A heart-stopping finish left Nebraska's women's basketball team just short of victory against Michigan State, ranked 15th in the nation. The No. 24 Huskers fought valiantly, but a late-game surge by the Spartans sealed their fate.
In a thrilling encounter, Nebraska led with less than a minute remaining, only to see their advantage slip away. Michigan State's 4-0 run in the final moments secured a narrow 73-71 win, improving their record to an impressive 17-1 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten Conference. Meanwhile, Nebraska dropped to 14-4 on the season and 3-4 in conference play.
The Battle of the Big Ten
Nebraska's journey this season has been a challenging one, with a 0-4 record against AP-ranked opponents. The Huskers faced foul trouble throughout the game, with key players like Jessica Petrie and Britt Prince spending time on the bench due to fouls. However, Nebraska's resilience shone through as they kept the game competitive despite these setbacks.
In the fourth quarter, Nebraska found themselves trailing 64-60 to Michigan State. But the Huskers mounted a 7-0 run, silencing the Spartans for nearly three minutes. Michigan State fought back with a 5-2 run of their own, tying the game with just a minute left on the clock.
Britt Prince put Nebraska ahead 71-69 with 48 seconds remaining, but the lead was short-lived. The Spartans tied the game with two made free throws just nine seconds later. Nebraska's possession after that was cut short by a turnover, and Michigan State capitalized, grabbing the rebound and being fouled. Two made free throws later, and the home team had a two-point lead.
Despite Nebraska's efforts to advance the ball and set up a final play, time expired, and the Huskers fell just short.
Turnovers Tell the Tale
Two crucial turnovers in the final 30 seconds proved costly for Nebraska, as they finished the game with 22 turnovers overall. These mistakes led to 22 points for Michigan State, who had 15 turnovers of their own. Nebraska's shooting was solid, with a 51.0% success rate for the game, including 7-of-20 on three-pointers. The Spartans shot 50.0% from the field but struggled from deep, making only 3-of-17 three-point attempts.
Amiah Hargrove led Nebraska with a team-high 21 points off the bench, while Britt Prince was the only other Husker in double figures, scoring 16 points.
Looking Ahead
Nebraska now prepares for their next road game, a challenging encounter against Wisconsin on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST, and the game will be streamed on B1G+.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the Huskers continue their journey through the 2025-26 season.
Schedule Spotlight
Here's a look at Nebraska's upcoming fixtures:
- Jan. 21: at Wisconsin (6:30 p.m. B1G+)
- Jan. 24: vs. Illinois (1 p.m. BTN)
- Jan. 28: vs. Northwestern (7 p.m. NPM/B1G+)
And don't forget to check out the full schedule for all the Huskers' exciting games this season!
Join the Conversation
What do you think was the turning point in this thrilling game? Do you think Nebraska's turnover issues cost them the win, or was it simply a case of Michigan State's late-game heroics? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
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