Historically, Indiana has typically prevailed over Nebraska.

The last four meetings have told a different story. Friday night was the latest chapter in Nebraska’s recent dominance over the Hoosiers. The Huskers used a late 17-1 run to secure an 85-68 victory at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Indiana had their chances throughout the game, but ultimately their lack of execution cost them a chance at a valuable Big Ten road win.

The first few minutes seemed to be the start of a long night for the Hoosiers. Nebraska started out hot, building a 13-3 lead in the first three minutes. However, Indiana found its footing. The Hoosiers took their first lead with 11:37 left in the first half and continued a see-saw battle between the Huskers for the remainder of the first half and parts of the second half. Indiana trailed 44-41 at halftime.

As the second half began, Indiana’s problems resurfaced as the Hoosiers were unable to provide any resistance against a Nebraska offense that continued to be red-hot.

“We had no defensive presence early in the game,” Mike Woodson said after the game. “That’s something we just have to keep working on and fixing because especially on the road… you know, we had our opportunities. We were a five-point game, I think, with five minutes on the clock, but we just couldn’t make shots. We looked good.”

The Hoosiers never seemed to find an offensive rhythm, especially because two of their best scoring options were on the floor most of the game. Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau struggled with foul trouble throughout the game.

Myles Rice delivered a solid performance in the second half to boost IU, but couldn’t take on the Huskers alone. He finished the second half with 14 of Indiana’s 27 points, but his teammates couldn’t get anything going. No other Hoosier scored more than three points in the second half.

The Hoosiers had their fair share of solid performances from the field in the second half, but shot a dismal 27.8 percent. Indiana attempted 35 3-pointers, the most in a game for the program in the Mike Woodson era. However, after starting the game 5-on-8, they only converted eight of those looks. Indiana was 3 of 20 on 3s in the second half.

“We looked good,” Woodson said. “I just didn’t do them. We could take 30, 40, 50 threes. You have to get up and make them when you take them.”

After a 37-point loss to Michigan State in its last game, Nebraska played a balanced game that showcased its strong defense and sophisticated offense. The Huskers finished the game shooting 61 percent, and their leading scorer, Brice Williams, scored a game-high 30 points.

“They made shots, but you know, we have to be better defensively,” Woodson said. “I’m on these guys all the time. We work on defense and, you know, I know defense wins, especially when you don’t make shots. At least it keeps you in the ball game. Tonight they made both plays, they made shots and we weren’t very good on defense.”

There was a small glimmer of hope less than seven minutes before the end of the second half. Luke Goode hit a three-pointer off his own rebound to bring the game to 68-67. From there, Nebraska went on its decisive 17-1 run while Indiana remained scoreless for 3:08 of the finale.

Indiana lost to Nebraska for the fourth straight time, with each loss by at least 15 points.

With an NCAA Tournament record looking tenuous, Friday marked another contest in which the Hoosiers failed to put together a solid performance for 40 minutes. At 1-1 in Big Ten play with just two non-conference games remaining, Indiana is trending toward another underdog season heading into March Madness.

(Image credit: IU Athletics)

Submitted to: Nebraska Cornhuskers