketball season! The Lady Huskers have exploded onto the Women’s College Basketball scene, running out to a 21-0 record, including a 6-0 record against ranked teams so far this year. In a league with seven ranked teams-- likely the toughest conference in the nation-- the Huskers are 8-0.

Led by senior forward Kelsey Griffin, who is currently the only player in the Big 12 that is averaging a double-double, the Huskers are projected to be a number one team in upcoming March Madness tournament.

Currently ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press poll and No. 4 in the Coaches’ poll, the Huskers have been one of the biggest surprises this year in college basketball. One of only two undefeated teams left in college basketball, No. 1 ranked Connecticut being the other, Nebraska is looking to make a splash in the upcoming championship tourney. The team is finally getting the national attention they deserve. Head coach Connie Yori has said even she has been surprised at times by the Lady Huskers play this season. “I didn’t expect this, but I thought we’d play well,” Yori said after the No. 4 Huskers beat No. 11 Oklahoma State 88-67.

“At times, this group has kept me speechless, and that’s really hard. Because if anybody knows me, they know that I love to ramble.”

The Huskers certainly are giving people something to ramble about. Oklahoma State head coach Kurt Budke said after the loss last week, “Besides Connecticut and Stanford, I’m not sure who has a better starting five. Because they can score from all five positions.” If the Huskers want to keep this undefeated streak alive and make a Final Four run in March they will certainly need to score from all five positions. With regular season games against No. 20 Iowa State and No. 12 Oklahoma still left on the Huskers schedule, a regular season Big 12 trophy is not completely wrapped up.

Not only do the Huskers want to finish strong in the Big 12, but also to have momentum going into the championship tourney. With undefeated and perennial power-house Connecticut still playing the role of bully it will take a lot for any team, including the Huskers, to compete.

Luckily for the Huskers, they may have one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the nation. She is an expert at preparing her ladies for battle. With team unity, a senior leader and a defense that is only allowing 55.6 points per game, the Huskers just may have a shot.

Hopefully for Husker nation, the Lady Huskers will not get overwhelmed by the new found attention and hype and stay humble in their quest for a championship, something that has eluded Husker nation for way too long.