Griffin provides needed spark for Huskers

For much of Friday's 63-46 victory over Kansas State in the second round of the Big 12 Conference Tournament, the Nebraska women's basketball team appeared to finally feel the pressure of its undefeated record and No. 1 tournament seed. 
The Huskers struggled with their shooting, especially from 3-point range, where they missed their first eighteen attempts. They had trouble with Kansas State's ball pressure, turning the ball over 12 times and collecting just eight assists. 
The solution to NU's offensive struggles? Give the ball to Kelsey Griffin.
It ended up being that simple in the second half. After a solid but unspectacular first half (8 points, 5 rebounds), Griffin took over after intermission. After Cory Montgomery hit two free throws to start the half, Griffin ripped off 16 of the Huskers' next 20 points before leaving the game for the final time with just under eight minutes left. She made all five of her attempts from the field and all six from the free-throw line in the second half.
She also pulled down five rebounds during the 10-minute stretch and took two charges.
"She kind of has a way of doing that," NU head coach Connie Yori said. "When you have a variety of ways you can score, you have the capability of taking over the game like she did during that section."
Griffin said much of her success had to do with NU getting back to their style of play in the second half.
"We knew we needed to do a better job in transition," Griffin said. "It's harder for me to be double-teamed and things like that. So I think we really just played more of our basketball."
Griffin was also frustrated Ashley Sweat, the Wildcats' leading scorer this season. Sweat shot just 4-for-14, scoring eight points, less than half of her season average.
"Kelsey Griffin is a great player. We all know that," Sweat said. "Great players are going to have halves like that."
Kansas State coach Deb Patterson had nothing but good things to say about the player who essentially ended her team's season.
"I've always been a huge fan of hers," Patterson said. "Players like Kelsey Griffin are just special. She's got a great drive, but it's the maturity that she competes with and the confidence that's made the game easier for everyone around her."
The double-double was Griffin's 18th of the season and the 38th of her career. It was also the 100th time she has scored in double figures.
As usual, the Big 12 Player of the Year refused to take credit for burying the Wildcats. 
"My teammates do a great job of putting me in successful positions," Griffin said. "I don't feel like I have to take anything upon myself. I just kind of let the game come to me."