Lady Raiders hope to get back on track in Lincoln

Kristy Curry and the Texas Tech women's basketball team are nowhere near the panic button.

After losing three consecutive games following halftime leads, the Lady Raiders are focused simply on getting back on track.

They'll have to do so on the road at 7:05 p.m. today against a Nebraska team that will be looking for its second Big 12 Conference victory.

And as daunting as conference road games can be, some of Tech's best moments have came away from United Spirit Arena.

"These kids have really responded well on the road," Curry said. "You have to feel good about that."

Tech lost at No. 14 Oklahoma and No. 1 Baylor last week on the road despite outplaying both teams for the first 20 minutes.

The Lady Raiders ( 16-4, 3-3 in Big 12) had won four in a row away from USA before last week.

"It's like a weird thing when we play away," sophomore point guard Monique Smalls said. "We have more energy and the fans are booing us so we just want to shut them up and score. It's tough to play at the opponents' house, but it gives us that energy."

Nebraska (11-8, 1-4) is still trying to find its identity after losing a senior class that included All-American Kelsey Griffin.

The Cornhuskers put together a remarkable run during the 2009-10 season, going undefeated in conference before getting bounced from the NCAA tournament by Oklahoma in the Sweet 16.

"They miss their entire senior class," Curry said. "That was one of the best senior classes in Big 12 history. It takes some time to get it back, and they're in that building mode again."

Nebraska trounced Tech 87-49 in Lubbock last season, but the two teams seem to be going in different directions in 2011.

In conference play, Nebraska ranks 11th in scoring offense and scoring defense. The Huskers rank ninth in rebounding margin and 10th in turnover margin.

"As long as we bounce back I think we'll have success," sophomore guard Casey Morris said. "I think these games will be a challenge for us to show that we do have heart and we do think we can get all the way to the NCAA tournament and further."

Curry said she will continue to start Chynna Brown in place of Jordan Barncastle and hopes her junior forward can be a spark off the bench.

"That's the challenge to her right now," Curry said.

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