Rutgers women's basketball looks for 1st Big Ten win against Nebraska
Looking to end an eight-game losing streak and win for the first time in Big Ten play this season, the Rutgers women’s basketball team heads on the road tomorrow for a matchup against Nebraska. The two programs face off after having their game postponed on Jan. 20 due to health and safety protocols.
In their last time on the court, the Scarlet Knights (7-15, 0-10) managed to run out to an early 12-point lead against Michigan State but could not hold on, losing by 16 to remain winless in 2022.
“Our kids started out the game strong,” said acting head coach Timothy Eatman after the loss. “I think (graduate student forward) Osh Brown picking up her second foul so early in the first half really hurt us.”
Brown has been the statistical leader of the program after transferring from Ball State for this season, setting the mark in both scoring and rebounding this year. The forward was 1 of 3 players to reach double-digit scoring in Rutgers’ last game.
Despite being the only team in the conference with no wins in Big Ten play, the Knights still rank high in many defensive metrics. They are third in average points allowed per game and rank second in rebounds allowed per game, but they have not been able to take care of the ball on offense, having the highest average of turnovers per game.
The Cornhuskers (15-4, 4-4) are currently on a two-game winning streak, taking down Purdue in their last matchup 81-66. Alexis Markowski starred, scoring a game-high 23 points on just 14 shot attempts. The freshman has played a pivotal role this season, winning five Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards this year, including the one that was announced yesterday.
Jaz Shelly has played a similar role to Brown for Nebraska this season, leading the program in both scoring and rebounding. She also leads the program in steals and blocks, truly showing that she is the main force behind its fast start to the season.
This is the first time these teams play this season, with Rutgers winning the last matchup 11 months ago. In the all-time series, the Knights lead 6-4 and are 5-4 in Big Ten play against the Cornhuskers.
Rutgers and Nebraska face off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game will be broadcasted on Big Ten Network+ and 88.7 WRSU-FM.
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