Just days after a stunning upset, Nebraska women’s basketball was handed a shocking defeat.
Leading by 13 with 7:35 to go in the game, the Huskers (19-7, 8-7 Big Ten) saw the lead disappear in about 90 seconds with a 15-0 Penn State run. The Lions (10-5, 4-11 Big Ten) outscored the Huskers 28-8 after falling behind by 13, going on to win 83-76.
The Penn State win snapped an eight-game losing streak. For Nebraska, it means a top 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament is all-but-gone.
The collapse in the final period was the polar opposite for the Huskers compared to their win over No. 5 Indiana earlier in the week. In that game, Nebraska took over at winning time. Thursday, the team fell apart.
Penn State got open looks at will both in transition and in the half court. The Lions shot 60 percent in the final frame, compared to just 35.7 percent for NU.
For the game, Nebraska shot 44.3 percent from the field and made 5-of-20 3s. The Huskers were also solid at the free throw line, going 9-for-12.
Alexis Markowski led all scorers with 23 points while grabbing seven rebounds.
Four other Huskers scored in double figures: Issie Bourne (15), Sam Haiby (11), Bella Cravens (10), and Jaz Shelley (10).
Nebraska must now refocus for Sunday’s home game with Minnesota.