By Chris Moore, CF Women’s Basketball Blogger
The Big 12 is looking like the toughest conference in the nation once again in women’s basketball and it is going to be fun to watch as we are getting closer and closer to conference play. Here what the Big 12 looks like after a last week.
Before I begin, here’s to everyone having a fun and safe Christmas!
Big 12 Players of The Week: Player: Kelsey Griffin, Nebraska Newcomer: Brittney Griner, Baylor
Iowa State (8-1) – Iowa State went 1-0 this week beating up on in-state rival Northern Iowa. Iowa State was a little sluggish early in the game but Allison Lacey sparked the team to a 76-51 victory. Iowa State now has a break until Dec. 29, when they will host North Carolina A&T, in the Cyclone Challenge. Kansas State (6-6)- The Wildcats went 2-1 this week. Their one loss was against Hawaii by 10 points. But their wins were not all that impressive, as they were against VCU and UTSA by an average of just five points. This may be the only “down” team in the Big 12 this year. The Wildcats play UC Davis on Dec. 29.
Kansas (9-2)- Kansas is riding a six-game win streak as they went 2-0 this week. Danielle McCray scored 30 against UC Riverside and then went out and record 37 points in the win against Houston. The 21st ranked Jayhawks will play Pepperdine on Dec. 30.
Nebraska (11-0)- Last week, I wrote that the Huskers would be tested against fifth-ranked LSU. They passed with flying colors as the Huskers beat the Lady Tigers 77-63. Nebraska is now ranked 14th and is a team that everyone should take very seriously. Not that I didn’t before, but now this just makes the Big 12 that much tougher. The Huskers will play Albany on Dec. 30.
Colorado (8-2)- Colorado just blew up Southern Utah and San Jose State this week, by a combined score of 174-85. Colorado is one of those middle of the pack teams, but honestly this year with all the good teams in the Big 12, they will probably finish any where between fifth and 11th. The Buffaloes will play Grambling State on Dec. 30.
Missouri (8-2)- The Tigers went 2-0 this week as they beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Murray State. This team is in the same boat as Colorado. They are a good squad but it is so hard to predict what will happen once conference play starts. The Tigers will play North Texas on Dec. 28.
Oklahoma (9-2)- The 13th ranked Sooners beat Creighton 67-58 in their only game this week. Danielle Robinson led Oklahoma with 22 points and five assists. The Sooners will face Cal State Fullerton on Dec. 30.
Oklahoma State (9-2)– Oklahoma State only played in one game this week but that is all Andrea Riley needed, as she became the Cowgirls all-time leading scorer in the win over Oral Roberts. Oklahoma State remains just out side of the top 25 sitting at 26th. The Cowgirls will face Western Illinois on Dec. 28.
Texas (7-3)- Texas had a long break but they came back and won two games this week against Ole Miss and Texas Southern. The 17th ranked Longhorns were led by Ashley Gayle, who had 14 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in their win over Texas Southern. Texas plays Central Michigan on Dec. 28 in the University of Miami Tournament.
Texas A&M (9-1)- The 10th-ranked Aggies rebounded after their lost to TCU to beat 13th ranked Arizona State and a feisty Gonzaga team to move on to 9-1 on the season. The Aggies bounced back well and showed again that they are not a team to recon with. They forced 27 turnovers against Arizona State and 21 against Gonzaga. Texas A&M plays Prairie View A&M on Dec. 28.
Texas Tech (10-1)- The Red Raiders are on a nine game winning streak as they won two games this week. Tech snuck past UCLA by one point and beat Mercer by 11. Kierra Mallard and Ashley Roberson both had double-doubles against Mercer, with 15 points, 12 rebounds for Mallard, and 12 points 12 rebounds for Roberson. Texas Tech plays North Dakota on Dec. 28.
Baylor (11-1)- The Bears once again were led by freshmen Brittany Griner, who was awarded newcomer of the week for the third time this year. The fifth-ranked Lady Bears went 3-0 this week, beating Oral Roberts, Gonzaga, and 14th ranked Arizona State. Baylor will look to increase their 11-game win streak as they face Texas-Pan America on Dec. 30.
