Maryland women’s basketball vs. Nebraska preview

After a mediocre start to the season, Maryland women’s basketball finished its nonconference schedule on a seven-game winning streak, capped off by a 78-55 thumping of James Madison on Dec. 20.

The Dukes kept it close throughout the first half, but Maryland outscored James Madison, 43-17, in the final two quarters to clinch the win. Shyanne Sellers scored a career-high 29 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists.

The Terps will close out 2023 at Nebraska on Sunday. The game will tipoff at 2:30 p.m. and be broadcasted on Big Ten Network.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3, 1-0 Big Ten)

2022-23 record: 18-15, 8-10 Big Ten

Head coach Amy Williams has led the Cornhuskers to the NCAA tournament twice in her seven years at the helm, with their most recent appearance being in 2022.

The Cornhuskers have started this season off strong, and a positive record in Big Ten play should solidify a spot in the Big Ten tournament.

Players to know

Alexis Markowski, junior center/forward, 6-foot-3, No. 40 – After consecutive All-Big Ten second team selections, Markowski is having her best season yet. She is averaging 17.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, which leads the Big Ten.

Natalie Potts, freshman forward, 6-foot-2, No. 22 – In her first collegiate season, Potts has turned into a key player for the Cornhuskers. She is averaging 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and a team-high 0.83 blocks per game.

Jaz Shelley, graduate guard, 5-foot-9, No. 1 – Shelley has been running the offense for Nebraska this season. An All-Big Ten first team selection last season, she has the third best assist to turnover ratio in the Big Ten this season (2.3) and is averaging 13.1 points per game.

Strength

A presence on the glass. Markowski, along with the rest of the team, dominate on the boards. The Cornhuskers average 43.2 rebounds a game, which is the third-best mark in the Big Ten.

Weakness

Turnovers. Nebraska has struggled taking care of the ball and forcing turnovers this season. The Cornhuskers have a .50 turnover margin, which is 11th-best in the Big Ten.

Three things to watch

1. Will Sellers stay hot? Sellers is one of the best players in the Big Ten, but has been particularly good recently. She’s scored more than 25 points or managed double-digit assists in four of her last six games.

2. Will Lavender Briggs be back on the court? Since the Cancun Challenge in late November, Briggs has been out with an injury. Sunday could see her return to the court for the first time in over a month.

3. Will the Terps keep winning in Big Ten play? With nonconference games finished, Maryland will have to prove itself against the Big Ten. The Terps won’t play a ranked opponent until No. 17 Ohio State on Jan. 17, though, which could give them a chance to stack more wins.