INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Chambana Today) – Nebraska’s women’s basketball started slowly in their 74-70 victory over Illinois but got hot when they needed to rally. The Huskers now advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face 2-seed UCLA on Friday.
Illinois jumped out to an early lead, opening the game with a 9-0 run. Nebraska, unable to find its rhythm, missed its first five field goals and did not score until 5:09 into the contest. The Illini led by as many as eight points with just over eight minutes remaining in the game, but Nebraska responded with a critical 7-0 run to tie things up. The Huskers then took control, finishing the game with a 13-5 run that sealed the victory.
The Huskers shot 49.1% from the field, including 8-of-16 from beyond the arc. Illinois shot 45.6% overall and connected on 5-of-14 from three-point range.
Illinois awaits confirmation on its spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Illini are projected to be included, but their official fate will be determined on Sunday.