NCAA Women's Tournament Bracket: Nebraska Cornhuskers preview

Who? The Cornhuskers of Nebraska.

When do they play in the first round? They play Syracuse on Friday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

What? Initially, Cornhuskers referred to Nebraska beating Iowa- and Iowa was the team being referred to as Cornhuskers. Herbie Husker recently ditched his overalls.

Where? Lincoln, Nebraska, which is apparently a really good place to go drink.

Why? Strong RPI and good SOS.

How? They were an at-large selection.

Surprise? Predicted to finish third in the conference by the media, they ended up in seventh, eight games back of Maryland.

RPI: 34

SOS: 32

Record: 21-10 (10-8 Big Ten)

Good wins: Duke.

Bad losses: At that time, they probably shouldn't have lost at Minnesota, but that hasn't turned out to be so bad.

Who's running this show? Connie Yori, since 2002.

Extra, Extra! The Journal-Star.

Nebraska misses junior point guard Rachel Theriot, shut down for the season with injury, and the 16.5 points and 5.2 assists she brings to the table. Nobody's quite been able to match her playmaking, but others have stepped up to score. Senior guard Tear'a Laudermill is at 13.8 points for the season. Senior forward Emily Cady averages a double-double at 12.5 points and 10.3 rebounds. But the biggest step forward has been by freshman guard Natalie Romeo, who averaged only 8.7 points on the season but over 12 after Theriot's injury.