In an impressive display, Alexis Markowski secured a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, leading Nebraska to a decisive 91-71 victory against No. 17 Maryland on Thursday night. The win marked a significant turnaround for Nebraska, ending a three-game losing streak and marking their first victory against a ranked opponent on the road since 2013.
Despite facing an uphill battle early on, with Maryland leading by as much as 14 points in the first quarter, the Cornhuskers mounted a comeback with a remarkable 17-2 run that shifted the momentum in their favor, allowing them to claim a 39-36 lead. The teams entered halftime tied at 45. In the third quarter, Nebraska accelerated their performance, hitting four 3-pointers and finishing the period on a strong note with a 9-2 run, extending their lead to 73-59.
With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Britt Prince, who contributed significantly with 13 points and eight assists, hit a key 3-pointer that pushed Nebraska’s lead to an impressive 28 points. Overall, Nebraska excelled from beyond the arc, shooting 12 of 21 from 3-point range, and achieved a 51% shooting percentage overall. Their dominance on the boards was evident as they out-rebounded Maryland 42-25.
In addition to Markowski and Prince, the Cornhuskers had strong contributions from Jessica Petrie and Logan Nissley, each scoring 11 points, while Callin Hake chipped in with 10 points. For Maryland (19-6, 9-5), Shyanne Sellers was the standout performer, scoring 23 points, with 19 of those coming in the first half. Conversely, Kaylene Smikle, who was held to just eight points on 2-of-10 shooting, struggled to find her rhythm. Smikle had previously been recognized as the Big Ten player of the week, showcasing her scoring prowess with an average of 28.5 points in the last week, including a staggering 36 points in a matchup against Washington.
Looking ahead, Nebraska will continue their road journey with a game against Illinois on Sunday, while Maryland will have a short break before hosting Michigan on Monday. The victory for Nebraska not only lifts their spirits but also showcases their potential as they build momentum moving forward in the season.