By Chris Moore, CF.com women’s basketball blogger Here’s a look at the opening weekend in Big 12 women’s basketball.
Iowa State (12-1) – Iowa State finished off their non-conference schedule on a 11-game win streak and start conference play ranked 23rd. Allison Lacey continues to impress as she still leads the nation in assist to turnover ratio. As a team, Iowa State is ranked first in 3-point shooting percentage. The Cyclones have dominated most of their games so far this year but that will probably not be the case for long as the tough Big 12 season begins tomorrow, as Nebraska will be in town.
Kansas State (8-6) – The Wildcats will look to rebound from a conference worst 8-6 start when they enter Big 12 play. K-State took care of Yale and UC Davis to finish off non-conference play and will host conference rival Kansas on Saturday.
Kansas (10-3) – The Jayhawks will limp into conference play after losing to New Mexico State. Crystal Boyd hit a free throw with .8 seconds left in the game to end the then 21st ranked Jayhawks seven game winning streak. On the bright side of things, Danielle McCray continues to play well as she has been in double figures in scoring each game this year. The Jayhawks should be able to rebound as they go to Kansas State tomorrow.
Nebraska (13-0) – Surprise! The Cornhuskers are off to their best start in school history and are ranked at 12th in the current polls. The Huskers are led by Kelsey Griffin, who has five double doubles and is shooting an amazing 63.6 percent from the field. That stat puts her third in the nation. Nebraska will travel to Ames for a top 25 match-up tomorrow.
Colorado (10-3) – The Buffaloes come into conference play with a respectable 10-3 record. The latest setback being against a top 25 team Virginia. Colorado is a team that should not be overlooked because of all of the experience this team has. Colorado opens up conference play with Missouri coming to town tomorrow.
Missouri (10-3) – Missouri enters Big 12 play on a sour note after losing to 14th ranked Xavier. The reason I say sour is because the Tigers were only down by four with two minutes to go but could not finish the comeback. Missouri will look to bounce back tomorrow when they head to Boulder.
Oklahoma (10-3) – The 14th ranked Sooners were on a six game winning streak. Then they played Tennessee. The Sooners are really hard to read right now because they have no really impressive wins. But Amanda Thompson is playing really well for them right now and will continue to be the key to Oklahoma’s success. The Sooners host Texas Tech tomorrow.
Oklahoma State (12-2) – The Cowgirls finished non-conference play on an eight game winning streak but I wouldn’t look for that to continue. Oklahoma State opens conference play with the best team in the conference, fifth-ranked Baylor on Saturday.
Texas (10-3) – The 20th (because I do not think they currently deserve AP’s 15th ranking) ranked Longhorns finished their non-conference schedule strong but still have a lot to prove. They will get that chance when they go up against an aggressive Texas A&M tomorrow. Texas A&M (12-1) – The 10th ranked Aggies were nearly flawless in their non-conference schedule with the one loss coming against TCU. The Aggies will face a team that in my opinion is looking for a statement game at Texas. This could either be a huge upset or another win for their resume.
Texas Tech (12-2) – The Lady Raiders lost a head scratcher against Tulane this week and like Texas, they are still looking for that statement win. They will get their chance tomorrow against 15th ranked Oklahoma.
Baylor (11-1) – Britney Griner received another player of the week award as Baylor just keeps on winning. The fifth-ranked Bears beat down Texas State 99-18 and Griner threw down two dunks in the contest. Baylor is one team no one wants to see right now as they take their 13-game winning streak to Oklahoma State tomorrow.
