Nebraska women’s basketball, under Coach Amy Williams, is striving for real victories amid challenges in the Big Ten Conference. The team, currently 16-7 overall and 5-7 in the Big Ten, has faced tough competition, recently losing to No. 9 Ohio State and No. 8 Michigan. During a recent appearance on the Huskers Radio Network, Williams discussed these recent games and the team’s determination to move forward.
A Quest for Improvement
The Huskers have struggled against ranked teams, with an 0-5 record this season against opponents in the Associated Press Top 25. Despite being ranked in the top 25 from December 8 to January 19, they have faced defeats against several ranked opponents, including:
- No. 10 Iowa
- No. 2 UCLA
- No. 12 Michigan State
- No. 9 Ohio State
- No. 8 Michigan
In their latest game against Michigan, despite a 12-point loss, the team showed resilience. Coach Williams acknowledged their competitive spirit, saying, “For about three quarters, we played toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country.” The focus remains on improving and seeking opportunities to win against top-ranked teams.
Key Player Updates
One notable return for the Huskers includes junior Jessica Petrie, who played for the first time since suffering an injury. Petrie contributed significantly in her comeback, scoring seven points and helping the team build an early lead against Michigan. Williams praised her impact on the game, highlighting her experience and composure.
Amiiah Hargrove also emerged as a vital player for Nebraska, scoring 16 points against Michigan and demonstrating increased confidence in recent matchups. The coaching staff has noted that Hargrove and leading scorer Britt Prince are vital for the Huskers’ potential success.
Challenges on the Court
Despite individual improvements, Nebraska has struggled with turnovers. In the last two games, they committed 15 against Michigan and 20 against Ohio State. Williams recognized this as a critical area needing improvement to compete against higher-ranked teams. “We just have to find a way to finish defensive possessions with the ball,” she stated.
Upcoming Matchup
The Huskers are set to face another challenge as they host No. 22 Maryland this Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. CST in Lincoln. Nebraska aims to overcome their recent setbacks and secure their first win against a top-ranked opponent this season.
