Nebraska Cornhuskers
Big Ten (25-6, 12-4)
With a great mix of returning talent and a brand new building, Pinnacle Bank Arena, it has been another very strong season for the Nebraska women’s basketball program. And, as sometimes can happen when a team moves into a new building, there has not been any loss of a home court advantage.
Big Wins: 2/1 at Iowa (80-67), 2/20 at Ohio State (67-59), 2/24 Penn State (94-74)
Bad Losses: 11/30 Washington State (72-76), 1/9 at Michigan State (57-70), 1/26 at Northwestern (59-63),
Coach: Connie Yori (12 seasons at Nebraska)
Why They Can Surprise:
Nebraska is peaking at the right time in all phases of their play. This was highlighted by a systematic rout of Penn State 94-74 back on February 24th. In this game the Cornhuskers started fast and did not look back as they led by as many 32 points against a Nittany Lion team that was viewed as a top ten team heading into this matchup. Senior Jordan Hooper is another key for Nebraska if they are to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Hooper has been the model of consistency throughout her entire career as she is one of only three Cornhusker players to score over 2,000 points and collect over 1,000 rebounds in her career. Hooper can score from anywhere and that will give opposing teams problems all game long.
Why They Can Disappoint:
A couple of recurring issues have happened when Nebraska has lost games this season. They have had stretches where they have gone ice-cold shooting the basketball. The other issue has been they have not defended as well, especially from the perimeter. The loss at home to Washington State is a great example as the Cougars pulled off the upset thanks to 12 three-point shots that allowed Washington State to sprint out to as big as a 19 point lead during that game. The Cornhuskers will need to stay in rhythm at both ends of the court to succeed in the NCAA Tournament.
Probable Starters:
Rachel Theriot, Sophomore, Guard, 14.3 ppg, 6.9 apg
Tear’a Lauderhill, Junior, Guard, 11.5 ppg, 2.7 apg
Jordan Hooper, Senior, Forward, 20.3 ppg, 9.2 rpg
Emily Cady, Junior, Forward, 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg
Hailie Sample, Junior, Forward, 6.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Brandi Jeffrey, Junior, Guard, 3.9 ppg, 1.4 apg
Allie Havers, Freshman, Forward, 3.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg
Sadie Murren, Sophomore, Guard, 2.6 ppg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 75.2 (43rd in nation, 3rd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 63.1 (74, 2)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.4 (35, 5)
Field-Goal Defense: 39.4 (128, 6)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.2 (56, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 36.7 (25, 4)
Free-Throw Percentage: 78.7 (4, 1)
Rebound Margin: 5.3 (55, 4)
Assists Per Game: 16.9 (20, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.3 (34, 2)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 NCAA Round of 64 win over Chattanooga
2013 NCAA Round of 32 win over Texas A&M
2013 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Duke
2012 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Kansas
2010 NCAA Round of 64 win over Northern Iowa
2010 NCAA Round of 32 win over UCLA
2010 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Kentucky
2009 NIT Second Round loss to New Mexico
2008 NCAA Round of 64 win over Xavier
2008 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Maryland
2007 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Temple
2006 NIT First Round win over Drake
2006 NIT Second Round win over Wyoming
2006 NIT Regional Semifinal loss to Kansas State
*all team stats through 3/6
See All Women’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
