Full Breakdown
Baylor Advances Past Nebraska in NCAA Tournament Opener
3/21/2026, 6:12:20 PM
Game Overview: Baylor vs. Nebraska
In a tightly contested first-round matchup of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, the sixth-seeded Baylor Bears (25-8) overcame an early deficit to defeat the 11th-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers (19-13) 67-62 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Taliah Scott led Baylor with 15 points, primarily from the free-throw line, where the team excelled by converting 21 of 29 attempts. The Bears rallied from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter, showcasing strong defensive pressure and clutch free-throw shooting to secure their advancement to the Round of 32.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Baylor started strong, leading 19-11 after the first quarter, but Nebraska fought back, taking a 28-27 lead at halftime. The Cornhuskers extended their lead to 50-41 early in the fourth quarter, largely due to the efforts of Britt Prince, who scored a game-high 27 points. However, the pivotal moment occurred with 3:48 remaining when Nebraska's Jessica Petrie was assessed a flagrant foul after a review, allowing Scott to hit two free throws and give Baylor a lead they would not relinquish. This call shifted the momentum in favor of the Bears, who capitalized on the opportunity to regain control.
Statistical Highlights
Baylor's performance was marked by a strong rebounding effort, outpacing Nebraska 43-33. Darianna Littlepage-Buggs contributed significantly with a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Jana Van Gytenbeek added 12 points, including two crucial three-pointers in the second half. Nebraska's shooting was less efficient, finishing at 34% from the field, but they excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 43% of their three-point attempts.
Official Statements & Responses
Baylor head coach Nicki Collen expressed satisfaction with her team's resilience, stating, “I thought that we got tough at the end... It was our defense. It was our intensity.” Nebraska coach Amy Williams acknowledged the physical nature of the game, noting, “It was an unfortunate circumstance that ended up kind of shifting a little bit of the momentum.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Nebraska's performance drew praise for its defensive strategy, particularly in limiting Scott's scoring in the early quarters. Critics pointed to the controversial foul call as a critical turning point, with some arguing that it unfairly impacted Nebraska's chances to advance.
What's Next
Baylor will face third-seeded Duke in the next round of the tournament, a rematch of their earlier season opener, which Baylor won 58-52. Both teams enter the matchup with identical records of 25-8, setting the stage for another competitive encounter.
This victory marks a significant step for Baylor as they aim to continue their tournament run, while Nebraska will look to regroup and build on their experiences for future seasons.
