If there is any doubt, top to bottom, which conference is the toughest, that question has been answered through the first part of the season.

The Big Ten has been on top of the conference RPI standings for over a month now. Despite having no teams in the Top 10, the Big Ten has five teams in the Top 25 and eight in the Top 64.

The reason for its lofty rank could be attributed to the tough schedules that many Big Ten teams play. Penn State has two tough non-conference opponents scheduled this week right in the middle of its already strong Big Ten schedule. Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland believes playing teams like No. 20 Villanova, from the Big East, and No. 3 Kansas State, which the Lady Lions played earlier in the season, will improve her team's chances during the selection process.

Illinois women's basketball coach Theresa Grentz is a proponent of an aggressive scheduling philosophy. She added that she hopes the selection committee looks favorably upon teams with tougher schedules.

"I definitely have felt that by preparing yourself in non-conference you prepare for the conference," Grentz said.

What's the Matter?

Ohio State guard Caity Matter was named the Big Ten Player of the Week. She carried the Buckeyes to two road victories in the past week, a rare feat considering road teams have won just six games in the conference this season.

Last Thursday, she tied a school record with seven three-pointers, scored 27 points and grabbed six rebounds against Wisconsin in a 57-42 victory. On Sunday, she dropped 23 points and hit five treys in a victory over Northwestern. The sophomore had just one turnover in 63 minutes over the past week.

"She's been an opportunistic shooter," Ohio State women's basketball coach Jim Foster said. "Teams have a tendency to take away our post game, but we have been patient enough on offense to find her."

Matter is the first Buckeye to receive the honor since teammate LaToya Turner won the award on Nov. 20, 2000.

Fan support

Just two years ago, the attendance for the Purdue-Minnesota game at Minnesota was under 1,000. Sunday, 13,117 fans packed into the Williams Arena to witness No. 10 Minnesota defeat No. 12 Purdue, 90-75.

"It was just unbelievable," Minnesota women's basketball coach Pam Borton said. "As soon as I walked out I saw our crowd and I felt so confident we were going to win the game. It was one of those atmospheres that people talk about, playing on the road in the Big Ten."

Penn State also had the Bryce Jordan Center rocking to the tune of 10,032 fans. The fans were treated to a 75-70 defeat of Michigan State, but much of the ruckus looked to be caused by Kelly Mazzante bobblehead day, which had many fans out in the cold waiting to get into the BJC.