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In a stunning turn of events, the Nebraska Cornhuskers upset the No. 2 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes with an 82-79 victory on Sunday. In Lincoln, Nebraska, Jaz Shelley’s remarkable 3-pointer with just 30 seconds remaining secured the Cornhuskers’ lead for the first time during the game, capping off a remarkable comeback from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Fans in attendance at Pinnacle Bank Arena were anticipating an historic moment for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark to set the NCAA women’s career scoring record during the nationally broadcast game. However, Nebraska’s performance stole the show as they clinched their first win over a Top 25 team this season, ending a nine-game losing streak against Iowa, celebrated with a court invasion by the student crowd.
Despite scoring 31 points, Clark was unable to score in the final quarter, missing her last six attempts, including a crucial one just before the game concluded. With her current total at 3,520 career points, she remains just eight shy of surpassing Kelsey Plum’s 3,527-point record set during her tenure at Washington from 2013 to 2017.
The Hawkeyes (22-3, 11-2 Big Ten) established a significant lead early in the fourth quarter, but Nebraska (16-8, 8-5 Big Ten) fought back, scoring 23 of the subsequent 31 points. Shelley was impressive, ending the game with 23 points enhanced by five 3-pointers, including the decisive one that provided Nebraska with the lead.
Following Clark’s missed 3-point attempt, Shelley secured the win with four successful free throws, despite Iowa’s Hanna Steulke narrowing the gap. Iowa’s final attempts to overturn the deficit by Clark and Kate Martin were not successful as both missed their last 3-pointers.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (22) grabs a rebound alongside teammate Kate Martin, (20) against Nebraska’s Logan Nissley, left, and Kendall Coley, second from left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
The game was evenly matched in support, with equal enthusiasm from both Nebraska and Iowa fans. While Iowa pulled ahead in the third quarter, Nebraska managed to stay within striking distance at halftime. Despite Clark’s significant scoring in the third quarter, Nebraska would not relent.
BIG PICTURE
Nebraska: The match marked the first women’s basketball sellout for the Cornhusker program, with some resale tickets reaching as high as $2,000. Nevertheless, there were still unfilled seats towards the top of the arena.
Iowa: The loss for Iowa meant relinquishing their tie for the top spot in the Big Ten, which they held alongside Ohio State.
UP NEXT
Nebraska: Travels to face Ohio State on Wednesday.
Iowa: Returns home to play against Michigan on Thursday.
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FAQ Section
Q1: How many points does Caitlin Clark need to break the NCAA women’s career scoring record?
A1: Caitlin Clark needs just eight more points to surpass Kelsey Plum’s record of 3,527.
Q2: Who led the Nebraska Cornhuskers to victory?
A2: Jaz Shelley led the team with 23 points, including the critical 3-pointer that gave Nebraska the lead towards the end of the game.
Q3: How many times did Nebraska beat Iowa in their last ten matchups?
A3: This victory was Nebraska’s first over Iowa in their last ten matchups.
Q4: What is the next game for both Nebraska and Iowa?
A4: Nebraska plays Ohio State on Wednesday, while Iowa hosts Michigan on Thursday.
Q5: Where can fans stay updated on AP Top 25 basketball?
A5: Fans can sign up for poll alerts and updates and follow AP women’s college basketball through the provided AP News links.
Conclusion
In a dramatic upset, the Nebraska Cornhuskers proved their resilience and ability to perform under pressure by snatching a thrilling victory over the second-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite the anticipation for a historical performance from Caitlin Clark, Nebraska’s tenacity and teamwork came to the fore, reminding basketball fans that anything is possible in the realm of NCAA women’s basketball. The result has reshaped the Big Ten standings and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the college basketball season.
