Rosalie’s Reaction: Huskers hold on to beat Hoosiers
On a snowy Saturday in a state steeped with basketball tradition, Nebraska women’s basketball sealed a last minute victory over the Indiana Hoosier women’s basketball squad, 67-64. With only 2games left in the conference regular season, wins are paramount and a road “W” is sweet.
In the absence of Rachel Theriot, the Huskers threw out the playbook and designed an offensive scheme that could be successful with the skill set available to them. Coach Connie Yori has said over the past couple of weeks that she needed the seniors on the team to step up and take over leadership. She had indicated that Emily Cady, in particular, needed to bring more intensity to the floor. Yesterday, she came through for her team.
Emily Cady @IU photo by Jeff Suggs
Emily Cady had a HUGE game with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. The senior from Seward, Nebraska, went 8-of-13 from the field and made 6-of-8 free throws. She scored 13 of her 22 points after halftime which helped the Huskers post a 12-point second-half lead over Indiana.
The other three Husker seniors stepped up as well. Hailie Sample scored 12 points with six rebounds, Tear’a Laudermill scored 11 points with four assists and Brandi Jeffery added her 8 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
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Nebraska set the tone with their intensity from the opening tip. After a very brief Indiana lead at 4-0, the Huskers took control of the game and carried the momentum. Huskers shot 50 % (14-28) from the field in the first half and went 5-of-6 at the free throw line.
NU held Indiana to just 11-33 shooting, 4-of-14 from the three-point arc and 4-of-6 at the charity strip. Larryn Brooks, Jess Walter and Amanda Cahill led the Hoosier offense.
Nebraska went into the locker room at half time with a 34-30 lead. However, they knew they had to play a complete 40 minutes of basketball. This was senior day for Indiana. With three seniors to honor, they had plenty of motivation to make the second half a fight down to the last second.
Natalie Romeo @IU photo by Jeff Suggs
In the second half, here came the Hoosiers. Brooks hit a three to take over the lead for Indiana at 35-34 but it didn’t last long. Hailie Sample’s three-point play sparked a 7-0 run to put NU up by seven at 42-35 with 16:35 left. Indiana would continue to scrap and fight down the stretch in attempt to keep the game close.
Huskers held a 63-54 lead with five minutes left in the game. IU was hanging tough and would go on a 7-0 run to cut the margin to 63-61. NU freshman Natalie Romeo sealed the win for the Huskers with four free throws in the closing minute of the game.
Huskers hold on for 67-64 win at Indiana. Romeo 4-4 FT at line to seal #huskers 19th win, 9th @B1Gwbball victory. #GBR
— Nebraska Women's Basketball (@HuskerWBB) February 21, 2015
Huskers remain in 7th place in the Big Ten conference with a record of 19-8 (9-7 Big Ten). They finish the season at home with 2 tough conference matchups. On Tuesday night, Feb. 24 at 7pm (CT), the Minnesota Golden Gophers come calling at Pinnacle Bank Sports Arena. The final game on Sunday afternoon, March 1 at 4pm (CT), will be the only time this season that the Huskers will face Ohio State. It will be an emotional day as Husker Nation says goodbye four terrific seniors on senior day. Stay tuned for further updates and as always, GO BIG RED!!