The Nebraska women’s basketball team is gearing up for March Madness.
Making their third NCAA Tournament appearance in four years, the Huskers aim to replicate last year’s success by advancing to the Round of 32. Following a quarterfinal defeat to UCLA, the eventual Big Ten champion, Nebraska secured the No. 10 seed in the Birmingham 3 bracket against No. 7 Louisville. This matchup will take place in Fort Worth, although Nebraska faced delays in travel arrangements.
A win in the opening round would be a positive outcome for a season that has been marred by injuries to key players, including the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year Natalite Potts and point guard Allison Weidner. A victory would likely set up a confrontation with TCU, the No. 2 seed in their region.
Here’s essential information as Nebraska prepares to face Louisville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night in Texas.
Overview of Louisville
Louisville Team Insights
Head Coach: Jeff Walz – 18th Season | 485-145 Record (.770) at Louisville & Overall | 16 NCAA Tournament Appearances, 2 NCAA Runner-Up Titles, 4 Final Four Showings, 4 Elite Eights, and 4 Sweet 16s | 4 ACC Regular Season Championships, 1 ACC Tournament Title | Historical Winningest Coach in Louisville Women’s Basketball.
All-Time Series: Louisville holds a 3-1 advantage (last meeting on November 29, 2018, a 85-68 victory for Louisville).
ACC Regular Season Finish: 13-5, Tied for 4th Place.
ACC Tournament Result: Lost 61-48 to No. 3 seed Duke in the quarterfinals.
All-ACC Honors: Jayda Curry, Sr., G (First Team) | Tajianna Roberts, Fr., G (Second Team and Freshman Team).
Notable Victories: #11 Duke (70-62), #13 Georgia Tech (69-60), #14 Clemson (70-68 in OT), #21 Cal (70-63), #21 Florida State (83-69).
Projected Starting Lineup: Nyla Harris (9.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG) | Olivia Cochran (10.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG) | Imari Berry (5.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG) | Ja’Leah Williams (7.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG) | Tajianna Roberts (13.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG).
Outlook: Amid difficulties faced by the Louisville men’s basketball team, Coach Jeff Walz has developed a women’s basketball program recognized for its consistent success, with four Final Four appearances and two national runner-up finishes. His record of 16 NCAA tournament appearances across 18 seasons and four ACC regular season titles underscores the Cardinals’ enduring excellence.
This season has been consistent, with the team finishing fourth in the ACC. Leading the squad is first-team All-ACC guard Jayda Curry, who averages 13.4 points per game and ranks second with 3.1 assists per game but has missed both ACC tournament games due to a shoulder injury. Dominant 6-foot-3 forward Olivia Cochran averages 10.1 points and leads with 6.7 rebounds. Additionally, 6-foot-2 forward Nyla Harris contributes an average of nine points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 31 appearances. Tajianna Roberts highlights the team’s bright future, showcasing a 13.1 PPG average while being recognized on the All-ACC second team and ranking among team leaders with 51 three-pointers.
Though Louisville is entering the tournament having dropped three of its last five matches, it’s essential to note that two of those losses were against ranked opponents (No. 3 Notre Dame & No. 9 North Carolina).
Alexis Markowski will face challenges against Louisville’s strong post defense, but her contribution will be crucial for Nebraska’s ambition to secure back-to-back NCAA Tournament victories.
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