In a game of runs, it helps to make the last one.
The Huskers (3-0) trailed Illinois (2-2) 67-63 with 3:34 to go in the game, then ran off the next 13 points. Nebraska shot 2-of-3 over the stretch, while casing in in nine free throws. That shooting from the line came in handy, as the Huskers finished 27-of-32 at the stripe compared to 13-for-20 for Illinois.
An evenly played first half ended with the Illini up 40-39. That is when the game of runs began.
Illinois made four free throws to start the half, followed by Issabelle Bourne and Sam Haiby scoring the next seven. That was followed by a 10-2 Illini run before seven straight by Nebraska to take a 55-54 lead into the final quarter.
Nebraska started the fourth quarter 1-for-7 from the field, but kept things close for the final stretch run to take the 78-72 win.
Typically a balanced scoring team, it was really a two-woman show in this one. Haiby finished with a career high 33 points while adding nine rebounds and four assists. Bourne pitched in 21 points and eight rebounds.
A dominant performance came on the boards for Bella Cravens, who grabbed 16 of Nebraska’s 47 rebounds.
Unusually quiet in the box score was Kate Cain, who scored four points, grabbed three rebounds, and blocked three shots. Her presence down the stretch was anything but quiet though, getting a key block and keeping the Illini away from the basket.
Nebraska closes their non-conference schedule Monday at Creighton (1-3).
Feature Image Courtesy Nebraska Athletics Communications Office