Huskers Fall to No. 14 Hoosiers Despite Strong Effort at Pinnacle Bank Arena

January 07, 2024 – The Nebraska women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge on Sunday afternoon, falling 91-69 to the 14th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Despite a valiant effort in front of a season-high crowd of 9,059 fans, the Huskers could not overcome Indiana’s hot shooting.

Alexis Markowski, the 6-2 forward from Lincoln, led Nebraska with a team-high 21 points. She showcased her scoring prowess by hitting 9-of-14 shots from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Markowski’s impressive performance marked her fifth 20-point game this season, and she was a significant presence throughout, scoring 11 points in the opening quarter alone.

Despite Markowski’s efforts, Indiana held a 20-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, mainly due to Sydney Parrish’s sharpshooting. Parrish scored 17 points in the first half, including five three-pointers, helping the Hoosiers extend their lead to 42-29 by halftime.

Indiana’s All-American Mackenzie Holmes contributed significantly with 22 points, and her scoring early in the third quarter helped extend the Hoosiers’ lead. Nebraska (11-4, 3-1 Big Ten) showed resilience by cutting the deficit to seven points, with Logan Nissley and Annika Stewart hitting back-to-back threes. However, Indiana responded with a 14-1 run to close the quarter, taking a commanding 69-49 lead into the final period.

Nissley finished the game with 13 points, marking her sixth double-figure scoring performance off the bench this season. She joined Markowski as the only Huskers scoring in double digits. Natalie Potts added nine points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Stewart and Jaz Shelley each scored six points.

Nebraska shot 44.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three-point range but was outpaced by Indiana’s 60.7 percent shooting, including a remarkable 60.9 percent from long range. The Hoosiers also edged Nebraska in rebounds, 30-29, and turnovers, 19-14.

Indiana’s balanced scoring attack was led by Parrish and Holmes, with Sara Scalia adding 19 points and Chloe Moore-McNeil contributing 16 points.

The game was also notable for the retirement of the No. 35 jersey of 2014 All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year during pregame ceremonies. Over 40 former Huskers, including retired jersey honorees Karen Jennings and Maurtice Ivy, were present to celebrate Alumni Day.

The Huskers now look ahead to their next Big Ten home game against Illinois on Thursday night. With tickets available at Huskers.com, Nebraska aims to bounce back and continue their strong season in front of their home fans at the Pinnacle Bank Arena.