A tied game with just over three minutes to go and Nebraska (11-10, 9-9 Big Ten) looked like a team set to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
But the Huskers didn’t make another shot as Minnesota (8-11, 7-10 Big Ten) closed on an 11-1 run to take the win 73-63.
This is the second time in about a month that the Gophers have upset the Huskers while on the bubble. Nebraska had just moved back onto ESPN’s Bracketology. Despite a number of quality wins, the bad losses look to keep Nebraska from an at-large bid this season.
Sam Haiby scored a game-high 22 points in the loss. Annika Stewart pitched in 13 points.
Typically a dynamic front-court duo, Kate Cain and Isabelle Bourne were held in check, combining for 11 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. Bourne averaged better numbers last week in earning conference and national player of the week recognition.
The big difference in the game came on the offensive glass. Nebraska grabbed six offensive rebounds, but failed to convert any of them to points. Minnesota, meanwhile, reeled in 11 offensive boards, leading to 12 second chance points.
The Huskers return home Saturday to host Michigan State.
Feature Image Courtesy Nebraska Athletics Communications Office