By Chris Moore, CycloneFanatic.com WBB Blogger Here’s a team-by-team look at the week that was in Big 12 women’s basketball.
Iowa State (14-3)(2-2)- The 21st ranked Cyclones took care of business this week beating a good Colorado team on the road. They then came home and defeated previously ranked Kansas. The Colorado game turned into the Alison Lacey show in the second half as she scored 18 straight points to finish off the Buffaloes. The Kansas game showed more balance on defense and offense as the Cyclones held the Big 12’s Preseason Player of the Year, Danielle McCray, to only six points and six rebounds. The Cyclones won 53-42. Next up for Iowa State is a road trip to 23rd ranked Texas on Saturday. The game will not be on TV but there will be a free stream online at http://www.TexasSports.tv/
Kansas State (10-8)(2-2)- The Wildcats started off Big 12 play 2-0, but since then have lost two straight to Oklahoma State and Colorado. This team kind of shocked me to start off 2-0, but now look like they have been brought back down to earth. It will only get worse as they will travel to Lincoln to play Nebraska tomorrow.
Kansas (11-6)(1-3)- Oh how the mighty have fallen. Well, maybe not mighty but a team that was picked to finish second in the Big 12 is currently sitting in 11th. The Jayhawks started off on the right foot this week by defeating Missouri, but then came crashing down when they went to Ames on Wednesday. Danielle McCray’s six points was the first time this season she has been held to single digits in scoring. Kansas will now face Oklahoma in Norman tomorrow.
Nebraska (16-0)(3-0)- Wow, just wow. Where did this team come from? The sixth-ranked Huskers continue to amaze me as they beat Texas by 11 then went down to Waco and beat up the Lady Bears by nine. This team is for real. The Huskers are playing so well that not even their best player was named Big 12 Player of the Week but instead, it was Yvonne Turner, who had only been averaging 10 a game. This week she went off against two of the best teams in the Big 12 and averaged 20 points, and six rebounds. The Huskers will now host Kansas State tomorrow.
Colorado (12-5)(2-2)- Colorado split their two games this week losing to Iowa State but then bounced back to defeat Kansas State. I really think this team could be the sleeper team in the Big 12 because they do have the pieces to pull off an upset and be a possible NCAA tournament team. Colorado will have that chance at an upset when they play Oklahoma State on Sunday.
Missouri (10-7)(0-4)- The Tigers are struggling right now. They are now 0-4 in the Big 12 after losing to Kansas 72-59. Oklahoma just barely slipped past Mizzou by a score of 62-61. I am really surprised by how much the Tigers have been struggling to be honest with you. They almost have to take a moral victory from the Sooners game, just because that’s what the way I expected them to play. It only gets worse as they will play Baylor on Saturday.
Oklahoma (13-4)(3-1)- The 13th ranked Sooners are on a roll right now after beating then eight-ranked Texas A&M and then defeating a veteran Missouri squad. I really didn’t expect much from this team after they lost Whitney Hand but they really surprised me with that win over A&M. It just goes to show that anyone can beat anyone at any time. Next up is Kansas tomorrow.
Oklahoma State (15-3)(3-1)- The 17th ranked Cowgirls went 1-1 this week by beating Kansas State followed up by a loss to Texas. This is still a team to look out for, as they are really talented. Personally, I can’t wait for Riley to graduate just because she’s that good. Oklahoma State will travel to Colorado on Sunday.
Texas (13-5)(2-2)- The 23rd ranked Longhorns bounced back with two wins this week. Texas beat Texas Tech in double overtime then shocked Oklahoma State to remain a roster to look out for. Next up, Texas will host Iowa State tomorrow.
Texas A&M (14-2)(2-1)- The ninth-ranked Aggies only played one game this week and it ended in a way that they are not used to. The Sooners defended their home court and beat Texas A&M 75-64. This is still a team that will be in the top 10 for the rest of the season in my opinion. Next up is Texas Tech tomorrow.
Texas Tech (13-4)(1-4)- The Red Raiders only played one game this week and it was a heartbreaking loss in double overtime to Texas. Tech was up by six with 22 seconds to go in the first overtime, but Texas scored three straight baskets off of turnovers and eventually beat The Red Raiders 95-90. Next up is Texas A&M on Saturday.
Baylor (14-3)(1-2)- Baylor also only played one game this week and was set back by a surprising Nebraska team. The 12th ranked Lady Bears are really struggling shooting the ball on the outside and it is starting to show as teams are just sagging in on Britney Griner. But even with that happening, Griner got her fifth Big 12 rookie of the week award. Baylor will now face Missouri tomorrow.
