Nebraska's undefeated season continued as they traveled to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and came away with an 83-77 victory over Indiana. The Cornhuskers, now 18-0, were led by Jamarques Lawrence, who poured in 27 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. This win marked a significant Quadrant 1 victory for Nebraska, bolstering their already impressive resume.
The first half saw Indiana take control, with Lamar Wilkerson scoring 17 of his 32 points to give the Hoosiers a 39-30 lead at the break. Wilkerson's performance was impressive, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Cornhuskers. Tucker DeVries added 17 points and 6 rebounds for Indiana, while Reed Bailey chipped in with 10 points and 9 rebounds.
However, the second half belonged to Nebraska. The Cornhuskers exploded for 53 points, with Lawrence and Rienk Mast leading the charge. Mast added 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Pryce Sandfort contributed 12 points. The Cornhuskers' offense was too much for Indiana to handle, as they shot 61% from the field in the second half.
The game was marked by several key moments, including a 10-0 run by Nebraska midway through the second half that gave them a 65-58 lead. Indiana tried to mount a comeback, but the Cornhuskers' defense held strong, limiting the Hoosiers to just 38 points in the second half.
This victory was a crucial Quadrant 1 win for both teams, with Nebraska solidifying their position as a top contender and Indiana picking up a valuable loss against a highly-ranked opponent. The Hoosiers, now 12-7, want to bounce back from this defeat and continue to build their tournament resume.
As for Nebraska, this win is just another feather in their cap. With their undefeated record still intact, they continue to make a strong case for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. Their ability to win on the road against a tough opponent like Indiana is a reflection of their depth and resilience.
The Cornhuskers' resume is now more impressive than ever, with this Q1 win over Indiana adding to their already impressive collection of victories. As the season continues, Nebraska want to keep their momentum going and make a deep run in the tournament. With performances like this, it's clear that they have the talent and determination to make it happen.