Might as well just start calling these Huskers the cardiac kids.
Nebraska and Wisconsin went back and forth throughout a first half in Madison Saturday afternoon, with the Huskers controlling the lead but never getting more than two possessions ahead. In the third quarter, the Badgers caught fire from deep and closed on a 12-2 run, giving them a 57-47 lead heading into the fourth.
But the Huskers immediately erased the deficit with a 14-4 run of their own. Forward Ashtyn Veerbeek hit her third 3 of the game with 1:03 to play to put Nebraska up by two, then, with 11 seconds to play and Wisconsin inbounding the ball looking to tie, guard Sam Haiby picked off a pass and knocked down two free throws. That proved enough.
Nebraska walked away with a 72-71 win, it’s second fourth-quarter comeback in the last three games and its third win this season by five points or fewer. The road win moves the Huskers to 15-5 on the season and 5-4 in Big Ten play.
Leigha Brown led the way offensively for the Huskers with 20 points. Haiby, Veerbeek and center Kate Cain each added 11.
Early on, Nebraska struggled on the boards and turned it over at a rate probably a little uncomfortable for head coach Amy Williams, leading to a double-digit possession advantage for the Badgers, but the Huskers stayed in front thanks to 5-for-11 shooting from deep while the Badgers opened 1-for-8.
Then, when Wisconsin started shooting better from three, Nebraska got itself to the free-throw line and leveled out the rebounding battle. For the game, Nebraska tied the Badgers on the boards at 41-all. The Huskers also outshot Wisconsin 30-16 at the free throw line, making 26 of their attempts.
The Huskers are back on the road Thursday, Jan. 30, for a meeting with Minnesota. Tip is set for 7 p.m. CT.
