Basketball
Nebraska women’s basketball got up big Sunday but then had to hold on late.
The Huskers (15-4, 4-4 Big Ten) used a 13-0 run in the first quarter to take a 19-11 lead after one. That lead grew to 12 at halftime, 19 after three quarters, and was up to 22 early in the fourth quarter.
But Purdue (13-8, 4-6 Big Ten) turned up the pressure. Going to a five-guard lineup, the Boilermakers forced seven fourth-quarter Husker turnovers. Purdue closed the gap to as narrow as 10, but the lead for the home team was too much. Nebraska came away with the 81-66 victory.
The Huskers shot 50 percent from the floor, including 11-of-20 from 3.
Alexis Markowski continued her dominance during the conference season. The Lincoln Pius X product scored a game-high 23 points while grabbing seven rebounds. She was also a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Sam Haiby added 12 points and made a trio of 3s as well.
Jaz Shelley filled out the stat book with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks and three steals.
Next up is a home game Tuesday with Rutgers.