In a thrilling matchup between Nebraska and Iowa, the Cornhuskers staged a remarkable comeback to stun the No. 2 ranked Hawkeyes with an 82-79 victory. The game, which took place at the packed Pinnacle Bank Arena, was even more special as fans eagerly anticipated witnessing Caitlin Clark potentially breaking the NCAA women’s career scoring record on national television. However, while Clark put up an impressive performance with 31 points, it was the resilient Nebraska team that stole the spotlight with their remarkable fourth-quarter surge.
Nebraska, which had not secured a win against a Top 25 opponent this season and had previously lost all ten encounters against Iowa, showcased their determination and tenacity. Trailing by 14 points in the final quarter, it seemed like the game was slipping away from the Cornhuskers. However, their players stepped up when it mattered the most.
Jaz Shelley proved to be the hero of the night for Nebraska. With just 30 seconds remaining on the clock, she drained a crucial 3-pointer to give her team their first lead of the game. Shelley then displayed nerves of steel as she converted all four of her free throws to ensure the Hawkeyes couldn't salvage a last-minute comeback.
Cornhuskers coach Amy Williams couldn't hide her pride and admiration for her team's performance. She commended their excellent response in the fourth quarter and their ability to find a way to win. The victory not only marked Nebraska's first win over a Top 25 opponent this season but also their first ever victory against Iowa.
Although Clark had a stellar game, scoring 31 points, she was held scoreless for the final 12 and a half minutes of the contest. Her struggles in the closing minutes and missed shots, including a buzzer-beating attempt, undoubtedly left her disappointed. Nevertheless, with her tally now standing at 3,520 career points, Clark only needs eight more to surpass Kelsey Plum's record and become the NCAA women's all-time leading scorer.
The turnaround for Nebraska began when they trailed 71-57 after a layup from Iowa's Hannah Stuelke with 9:22 remaining. From that moment on, the Huskers outscored the Hawkeyes 25-8 to snatch victory from the brink of defeat. Shelley's 23 points and five 3-pointers, along with the team's collective effort, ensured that Nebraska emerged victorious.
The electrifying showdown between Nebraska and Iowa saw the arena filled with a divided crowd of passionate fans from both teams. Before the game even commenced, chants of 'Let's Go Hawks!' echoed throughout the stadium. The initially intimidated Huskers embraced the challenge of facing a strong opponent on their home court, drawing inspiration from their fans and ultimately rising to the occasion.
Nebraska managed to keep the game close in the first half, trailing by just four points at halftime. Shelley's clutch 3-pointers halted Iowa's attempts to pull away and provided the Cornhuskers with the momentum they needed to mount their stunning comeback.
Defensively, Nebraska utilized different strategies to contain Clark's impact on the game. They made strategic switches and double-teamed her, disrupting her rhythm and forcing her into missed shots. The Huskers even resorted to a box-and-one defense in the closing stages, effectively shutting down Clark when it mattered the most.
Following the game, an upset Iowa coach, Lisa Bluder, caused a minor disruption during the postgame news conference. Bluder expressed her frustration when Nebraska players entered the interview room ahead of her team, citing a violation of Big Ten protocol. She further voiced her complaint about game presentation, specifically referencing the playing of music during free throws.
The match served as a record-breaking occasion for Nebraska, as it marked the first sellout in the program's history for women's basketball. Fans flocked to the arena, with some secondary ticket sellers even asking as much as $2,000 for seats in the lower bowl. While a few seats in the highest sections remained unfilled, the atmosphere was electric and contributed to the memorable occasion.
With this impressive victory, Nebraska moves forward with renewed confidence and momentum. They will next face a challenging matchup on the road against Ohio State, hoping to build on their triumph over Iowa. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes will return home to host Michigan, looking to bounce back from the setback and regain their footing in the Big Ten standings.
The game between Nebraska and Iowa was a thrilling showcase of women's basketball, exemplifying the competitiveness and unpredictability that makes the sport so captivating. As the regular season progresses, fans can look forward to more intense matchups and remarkable performances that further underscore the talent and excitement of NCAA women's basketball.
