Huskers drop two straight after 12-0 start, but there is no panic in Lincoln
Nebraska Drops Two Straight in Big Ten Play
Nebraska women’s basketball has now dropped two straight after opening the season undefeated, falling 86-76 at No. 14 Iowa on New Year’s Day. The Huskers are now 13-2 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play, which brings the early momentum back just a bit as conference competition settles in.
Nebraska came out ready. The Huskers opened the game on an 8-0 run and looked locked in offensively. Sophomore guard Britt Prince led all scorers with 27 points, showing once again that she is already one of the best players in the Big Ten.
Eliza Maupin stepped into the starting lineup, with the absence of Amiah Hargrove, and delivered a double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jessica Petrie added 17 points and helped Nebraska finish at 50 percent shooting from the field for the game.
The Huskers has the production and talent on the floor. The issue is execution and handling the fundamentals. Nebraska actually out rebounded Iowa 31-30, a much better performance than the prior game against USC, but turnovers and empty trips down the stretch shifted control. With a little over five minutes left, the Hawkeyes closed the game on a 16-6 run. That final push was the difference.
We knew from the beginning that Big Ten play is competitive and a grind. It is still nothing to panic about. The Huskers are 1-2 in conference play, with an earlier win coming against Penn State. This is not a case where the team is not good or overrated. They just have to find ways to sustain hot starts and finish late when they need to.
This group opened the season 12-0, against not so heavy competition, scoring 80 points or more in the first 12 games, but this roster is one with good depth all the way through. Prince is a true offensive weapon. Nebraska has length, rebounding, and balance. The challenge right now is learning how to be consistent and close games against ranked competition who are used to these moments.
Amy Williams has been through Big Ten battles before. Her teams traditionally defend, share the ball, and find their way back to rhythm. The formula does not change. Take care of the basketball, get to where you need to be on the floor, and execute the plan.
The next opportunity comes at home against Purdue tomorrow, who are 8-6 (0-3 Big Ten). That is a great chance to get back to who Nebraska has been all season. If this team can stack good possessions and eliminate the turnovers, they will be right back in the win column and still very much a factor in the conference race.
Stay tuned to Mays Sports Media for continued coverage of women’s basketball.
Featured Image Credit: Nebraska Athletics
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