Rosalie’s Reaction: Huskers fall to Ohio St. on Senior Day

It wasn’t supposed to end this way for the Huskers. NOT on Senior Day. A packed house at Pinnacle Bank Sports Arena watched the visiting Ohio State Buckeyes outscore their beloved  Nebraska women’s basketball team 78-60.

The four seniors – Emily Cady, Brandi Jeffery, Tear’a Laudermill and Hailie Sample were as ready for this game as any other this season. There must have been butterflies playing in front of friends and family on this evening. Joined by freshman Natalie Romeo, the Huskers came out prepared to face the challenge the Buckeyes presented.  

It was an aggressive and fast-paced game. Ohio State has shooters and they didn’t waste much time displaying it. Ameryst Alston and Kelsey Mitchell lead the Ohio State offensive juggernaut. They demonstrated how adept they are at scoring from the 3 point arc and beyond. They made it look so easy. The Nebraska defense had no answer for them.

The first half looked like punch and counter punch. Up and down the court with frenzied speed, turnovers, missed shots, 14 fouls and seven lead changes. As the first half wound down, Nebraska looked winded and in shock. Ohio State grabbed the momentum and went on a 17-2 run. The stunned crowd was looking for answers and so was Coach Yori. Huskers went into the locker room trailing 47-32 at the half.

The second half began much as the first half ended. The Husker offense was just cold. The Ohio State offense ran like a buzz saw through an anemic Husker defense. Nebraska cut the lead to 12 points early in the second half, but was unable to pull any closer down the stretch. Ohio State was able to prevent the Huskers from building any runs or grabbing even the smallest amount of momentum.

As the reality of the loss became apparent, Coach Yori did the best she could for her 4 seniors. With about 1:30 left in the game, she began to pull her seniors to the bench one by one. Each of them left the floor to a standing ovation from the Husker faithful. They gave so much to this Husker program over their 4 years.

As the only class in either men’s or women’s Nebraska basketball history to reach four consecutive 20-win seasons and four consecutive NCAA tournament bids, they will be remembered for their accomplishments on the floor. It is unique indeed to have four freshman come into a program together who will also leave together and graduate with their degrees. Not one Husker fan in the stands left the arena until the senior honor ceremony was complete. They wanted to show their appreciation for these girls and their team. They wanted to say goodbye. They will not see this group in Pinnacle Bank Sports arena again.

Nebraska is now 20-9 on the season and 10-8 in conference play, and finished in 7th place in the Big Ten. This loss did not alter their seed in the Big Ten tournament however. The Huskers will take on No. 10 seed Illinois on Thursday night at 6 p.m (CT) at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill. After that will come NCAA bids. With their record, Nebraska most certainly should receive one of those bids. Stay tuned for further updates and as always, GO BIG RED!!