After a hard-fought 82-70 victory over North Dakota State, the Nebraska women”s basketball team is set to face Oral Roberts on November 19. Head coach Amy Williams addressed the media to discuss the team”s performance and the upcoming challenge.
Nebraska returns home on Wednesday night, looking to enhance its execution, rebounding, and defensive discipline. Williams reviewed game footage from the match against North Dakota State and noted, “It was a little worse than we thought.” She acknowledged the quality of their opponent, emphasizing the physical nature of the game, which exposed areas needing improvement.
The most significant concern highlighted was rebounding, as Nebraska allowed 13 offensive boards, a surprising statistic for a team usually focused on that aspect. “That”s something we”ve been talking about taking a lot of pride in,” Williams stated. With Alexis Markowski absent from the lineup, the team must rely on collective effort in this area.
Williams also pointed out the challenges posed by the Bison”s ball-screen offense, which her team needs to work on improving. However, there were notable performances, particularly from the frontcourt. Sophomore Amiah Hargrove had a standout game, scoring a career-high 17 points and showcasing the physicality needed on the court. “Thank goodness she got on the bus,” Williams joked, acknowledging Hargrove”s crucial contribution when the offense struggled.
Junior forward Jessica Petrie added 12 points and provided stability to the group, with Williams praising her versatility on both ends of the floor. The team”s depth is also growing, as Eliza Maupin appears more confident following her injury, and Petra Bozan is beginning to show her potential in practice.
As for the backcourt, sophomore guard Britt Prince continues to make strides, particularly in her ball-handling skills. Williams attributes much of her progress to graduate assistant and former professional player Marissa Kastanek, who has been instrumental in her development.
Redshirt freshman Kennadi Williams has also made a significant impact since returning from knee injuries. Her energy and toughness have been vital for the team, and Williams remarked on her determination to capitalize on every opportunity. “She”s just so hungry. She doesn”t take any opportunity for granted,” Williams noted.
Defensively, Kennadi offers a unique edge, demonstrating an ability to disrupt opposing ball-handlers. Williams believes this style contributes positively to the team”s overall defense.
Looking ahead to the matchup with Oral Roberts, Williams stressed the need for a quick adjustment. The Golden Eagles employ a dribble-drive offense that emphasizes penetration and creative scoring, differing significantly from the physical style Nebraska faced against North Dakota State. “Oral Roberts is going to be uniquely different,” Williams explained.
The quick turnaround means Nebraska must recalibrate its defensive strategies swiftly. Williams highlighted the importance of limiting drives, maintaining defensive positioning, and contesting shots effectively. After allowing 13 offensive rebounds in the last game, securing the glass will be critical, regardless of the opponent.
“We really need to finish defensive possessions with rebounds,” Williams reiterated. If the Huskers can effectively manage drives, protect the paint, and secure rebounds, they will set themselves up for success as they head into the Emerald Coast Classic in Florida next week.
Wednesday night represents another opportunity for Nebraska to progress. As the team continues to develop, the challenge against Oral Roberts will provide a crucial test for their growth. With a focused approach, the Huskers aim to head into Thanksgiving with momentum, ready to tackle the demands of the season ahead.
