Nebraska and Purdue Rivalry

There is a bit of history here worth reviewing. When the University of Nebraska joined the Big 10 conference in 2011, Coach Connie Yori was in a rebuilding year with her team. The stars that led Nebraska to their first ever record-setting Big 12 basketball championship in 2009-2010 had graduated. After a grueling 2010-11 losing season, the Husker women hoped to rebound and make their presence known in the Big 10 conference.

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Purdue has been dominating B1g Ten women’s basketball for a decade or more. Their 2012 tournament team was led by K. K. Houser, a standout at Lincoln Southeast (NE), who chose to take her talents to Purdue. Nebraska turned out to be the  “Cinderella” of the Big 10 tournament in March of 2012, meeting Purdue at the Championship game. Huskers battled hard through 2 OTs only to finally succumb to Purdue. It was a hard loss to swallow and there began the “rivalry.”

Fast forward to Jan. 19th, 2015. The four senior starters for Nebraska – Hailie Sample, Emily Cady, Tear’a Laudermill and Brandy Jeffery, were on that 2012 B1g Ten tournament team. The losing streak of 5 games to Purdue was big on their minds as they came out for the opening tip last night. They had unfinished business with Purdue and a desire to post a “W” in their senior season campaign.

Jan 16, 2013; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers mascot Herbie Husker poses with Cornhuskers cheerleaders during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in the first half. Purdue won 65-56. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

As the iconic Yogi Berra once commented, the game “ain’t over until it is over!” Husker Coach, Connie Yori and Purdue Coach, Sharon Versyp, veterans of many spectacular games over the years, would not disagree with that quip. Preparing for the second half tip Monday night, both coaches stood in front of their respective benches wondering what further drama the remaining 20 minutes would hold. Coach Yori, with great respect for Purdue, has seen many Purdue comebacks and knew no lead was safe.

Coach Versyp had also been in this spot before. Her young and somewhat inexperienced squad, led by senior Whitney Bays, has suffered some tough losses this year. Her team was behind and facing a veteran team on their home floor who had all the momentum. Huskers went into the locker room at halftime leading 33-24.

Coming out at the half, the Huskers knew a victory or a loss in this game would set the tone for the rest of the season. After having the lead as high as 12 points at times, the Huskers also battled closely, with just a few points of separation. As all storied contests go, this one has some highlights. In the win on Monday night every player on the team scored at least 1 basket!

As you know from reading Huskers “nemesis” article, you know that in the end the Huskers were victorious (69-59) against their foe! So for now, the rivalry will continue and this time ALL the Huskers walked out with the smiles. The women are in action again Thursday so stay tuned for Rosalie’s Reaction and GO BIG RED!!!