Offensive Rebounding Steals Show Against Nebraska

1/7/2018 3:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern made a concerted effort to get to the glass against Nebraska on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a rebounding advantage for the Wildcats at historic Beardsley Gym. NU posted a season-high 15 offensive boards compared to only seven for the Cornhuskers.

Junior forward Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah logged her team-high ninth double-double of the season, finishing with 11 points and 16 rebounds, including eight of the offensive variety. She also tied her career-high with five steals.

First year guard Jordan Hamilton set a career high with 15 points, including four-of-five from the charity stripe.

Northwestern operated efficiently out of the post in the first quarter, using their advantage in the paint to then pass out to the perimeter. While the #B1GCats were playing well at both ends, their shots weren't falling at the same clip as Nebraska.

Kunaiyi-Akpanah dominated the second quarter. She collected five of the first seven total rebounds in the quarter, while scoring six quick points in the quarter as Northwestern continued its interior dominance. The difference in team styles showed up in trips to the foul line, as the Wildcats earned 15 free throws, while Nebraska played from the perimeter and had just one free throw in the first half.

Momentum shifted with three minutes left in the quarter, as Jordan Hamilton drained a three-pointer from the corner and then Nebraska committed an administrative technical foul. First year guard Lindsey Pulliam proceeded to sink both free throws to pull within five at 33-28.

Both teams closed out the quarter with stingy defense, and Nebraska went into the break with a 38-32 lead. The Cornhuskers went on to win, 69-59.

The Wildcats came out purring in the second half, as Jordan Hamilton scored four quick points, and Pulliam got three points the old fashioned way to go up, 39-38. The rookie pair led the way for the Wildcats in the third, scoring 13 of NU's 17 points in the period. Defenses locked down the the latter half of the quarter, with just five made baskets in the last five minutes of the period, and a four point game at 53-49.

Nebraska jumped out to a quick 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter, but Northwestern clawed back with an 8-2 run of their own. Northwestern's defense held Nebraska to just two points in the final four minutes.

NU is home again for its next contest, hosting Wisconsin on Thursday, January 11, at historic Beardsley Gym. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Team Notes

On shots missed by the Wildcats in the first half, Northwestern got 10 offensive rebounds, while Nebraska only had 12 defensive rebounds … At the other end, Northwestern had 11 defensive rebounds, while Nebraska had just three offensive boards.
- NU finished with a season-high 15 offensive rebounds.

Individual Notes

Junior forward Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah logged her ninth double-double of the season, thanks to 11 points and 16 rebounds.
- She collected six of the nine available rebounds in the first four minutes of the second quarter … Also picked up five of seven in the first three minutes.
- She had nine points and nine rebounds in the game's first sixteen minutes, as well as three blocks and a steal.
First year guard Jordan Hamilton led NU in scoring for the first time this season … She finished with a career-high 15 points.
First year guard Lindsey Pulliam finished with 15 points, her 14th game with double-digit scoring … She is now tied for the team lead (with Abi Scheid) in the category.