Baylor's Late Surge Secures Victory Over Nebraska in NCAA Tournament Opener
In an electrifying showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Baylor's women's basketball team showcased their resilience, pulling off a 67-62 victory against Nebraska to secure their spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the 22nd consecutive year.
Baylor, now 25-8 on the season, found their stride in the fourth quarter, overcoming a late deficit with a 13-9 run to seal the win. The turning point came with just under four minutes left on the clock when Taliah Scott coolly sank two free throws after a flagrant foul, shifting the momentum firmly in Baylor's favor. Up until that moment, the Bears had clawed their way back into contention with a dominant 12-3 burst to kick off the final frame.
Right from the tip-off, Baylor set the pace. They jumped to an early lead, scoring the first seven points of the game and stretching it to an 11-point advantage in the first quarter. Yuting Deng played a pivotal role, nailing two crucial 3-pointers during a 10-0 run that saw Baylor end the quarter up 19-11, while holding Nebraska without a single two-point field goal.
Nebraska, with a 19-13 record, struggled initially but found their rhythm late in the second quarter. A 15-6 run, powered by sharp perimeter shooting, saw them snag their first lead just before halftime. Their momentum carried into the third quarter, where they extended their lead to seven.
However, Baylor was not to be outdone. A key 3-pointer by Jana Van Gytenbeek in the third quarter kept the Bears within striking distance, entering the final quarter down by just six.
The fourth quarter was all about Baylor's determination. They outscored Nebraska 26-15, overturning a nine-point deficit.
Scott led the charge with 15 points, including a stellar 9-for-12 performance from the free-throw line, and added two steals to her stat line. Darianna Littlepage-Buggs was a force on the boards, securing her 14th double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, five of which were offensive.
Van Gytenbeek contributed 12 points and a team-high four assists, while Bella Fontleroy added 10 points and seven rebounds. Deng's early contributions, with six points from two first-quarter 3-pointers, set the tone for Baylor's initial surge.
For Nebraska, Britt Prince was the standout performer with 27 points. Logan Nissley added 11 points and eight rebounds, and Amiah Hargrove matched Littlepage-Buggs with 11 rebounds.
Baylor's efficiency at the free-throw line (21-for-29) and dominance on the glass (43-33 rebound advantage) were crucial, alongside their tenacious defense that forced 15 Nebraska turnovers.
Looking ahead, Baylor will face Duke in the second round, marking their second encounter this season. The game is set to tip off at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Sunday, with details on the time and broadcast network to be announced.
Fans can continue to follow Baylor's journey through their official social media channels: @BaylorWBB on Facebook, X, and Instagram.