Three days removed from its second consecutive 20-plus-point loss, Northwestern jetted off to the Cornhusker State for a Tuesday tilt against Nebraska.
The Wildcats (8-18, 3-12 Big Ten) got off to a strong start, trading threes with their opponents and securing the first points of the game.
After a subsequent seven-minute scoring drought, NU found itself in an early 13-point hole.
Though the ‘Cats managed to outscore their opponents in the second frame, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome. NU ended up falling 75-50, never threatening to take down the Cornhuskers.
Fresh out of intermission, Nebraska dominated in the paint, driving home bucket after bucket to defend its already commanding lead.
The Cornhuskers solidified the win that they had all but shored up in the game’s opening 10 minutes during the final frame, when three players eclipsed double-digit scoring.
Here are three takeaways from NU’s loss to Nebraska.
1. First quarter shooting woes get out of hand
Forty-five seconds after tip off, graduate student guard Maggie Pina drained an open three that would become half of the team’s total output for the first quarter.
After the first ten minutes of play, NU was shooting 11.8% from the field on an absurd 2-of-17 shooting clip.
Pina had the team’s only six points.
In a lackluster first period showing, coach Joe McKeown’s squad failed to convert on 12 consecutive attempts, conceding a 16-0 Cornhusker run that spanned nearly seven minutes.
In a quarter marked by nearly equal turnovers and rebounds, Nebraska’s early advantage can be attributed to its ability to capitalize on field goal opportunities, a skill that NU struggled to match during the opening frame.
2. Defensive adjustments can’t make a dent
Despite halftime adjustments, the ‘Cats couldn’t keep up with the hosts’ versatile offense.
In the first half, the biggest culprit in NU’s double-digit deficit was the squad’s failure to defend the perimeter.
The Cornhuskers sank seven shots from beyond the arc on 15 attempts. As they drilled the ball around the horn they managed to find consistent open looks through precise passing.
After halftime, NU revamped its defensive approach in an attempt to slow down Nebraska’s prolific 3-point display but it wasn’t enough to contain the hosts.
In the third quarter, the hosts attempted just one 3-pointer, but they still extended the lead to 21 points, showing that no matter what defensive changes McKeown settled on, nothing was going to be able to slow them down.
3. NU looks ahead towards final home stand
Following the loss to Nebraska, the ‘Cats will look ahead to their final three games of the season, including games against Michigan and No. 14 Indiana at home.
The Wolverines have dropped three of their last four contests, including a tight loss to Michigan State on Sunday.
In its final last home game this season, NU will face No. 14 Indiana, who will play Iowa before heading to Evanston.
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