After a trying week, the Ohio State women’s basketball team (15-8, 7-5 Big Ten) goes for a third straight win as the Buckeyes take on the Northwestern Wildcats tonight at St. John Arena.

The Buckeyes spent Tuesday and yesterday at the viewing and funeral for Caity Matter’s brother, Ricky, who was killed in an automobile accident Saturday in the Matters’ hometown of Bluffton, Ohio.

Less than 48 hours after the accident, Matter led the Buckeyes to an upset of No. 15 Michigan State, scoring 23 points and going 7-of-11 from the field and 6-of-9 from three-point range.

Matter’s teammates could not praise her performance enough.

“I can’t even describe how strong she’s been,” junior forward Michelle Munoz said. “I totally look up to her.”

The unfortunate circumstances appeared to motivate her teammates.

“We played that one for Caity,” freshman forward Stephanie Blanton said.

Coach Jim Foster preferred to focus on the team’s upcoming challenge.

“We talk reality with our players all the time,” Foster said. “It’s part of the job.”

For her performance, Matter was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time at OSU.

The Wildcats are a different team than the one OSU obliterated 77-35 Jan. 11. Northwestern has many of their injured players back.

“They have their players back and are playing very well,” Foster said. “They are a dangerous team this time of year.”

Things are far better for the Buckeyes on the court, as they have beaten two straight ranked opponents in Minnesota and Michigan State and have won five of their last six.

“We’re doing good things on the floor,” Foster said. “We are getting better at the right time.”

Matter leads the Buckeyes averaging 15 points per game and following close behind are Jessica Davenport and LaToya Turner averaging 12.6 and 12.4, respectively.

“Turner is playing like a senior – it’s just comes easy,” Foster said. “Her experience oozes and helps other players.”

The Buckeyes will be without Munoz, who has a knee injury.

“I’m just praying it gets better,” Munoz said.

The Buckeyes are finishing their regular season and are focused on locking up a berth in the NCAA tournament which OSU will host at St. John Arena.

“For these last four games everyone needs to step up and play their role,” Blanton said.

Foster sees it more simply.

“We need more wins,” he said smiling.