Video | Audio | Live Stats | Game Notes

Over the past 10 years, games against top-five opponents are not something the Grand Valley State women's basketball team has shied away from. The No. 17 Lakers, who have not been ranked this high in the WBCA poll since Jan. 11, 2011, will get yet another chance to prove it belongs with the nation's top teams when it takes on No. 2 Lewis on Sunday (Dec. 21).
 
This will be a relatively unfamiliar stage for most of the current GVSU roster, though. With nine underclassmen and a first-year transfer on board, the majority of these Lakers don't know the feeling of being in the top 20. However, head coach Janel Burgess insists this group is not focused on what it has accomplished thus far.
 
"This team is very level-headed, very focused on the task at hand, which is being the best us that we can be," says Burgess. "Yes, it's a compliment to be ranked nationally. But, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter.
 
"It really just matters how well we are playing together and how much we are growing each day."
 
Although this is the first time since Jan. 22, 2011 GVSU will face a ranked opponent while it is inside the top 25 as well, it is not unprepared for a game of this magnitude. Earlier this season, the Lakers toppled No. 5 Gannon 95-72 at home. And the program is 5-5 in its last 10 games against top-five foes.
 
"We played a tough schedule. It hasn't been an easy walk to where we are," says Burgess. "We are very thankful for the competitiveness our young ladies show us each and every day, and the abilities to grow with the demands we're giving. We've challenged them left and right to not be complacent because we've had success."
 
GVSU will not be short on confidence either. It has won four consecutive meetings with Lewis, including a 67-59 victory over the then-No. 12 Flyers in Allendale last season.
 
This is a much different Lewis team this season, though. All of its top three scorers are back and more experienced. Plus, the return of redshirt senior guard Alexus Grayer has provided quite a lift for a lineup already featuring a pair of 17-plus point scorers.
 
"It's going to be a big challenge for us. They're ranked No. 2 in the nation for a reason," says Burgess. "We are going to have to come in and be very, very good. But we have to stay within ourselves."
 
One thing this game is sure to feature: up-tempo basketball. Both clubs thrive in transition and when playing at a fast pace. The two similar styles of play should create a thrilling back-and-forth matchup.
 
"It's going to be a heck of a game early in the season," says Burgess. "They've known this game has been looming for about a week now. It has definitely been in their minds. I'm proud we were able to get two big wins here at home headed into break, and now we have an opportunity to beat the No. 2 team in the nation."

Tip off in Romeoville, Illinois is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.