Huskers Vault to 18th in USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll

Lincoln? The Nebraska women’s basketball team made the nation’s largest leap, climbing five spots to No. 18 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 released on Tuesday afternoon.

 

The Huskers, who entered the week 10-0 with the longest winning streak and best start in school history, are the first undefeated team nationally to reach 10 victories this season. NU is one of only 13 unbeaten teams in the country entering the week.

 

While Nebraska moved to No. 18 in the coaches’ poll, the Huskers’ upcoming opponent, LSU, also climbed one spot to No. 9 in the rankings. The Tigers (7-0) have advanced to five of the past six NCAA Women’s Final Fours. LSU is also unbeaten heading into tonight’s game with Houston Baptist at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, La., in the opening round of the Sue Gunter Classic. LSU plays again Wednesday night, facing the winner of Louisiana-Lafayette and North Carolina A&T.

 

Nebraska’s top-20 showdown with LSU will be the Tigers’ first game outside of the state of Louisiana this season. LSU is No. 5 in the AP Top 25, while the Huskers were No. 20 in the writers’ poll released on Monday.

 

“It is exciting to have people talking about a big game between top 20 teams at the Devaney Center, especially in December,” Nebraska Coach Connie Yori said. “Our players have earned their top 20 rankings not only because they are 10-0, but because they are putting in the work and they are focused on getting better. We would love to have a great crowd at the Devaney Center on Sunday, because we know our crowd can help make a difference in the outcome.”

 

Nebraska vs. LSU Game Promotions
Several promotions have been announced in conjunction with the LSU game. Nebraska has designated the game as part of the NCAA Pack the House Challenge, which is a nationwide marketing effort by the NCAA to attract more interest to the game of women’s basketball. It will also be Girl Scouts Day and Spotlight on Schools Appreciation Day. Members of the TeamMates mentoring program will also be recognized for their service to youth.

 

Nebraska also announced on Tuesday that Santa will be in attendance at both the men’s and women’s basketball games at the Devaney Center this weekend. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras to take photos of their children with Santa, beginning 90 minutes before tip-off at both games in the Northwest Concourse. Youngsters are also encouraged to bring their letters for Santa to be delivered to the United States Postal Service.

 

The Nebraska men’s basketball team takes on Jackson State on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m.

 

Tickets for both games start at just $5. Youth tickets are just $3 to Nebraska women’s basketball games and children 6 and under and UNL students with ID are always admitted free to watch the Husker women play.