Nebraska defeats Indiana 77-83
Nebraska Edges Indiana in Thrilling Conference Matchup
Comeback Kings: Cornhuskers Erase 9-Point Deficit
In a back-and-forth affair, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Away) stunned the Indiana Hoosiers (Home) 83-77 on Tuesday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The victory marked a crucial conference win for the Cornhuskers, who trailed by as many as 9 points in the first half.
The game was a true test of endurance, with both teams displaying remarkable resilience and determination down the stretch. Indiana's home crowd had initially expected a blowout, but Nebraska's high-powered offense and stifling defense proved to be too much for the Hoosiers to handle.
Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson led all scorers with 32 points, including five three-pointers, while Reed Bailey chipped in with 10 rebounds. However, it was Nebraska's Jamarques Lawrence who stole the show, scoring a season-high 27 points on an efficient 61.5% shooting clip.
Nebraska's Rienk Mast added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, as the Cornhuskers' balanced attack proved to be too much for Indiana to overcome. The Cornhuskers' bench outscored the Hoosiers' bench 21-6, further illustrating Nebraska's depth and resilience.
The game was marked by several key moments, including a pivotal halftime adjustment that saw Nebraska's Sam Hoiberg take over as the team's primary playmaker. Hoiberg's five assists and three steals helped spark the Cornhuskers' comeback, which ultimately proved to be too much for Indiana to handle.
In terms of advanced statistics, both teams performed well in key categories. Nebraska's 60.0% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) was a significant advantage, while the Hoosiers' 56.3% eFG% kept them competitive throughout. However, it was Nebraska's ability to limit Indiana's rebounding margin that ultimately proved decisive.
The victory marks a crucial turning point in the conference standings for both teams, with Nebraska moving into position to make a serious push for the tournament. For Indiana, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead in their quest for an NCAA bid.
Game Stats
Indiana (Home)
* Field Goals: 26/56 (46.0%)
* 2-Point FG: 15/26 (57.7%)
* 3-Point FG: 11/30 (37.0%)
* Free Throws: 14/17 (82.0%)
Nebraska (Away)
* Field Goals: 29/60 (48.0%)
* 2-Point FG: 15/26 (57.7%)
* 3-Point FG: 14/34 (41.0%)
* Free Throws: 11/14 (79.0%)
Advanced Statistics
* eFG%: Indiana (56.3%), Nebraska (60.0%)
* True Shooting%: Indiana (60.6%), Nebraska (62.7%)