LINCOLN, Neb. – The Fighting Illini women's basketball team was unable to overcome a first-half offensive barrage by host Nebraska, falling 80-58 on Saturday (Feb. 22) afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The Cornhuskers (17-11, 7-10) knocked down 11 of 16 first-half three-pointers en route to a 56-27 lead and never looked back. The Illini (11-16, 2-14) regrouped at the intermission and came back in the second half to outscore the Huskers' 31-24.
The Huskers knocked down 13 three-pointers, the most hit by the team in a single game this season. Likewise, Nebraska's 13 treys tied a season-high for an Illinois opponent. But Illinois held them to just 2-of-11 from beyond the arc in the third and fourth quarters.
Three Illini scored in double-figures in the contest, led by 13 points from senior guard Brandi Beasley. Senior guard Cierra Rice chipped in with 10 points, all in the first half, while freshman forward Kennedi Myles set an Illinois freshman record with her seventh double-double of the season, 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Huskers were led by sophomore guard Leigha Brown who tallied a game-high 22 points.
Next up, the Illini return home to State Farm Center vs. Michigan State. Tipoff against the Spartans is set for 7 p.m. CT.
Team Notes
- The Illini allowed 56 points in the first half vs Nebraska, the most allowed by the team in a half this season.
- Illinois bounced back defensively in the second half, holding the Huskers to just 24 points in the final 20 minutes..
Individual Notes
- Senior guard Brandi Beasley led the team in scoring for the second straight game. It marked her ninth game in double-figures this season.
- Freshman forward Kennedi Myles notched her seventh double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds to establish an Illinois freshman record.
- Cierra Rice's 10-point effort marked her second such game this season..
