LINCOLN — Nebraska's Dominique Kelley was on a mission during the second half of her team's loss to Texas A&M last weekend, dropping in 15 of her 18 points after halftime during an 80-70 loss.

That Big 12 tournament semifinal was largely decided moments into the second half, and Kelley said afterward that she wanted to avoid embarrassment. It was the primary reason for her heightened level of offensive aggressiveness.

But it showed that the junior guard from Lincoln Northeast can be a lethal scorer every time down the floor. She just needs an occasional reminder.

“Coach was telling me I had to be a little bit more aggressive than I normally am, and that they needed me to step up and make big plays,” Kelley said. “I'm not really afraid or scared. I want to play where I can help my team benefit, and if it's that way, then so be it.”

Don't get the idea that Kelley has been unreliable this season.

She's averaging 12 points per game, tying senior Vonnie Turner for third on the team. Kelley has finished only four Big 12 contests in single digits.

And her 149 made free throws rank second in school history — behind the 168 made this season by Kelsey Griffin.

But Kelley's second half explosion against A&M certainly proves that she's difficult to slow down, especially when she's trying to assert herself as a scorer. Coach Connie Yori has seen that all year.

So as soon as Griffin left last weekend's game with foul trouble, Yori made sure to remind Kelley of her importance.

“We told (Kelley) in the huddle that she needed to be one of the kids that was more aggressive,” Yori said. “She has that ability.”

From a distance, Kelley doesn't exactly appear to be a dangerous offensive weapon. She's just 5-foot-7. She has a quick first step, but she's not exceptionally speedy.

But her muscular build gives her the strength and physicality necessary to make up for the size disadvantage. Plus, she's fearless, according to senior Cory Montgomery.

“She's going up against post players and she'll go up and finish strong. That's just her personality,” Montgomery said. “She's going to make a play, you can count on that.”

Kelley plays mostly on the wing for Nebraska, a preseason position switch made possible by the arrival of freshman point guard Lindsey Moore.

Kelley still winds up with the basketball in her hands quite often. And when she has it, she has the ability to drive powerfully toward the rim, embracing contact along the way.

Nebraska's offense has been slumping of late, and if the Huskers are desperate for points when the NCAA tournament begins this weekend, they might need another lift from Kelley. she knows she's capable.

“To me, it doesn't really matter where coach Yori uses me,” Kelley said. “I just want to be on the floor, helping my team be as productive as we can be.”

Contact the writer:

402-473-9585, jon.nyatawa@owh.com

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