Huskers Triumph Over Terrapins in Historic Home Victory

December 31, 2023 – The Nebraska women’s basketball team celebrated the New Year’s Eve in grand style with a historic 87-81 victory over Maryland at Pinnacle Bank Arena, marking their first-ever home win against the Terrapins. A near-sellout crowd of approximately 8,800 witnessed the Huskers improve their record to 10-3 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten Conference.

Alexis Markowski, Jaz Shelley, and Natalie Potts were the stars of the evening, each recording double-doubles in a game that saw Nebraska’s formidable team effort overpower a strong Maryland side.

Lisa Leslie Award candidate Alexis Markowski led from the front, posting her eighth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Her performance was pivotal in both halves, as she consistently inflicted damage on the Terrapin defense.

Freshman sensation Natalie Potts added her second career double-double with a significant 17 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Her dominance, especially in the second half, was crucial in overturning Maryland’s rebounding prowess, the Big Ten’s best in total rebounds.

Jaz Shelley complemented her teammates with a valuable contribution of 13 points and a game-high 11 assists, marking her second double-double of the year and the 12th of her illustrious career.

Off the bench, sophomore Callin Hake tied her career-high with 16 points, including four crucial 3-pointers, showcasing her offensive prowess and defensive tenacity.

Darian White, the experienced graduate guard, added eight important points, converting critical free throws in the dying minutes of the game. Nebraska’s excellence from the free-throw line was evident as the team shot an impressive 23-of-26 (.885).

Maddie Krull’s all-around performance included five points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, significantly contributing to the slowing down of Maryland’s high-powered offense.

The Huskers executed a strong defensive strategy, limiting Terrapin standout Shyanne Sellers to just four points and forcing her into seven turnovers. Maryland’s bench outscored their starters 44-37, but it was Nebraska’s tenacious team effort that sealed the deal.

Lavender Briggs led the Terrapins with a game-high 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the determined Huskers.

Despite Maryland shooting 50 percent from the field and Nebraska just 39.1 percent, the Huskers’ relentless work on the offensive glass and their proficiency from beyond the arc played a crucial role in their victory.

The game was evenly matched in the first half, but Nebraska surged ahead in the third quarter and maintained control until the final buzzer.

Up next, Nebraska takes on the challenge of Wisconsin on the road on Thursday, Jan. 4. The game promises to be another thrilling Big Ten contest and will be available for fans to watch on the Big Ten Network and listen to on the Huskers Radio Network.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Huskers, showcasing their resilience, teamwork, and potential as they continue to make waves in the Big Ten Conference.