While Doc Sadler struggles to find answers for why his team didn’t bring energy in Sunday’s 69-61 loss to Minnesota, the Nebraska women’s basketball team is in the thick of a Big Ten title hunt.
And the Huskers can win this thing. It’s going to be tight and tough. But after that 93-89 three-overtime thriller at Purdue last Thursday, they can.
The race is down, in my book, to six teams, although Nos. 5 and 6 are serious (but possible) longshots (AP rankings included):
| TEAM | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Purdue | 9-2 | – | 19-5 |
| 13 Nebraska | 8-2 | .5 | 19-3 |
| 10 Ohio State | 7-2 | 1 | 20-2 |
| 18 Penn State | 8-3 | 1 | 18-5 |
| Michigan State | 6-4 | 2.5 | 14-9 |
| Michigan | 6-5 | 3 | 17-7 |
Now, to look at it, you’d think Purdue’s in the best shape. Not really. The Boilermakers now play at OSU, vs. PSU, at UM and at MSU in succession. Very tough. For three days, however, they’ll have the outright Big Ten lead.
The Buckeyes, my favorite last week, remain so. Wisconsin, Illinois and Purdue — all in a week. I’ll take Ohio State in all three.
Nebraska can effectively knock Michigan out by beating the Wolverines Thursday. After that, NU waits until Monday to play Minnesota.
Penn State gets Wisconsin and Northwestern this week. Very winnable.
Michigan State play Northwestern and Iowa, which just lost star guard Jaime Printy to a ACL injury.
The Wolverines are a long, longshot. But if they win out and somehow tie with Ohio State at 11-5 for the Big Ten title, they’ll own the tiebreaker thanks to beating OSU 73-62.
Here’s how I expect it to look by next Monday afternoon, right before NU plays Minny:
Ohio State 10-2
Nebraska 9-2
Penn State 10-3
Purdue 9-3
Michigan State 8-4
Michigan out
As I’ve said, Ohio State’s a slight favorite — at least until that final week, when the Buckeyes must travel to Penn State and Nebraska. And I do expect it to come down to the final week. With the Huskers still in the chase.
In ESPN’s Bracketology, Charlie Creme has NU as a No. 6 seed — lower than Purdue and Penn State. This is based on, I assume, non-conference schedules — the NCAA rewards tough ones, and Nebraska’s wasn’t as hard as some — but the Huskers are more in line for a No. 5 seed than Purdue, given the different conference schedules.
Michigan is hanging on for dear life in the bracket, but I don’t think the Wolverines would ever get a nod over Michigan State, which beat them twice. I think the Spartans will make the tourney while UM heads to the WNIT.
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Line from Sports Night “First we show up. Then we see what happens.”
The ‘Skers may not be the be the most skilled team or athletic team in the the Big 10 but they are the best TEAM. Chemistry, effort, talent are just components that these ladies bring to the court. Those who haven’t seem them play are missing out on a basketball wonder. Those who missed Coatney’s call on the Purdue game missed a gem as well.
Nothing like a bunch of talented well coached girls winning as they do…… Love seeing them show up the men’s program.
Keep it up Connie…we are behind you!!!!
Doc and boo boo…..take notes….