Nebraska Women’s Basketball Blows Past Rutgers to Advance in TIAA Big Ten Tournament
The Nebraska women’s basketball team put on a dominant performance Thursday night, cruising past Rutgers in a commanding 78-52 victory to secure their spot in the next round of the TIAA Big Ten Tournament. The Huskers were firing on all cylinders, showcasing an impressive offensive display and smothering defense that left little room for the Scarlet Knights to mount a serious challenge.
From the opening tip, Nebraska took control of the game with a fast-paced, high-energy style that overwhelmed Rutgers early on. The Huskers, who entered the tournament as one of the top teams in the Big Ten, wasted no time in asserting their dominance, using aggressive ball movement and sharp shooting to build a double-digit lead by halftime. Nebraska’s offense was led by senior star Jaz Shelley, who played a key role in orchestrating the offense, finishing the game with 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
“I thought we came out really focused,” said Shelley after the game. “We knew what we had to do to advance, and the team was locked in from the start. We executed our game plan really well and never let up.”
Nebraska’s defensive intensity also played a pivotal role in the blowout. The Huskers held Rutgers to just 30.2% shooting from the field, limiting the Scarlet Knights’ ability to establish any offensive rhythm. Nebraska’s defense was particularly suffocating in the paint, forcing turnovers and making it difficult for Rutgers to convert on second-chance opportunities. The Huskers’ length and speed were simply too much for Rutgers to handle as they relentlessly pressured the ball and contested every shot.
Freshman sensation Allison Weidner had an outstanding game, adding 14 points and contributing two steals while playing solid defense. Weidner’s all-around effort was a big part of Nebraska’s ability to break away from Rutgers in the second half. Meanwhile, senior forward Alexis Markowski dominated the boards, grabbing 12 rebounds to go along with 10 points. Her presence in the paint on both ends of the floor helped Nebraska control the game from start to finish.
While the Huskers’ offense was in full swing, it was the defense that really separated them from Rutgers. Nebraska’s ability to create turnovers and turn them into fast-break opportunities kept the pressure on the Scarlet Knights throughout the game. The Huskers ended with 10 steals and 15 forced turnovers, leading to numerous easy baskets in transition.
Rutgers simply had no answer for the Huskers’ relentless attack. The Scarlet Knights were led by sophomore guard Diamond Johnson, who finished with 15 points, but the lack of offensive support from the rest of the team made it difficult for Rutgers to keep pace. Nebraska’s swarming defense and efficient scoring kept the game well out of reach for most of the second half.
As the final buzzer sounded, Nebraska had secured a commanding 26-point victory, advancing to the next round of the TIAA Big Ten Tournament. Head coach Amy Williams praised her team’s focus and energy throughout the contest.
“We came into this game with the mindset that we needed to play hard, smart, and together, and I think we did that tonight,” said Williams. “This was a complete team effort, and I’m really proud of how we executed on both ends of the floor.”
With the victory, Nebraska will now turn its attention to their next opponent, looking to continue their strong tournament run. As the Huskers advance, their blend of offensive firepower and defensive prowess will make them a tough matchup for any team standing in their way.
