The seniors of the Big Ten find themselves in an unusual position — looking up to a pair of freshmen.

Two out of the top three conference scorers are freshmen — Penn State's Kelly Mazzante leads the league scoring at a 18.3 points per game clip and Minnesota's Lindsay Whalen is third in the league, throwing in 17.5 ppg.

The two newcomers bookend Iowa junior Lindsay Meder.

"She's a real treat," Penn State coach Rene Portland said of her young gun. "We've never had a freshman like this. And a lot of it has to do with her quickness or her release and her understanding of the game."

Helping out a lot

Ohio State senior Jamie Lewis broke Ohio State's school assist record on Sunday during the Buckeye's game against Purdue. With six assists in the game, she passed Yvette Angel's mark of 562 assists.

"It's kind of ironic because her first year was my first year," Ohio State head coach Beth Burns. "The Ohio State team had graduated their starting backcourt prior to my arrival and she was the only guard on the roster.

"I was like, 'Hi, Jamie. How are you? You're about to play 40 minutes a game in the Big Ten.' I think she's been blessed with an incredible amount of minutes by circumstance.I think she's worked very, very hard."

A bad week

Going into the week, No.6 Purdue was undefeated in conference, breezing through opponents. However, during the Boilermaker's trip to Iowa City, Iowa, the wind stopped.

The Boilermakers lost to Iowa, 96-87. Then, they got a scare from Ohio State, despite the fact the Buckeyes have only won four conference games. Purdue managed to get out of Columbus with a 74-71 double overtime win.

"We just played a pretty darn good game against Purdue," Burns said.

Purdue coach Kristy Curry said her practices helped her team down the stretch at Ohio State.

We try to put them in a lot of pressure situations in practice," Purdue coach Kristy Curry said.

Despite their disappointing week, the Boilermakers can still clinch at least a share of the conference title against Indiana tomorrow night.

Player of the year?

Boilermakers' senior Katie Douglas was named a finalist for Naismith Player of the Year award. Douglas is one of 15 finalists for the award.

"Her versatility makes her special," Curry said. She's a leader, on the floor and off the floor."

Douglas has also earned the praise of opposing coaches.

"She's just such a winner," Indiana coach Kathi Bennett said.

"She just finds a way to get it done. Everything that she's been a part of turns to gold. She's so complete."

Quote of the week

"With the ranking, it's nice, but it wasn't one of our goals.

"Our goals evolve more around the Big Ten standings and the NCAA Tournament. This is just a nice byproduct. I certainly don't want the players to feel added pressure because of a ranking."

— Iowa coach Lisa Bluder on being ranked during her first season at the helm of the Hawkeyes