Nebraska women’s basketball was already one of the most dangerous, unranked teams in the country with a top-10 victory.
On Monday, the Huskers added another with a 72-55 win over No. 5 Indiana.
NU (19-6, 8-6 Big Ten) handed the Hoosiers (18-3, 10-2) their only loss of the season to a team not only unranked, but not ranked in the top-10. The victory is tied for the second-highest in program history for NU, trailing only the 2005 victory over No. 2 Baylor when the Bears would go on to win the national championship.
“This is just a great win for our team and our program,” Nebraska coach Amy Williams said. “Excited for our team to see all their hard work pay off in a big win for us.”
Both teams put together runs at different times. Indiana jumped out to an 8-2 lead but Nebraska struck back with a 10-0 run. That even battle left the teams tied at 18 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Huskers doubled-up the Hoosiers 16-8 and carried that momentum into the third quarter, extending the lead to as much as 12.
But Indiana is ranked so high for a reason.
The Hoosiers utilized a 9-3 run to get them game as close as four points. It would be a five point difference heading into the final quarter.
That’s when the Nebraska team decided enough was enough.
The Huskers shot 7-for-10 and dominated a six minute stretch with a 17-0 run. Part of that run was a Jaz Shelley 3 that she hit after dropping her defender, brining Pinnacle Bank Arena to a fever pitch.
“It’s just incredible to hear the crowd erupt,” Williams said. “They know when to get loud, when our team really needs that fuel. I though they were really a sixth-man for us today.”
Things weren’t easy for NU over the course of the 40 minutes. The Huskers dealt with the adversity of some questionable calls as Indiana brought the game within reach. Even coach Williams was as animated as ever on the sideline. But the team never cracked under the pressure, something that has epitomized the team this season.
Nebraska hit 7-of-15 3s, shooting 45.9 percent overall.
A balanced scoring effort saw five Huskers score in double figures, led by Shelley and Sam Haiby with 14 points each. Allison Weidner added 11 points while Issie Bourne and Alexis Markowski each pitched in 10 points.
Markowski also reeled in a game-high 15 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season.
Having knocked off the top team in the Big Ten Conference, the Huskers turn their attention to a Thursday road trip to Penn State.
“We’re gonna have to back this up by going on the road and getting some wins on the road,” Williams said. “I’m proud of this team for this win.”