Tina Nicholson was gaining speed on Indiana guard Emma Urzua. In seconds, she swiped the ball away from the Hoosier, but her tiny legs were already in overdrive. Unable to stop herself, she and the ball flew off court.

The miss was soon forgotten. As Nicholson stopped herself with a smile, the crowd exploded with applause and a standing ovation. Already up 80-51, the Lady Lions had room to try some fancy moves.

"We should write a program article about her every night," Coach Rene Portland said of her pupil on the No. 3 women's basketball team (12-0, 4-0 in the Big Ten). "She was on fire."

Since the start of the season, each Lady Lion has taken turns at being the standout. This weekend was Nicholson's turn.

The sophomore guard broke her career-scoring record of 18 points with a 22-point frenzy against Indiana on Friday, leading her teammates to a 94-66 victory.

"We just wanted to get a win," Nicholson said. "We just got out there and played our game, basically."

Nicholson said she felt more comfortable on court after her team jumped out to a 17-0 lead.

"A lot of people think I'm just for the drive, but I have an outside shot," she said. "I just have to show it a little more."

Nicholson notched nine assists and had only one turnover against Indiana. She had six turnovers last weekend against Illinois.

"(Against Illinois) she basically told me she was 'playing like crap, get me out,' " Portland said. "I said finish it. She is very, very wise in taking her game and really studying the films. She spends a lot of time in the office getting ready for games, and it's showing off."

Nicholson continued her stellar run in Sunday's 62-56 triumph over No. 13 Purdue. She again led her teammates in points with 17. In both games, Nicholson sank three 3-point shots, another career high.

Nicholson said she has plenty of time to work on her jump shots while at home.

"When I play at the parks at home, I have to work on the outside shots because the guys are too big," Nicholson said. "I'm afraid to go down there and get hurt."

Portland said "control" would be the right word to describe Nicholson's performance so far this year, a sharp contrast to last season.

"Last year it was ugly," Portland said. "She was out of control. She didn't really have a jump shot, she certainly didn't have a 3-pointer. She really was tunnel-visioned on her game. This year she's really under control -- sees the clock, sees her teammates, sets people up."

Just ask junior guard Katina Mack. The team's leading scorer spent the whole Indiana game playing catch-up with her teammate -- in more ways than one.

"She's always running, so it makes me want to run," Mack said. "I see Tina come flying past me, I know I'm slacking."

Although she came close, Mack had to settle for just 21 points.

"Tina's a trip," Mack said. "She's the smartest point guard I've played with . . . she handles herself real well on the court."

Purdue guard Jennifer Jacoby was also impressed with Nicholson's talent. The junior was in the unfortunate position of trying to stop the Lady Lion Sunday.

"Tina Nicholson is just a little fire bug," Jacoby said. "She's quick, she's all over you. She's a great defensive player -- she runs the floor well."

Purdue Coach Lin Dunn was all praise after her team was defeated Sunday -- and not just for Nicholson.

"I want to compliment Jennifer because she played almost the entire game with Tina Nicholson all over her, and only had one turnover," she said. "That's a tribute to her ability."

Indeed, a tribute to both.