Nebraska Basketball upset Iowa, the #2 ranked team in the nation at home. While the bulk of the focus remained on the Caitlin Clark record countdown, the Huskers had other plans. Although it has been a difficult season at times for Coach Amy Williams and her team, they showed their toughness and mental fortitude today. Additionally, they sit in fourth place in the Big Ten with an 8-5 conference record. Will this current two-game winning streak become the beginning of a greater post-season run?
Nebraska Basketball Thrilling Comeback
In reality, any double-digit deficit requires everything to go your way to pull off the win. But luckily for Nebraska Basketball, nearly everything did. They defeated their Iowa rivals 82-79 through a huge fourth-quarter performance. A lot of the big plays stemmed through Jaz Shelley. Notably, Shelley hit the go-ahead three after Alexis Markowski was forced to give the ball up due to the double-team in the post.
ARE YOU SERIOUS? pic.twitter.com/pQ1OZUPorQ
— Nebraska Women's Basketball (@HuskerWBB) February 11, 2024
Trailing by two with 32 seconds left, Shelley dribbled to her right and unloaded the dagger three with two defenders in her area. But this was her night. The Australian player finished with 23 points, including an impressive 5 of 10 from beyond the arc. Ten of her points came in the fourth after she nailed the final field goal for her team, she calmly knocked down the last four free throw attempts to seal the win from the charity stripe.
Nebraska Basketball Team Effort
Shelley’s late-game heroics put the Huskers over the top, but this was a great win from multiple contributors. Natalie Potts contributed 8 points in the fourth quarter. Her baskets happened at a crucial time when the gap was about too large to overcome. Instead, Potts went on a 6-0 run on her own to cut the lead into single digits for the Huskers. She ended the afternoon with 14 total points and 8 rebounds.
Super Sunday for the 'Skers. pic.twitter.com/t5AZfazbW7
— Nebraska Women's Basketball (@HuskerWBB) February 11, 2024
Additionally, Logan Nissley gave a nice boost off the bench. In 24 minutes she pitched in 15 points. Also, she fought for three offensive boards, to give the Huskers extra possessions. None bigger than her three-pointer toward the end of the game. She responded to a made three by Kate Martin. However, Nissley’s shot kept the game within four and provided just the moment PBA needed for the home crowd to help push Nebraska Basketball to victory.
Finally, Markowski continued to serve as the anchor of the team. A walking double-double, she finished with a game-high 11 rebounds. Her 15 points were earned as Iowa made an effort to slow her down. However, she did not let this frustrate her. She stepped out to show her range at times and otherwise, passed to more open teammates when the flow of the game called for it. Particularly on the defensive side, her presence was felt. But most importantly, Markowski’s ability to box out and limit second-chance opportunities proved crucial in the win.
Nebraska Basketball March Madness Outlook
The team projects to make the national tournament, especially after this signature win! However, they face a road test against Ohio State next. They know that this will be a challenge, especially as the Buckeyes are currently the top team in the BIG.
However, taking how they played in the fourth quarter into Columbus, the Huskers will look to make this a good game. Through small incomes over the season, they are improving and continuing to show fight. They appear to be surging at the right time. But for now, regardless of how the rest of the season unfolds, today’s Nebraska Basketball comeback win in Lincoln will be remembered for a long time.
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Gabriel Enjoys all things sports! Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. You name it! Huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers and New England Patriots. Even bigger advocate of running the football!
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