Playing a game for the first time in 36 days, Rutgers senior guard Texia Mack went off for a career-high 26 points to lead the Scarlet Knights to a 78-62 win against Nebraska on Sunday in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Rutgers had eight straight games postponed due to COVID-19 problems in its program and hadn’t played since a Jan. 3 loss against Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights improved to 6-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten.
Including Thursday’s loss against Penn State, Nebraska (9-7, 7-6 Big Ten) lost twice to unranked team during NU's East Coast road trip.
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In the Scarlet Knights’ return to competition their trademark great defense was still there from the start.
Rutgers created a lot of offense with its relentless pressure and trapping defense. Rutgers had 13 steals and forced 19 turnovers. Rutgers scored 19 points off of turnovers, while Nebraska scored 10 points off of turnovers.
Nebraska never led in the game. Rutgers took control with an 11-0 run in the first quarter for a 15-4 lead just four minutes into the game.
“I thought (Rutgers) did a great job of mixing up their defenses and forcing some confusion and chaos,†said Nebraska coach Amy Williams on the Husker Sports Network. “We were sped up most of the game and it did not allow us to play to our strengths offensively.â€
Rutgers has one of the leading scorers in the nation in senior Arella Guirantes. But for the second time this season Nebraska did OK against Guirantes, holding her to 17 points on 5-of-21 shooting.
But Mack and guard Diamond Johnson combined for 48 points. Johnson, a 5-foot-5 freshman and the No. 6 recruit in her class, scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting with four three-pointers.
Mack scored inside, and also surprised the Huskers with two three-pointers.
“(Mack’s) 17 first-half points was a spark that buried us a little bit, and we were constantly trying to play catch up,†Williams said.
Last month Nebraska beat Rutgers 53-50, but Rutgers had reached 50 this time with 16 minutes still left in the game. Nebraska had a 12-2 run late in the third quarter, but still trailed by 10 points to start the final quarter.
It was Nebraska making 9 of 18 three-pointers that kept Nebraska close for a while.
Sam Haiby led Nebraska with 20 points, and freshman Annika Stewart added 12.
Isabelle Bourne returned to the starting lineup for the first time since her ankle injury and scored five points. Nebraska’s primary inside players of Kate Cain, Bella Cravens and Bourne combined for just nine points and had seven turnovers.
“Rutgers is a team that makes you have to use all five players to help you break your pressure and if that’s the case then we got to do a better job of being really smart and solid and taking care of the basketball better than we did,†Williams said.
MiCole Cayton scored six points for her most points in a game while at Nebraska. Kendall Coley, a freshman who graduated from high school last month and came to college early, had a chance for her first points in a college game but missed two free throws in the final minute of the game.
Photos: Our favorite staff images from the Huskers' winter sports season
Nebraska vs. Ohio State, 3.12
Nebraska’s Riley Zuhn (left) is the center of her teammates' attention after a kill against Ohio State on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Ohio State, 3.12
Nebraska’s Kenzie Knuckles dives for an Ohio State hit in the first set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Ohio State, 3.12
Nebraska's Lexi Sun (11) and Lauren Stivrins celebrate after the Huskers defeated Ohio State on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center. Sun had 17 kills and Stivrins had 18.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.27
Nebraska guard Kobe Webster (10) celebrates after teammate Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) makes a three-pointer during the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.27
Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (right) reacts after getting hit in the head by the elbow of Minnesota’s Brandon Johnson (23) during the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. No foul was called on the play after an official's review of the play. Thorbjarnarson had 10 points in the Huskers' 78-74 win over the Gophers.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.27
Nebraska forward Derrick Walker (13) dunks down two of his 12 points against Minnesota during the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Penn State vs. Nebraska, 2.23
Penn State’s Sam Sessoms (3) is defended by Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (left) and Teddy Allen (top) during the first half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Penn State vs. Nebraska, 2.23
Penn State’s Myles Dread (2) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer to give the Nittany Lions a 10-point lead against Nebraska and guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) in the second half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Penn State vs. Nebraska, 2.23
Nebraska's Teddy Allen (left) battles for the rebound with Penn State’s John Harrar (21) on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Penn State won 86-83.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Penn State 2.22
Nebraska's Sam Haiby (4) hugs teammate Whitney Brown after defeating Penn State on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Penn State 2.22
Penn State's Maddia Burke (left) fouls Nebraska's Isabelle Bourne in the third quarter on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Penn State 2.22
Penn State's Johnasia Cash (center) tries to escape from Nebraska's Kate Cain (second center) and Sam Haiby, after grabbing the offensive rebound in the fourth quarter on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Minnesota 2.22
Nebraska takes the court to celebrate their three set sweep over Minnesota on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Devany Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Minnesota 2.22
Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (left) and Lexi Sun block a shot by Minnesota's Stephanie Samedy during Nebraska's three-set win against the Gophers on Feb. 21.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Minnesota 2.22
Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (top left) celebrates with her team after a kill during a win against No. 5 Minnesota on Feb. 21.
Kenneth Ferriera
Purdue vs. Nebraska, 2.20
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg looks towards the bench as Purdue’s Jaden Ivey (23) and Trevion Williams (top) celebrate the three-pointer of teammate Sasha Stefanovic after a timeout was called during the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Purdue vs. Nebraska, 2.20
In preparation for the upcoming high school state basketball tournament, seats in the lower bowl at Pinnacle Bank Arena are covered every other row as seen prior to the Nebraska-Purdue men's game on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19
Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (10) dives for an ace serve by Minnesota’s Adanna Rollins as teammate Kayla Caffey (top) looks on during a Feb. 19 match at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun celebrates a kill by teammate Lauren Stivrins (not shown) to tie the score against Minnesota at 21-21 in the fourth set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19
Nebraska right-side hitter Riley Zuhn attempts a kill during a match against Minnesota on Feb. 19.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Maryland 2.14
Nebraska's Sam Haiby (center) and Ashley Scoggin (left) dive after a ball picked up by Maryland's Faith Masonius (center bottom) in the second quarter on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.13
Nebraska's Dyland LeClair on the vault during a meet against Minnesota on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.13
Nebraska's Jake Bonnay competes on the floor exercise during a meet against Minnesota at the Devaney Sports Center on Feb. 13, 2021.
Journal Star file photo
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 2.13
Nebraska's Dylan Young dismounts from the parallel bars during a meet against Minnesota on Feb. 13 at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12
Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu (11) tips the shot of Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Illinois went on to win 77-72.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12
Nebraska forward Lat Mayen (11) celebrates his three-pointer along with teammate Derrick Walker during a game against Illinois Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12
Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu (left) leaps past Nebraska forward Lat Mayen for a dunk during their game earlier this month at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Dosunmu had 10 points in the last 2:34 of regulation, then scored the first five in overtime to lead the Illini's rally in a 77-72 victory.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12
Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (right) hits the floor and loses the ball after coming into contact with Illinois’ Andre Curbelo (5) during the second half Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Illinois vs. Nebraska, 2.12
Nebraska's Eduardo Andre (35) reacts after Illinois’ Giorgi Bezhanishvili (not shown) was whistled for a technical foul during the second half Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Andre was given a technical foul after the same play.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska, 2.10
Nebraska forward Derrick Walker (13) fouls Wisconsin’s Tyler Wahl (5) going for a rebound in the second half on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Wisconsin vs. Nebraska, 2.10
Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) is defended by Wisconsin’s Micah Potter (11), D’Mitrik Trice (0) and Tyler Wahl (right) in the first half Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska women's gymnastics 2.7
Chloè Lorange (right) executes a spin off the vault during a duel against Rutgers on Sunday, February 07, 2021, at the Devaney Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.6
Nebraska’s Kayla Caffey (3) is all smiles after her match-winning kill in a sweep of Maryland on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.6
Nebraska’s Nicklin Hames (1) lifts a shot near the official's stand in the first set against Maryland on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.6
Nebraska's Madi Kubik (10) tries to avoid hitting head coach John Cook as she chases a ball out of bounds Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5
Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins (26) goes for a second-set kill against Maryland on Feb. 5 at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5
Nebraska’s Riley Zuhn (top right) and Kayla Caffey attempt a block against Maryland's Rainelle Jones (left) in the second set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun (11) celebrates a Husker point scored in the first set against Maryland on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Maryland, 2.5
The Nebraska bench, including nonplaying freshmen Lexi Rodriguez (front row) and Ally Batenhorst (back row), celebrate a kill during a match against Maryland on Feb. 5 at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs Wisconsin 1.31
Nebraska's Peyton Robb (top) pins down Wisconsin's Josh Otto during the 165 lb weight class match on Jan. 31 at the Devaney Sports Center.Â
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs Wisconsin 1.31
Nebraska's Christian Lance is lifted up by his teammates after on Jan. 31 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Kenneth Ferriera
Northwestern vs. Nebraska 1.23
Nebraska's Peyton Robb topples Northwestern's David Ferrante on Jan. 23 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Kenneth Ferriera
Northwestern vs. Nebraska 1.23
Northwestern's Maxx Mayfield slams Nebraska's Caleb Licking on the mat on Jan. 23 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Kenneth Ferriera
Ohio State vs. Nebraska, 1.16
Nebraska’s Kate Cain is surrounded by Ohio State's Gabby Hutcherson (left) and Kateri Poole on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Ohio State vs. Nebraska, 1.16
Nebraska’s Ashley Scoggin weaves her way through the defense of Ohio State's Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon (4), Braxtin Miller (10) and Dorka Juhász (14) in the second half Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 1.8
Nebraska wrestler Liam Cronin (left) greets Minnesota’s Patrick McKee before the 125-pound match Jan. 8 at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 1.2
Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) gets his second-half layup blocked by Michigan State’s Aaron Henry (0) on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 1.2
Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) gets his second-half layup blocked by Michigan State’s Aaron Henry (0) on Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 12.31
Nebraska’s Sam Haiby (4) drives to the basket against Northwestern’s Courtney Shaw (15) and Lauryn Satterwhite (2) in the first half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 12.31
Nebraska’s Sam Haiby (4) eyes the basket as she scores just before the buzzer to give the Huskers a 65-63 win over Northwestern on Dec. 31 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Northwestern vs. Nebraska, 12.31
Nebraska’s Whitney Brown (10) celebrates her second made three-pointer of the first half with teammate Kate Cain (31) on Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17
Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2) shoots over Doane’s Matt Hagedorn and Tyler Sullivan in their game earlier this season at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17
Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) drives to the basket against Doane’s Max Masin (20) in the first half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17
Doane’s Anthony Laravie (3) is defended by Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2), Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) and Dalano Banton (45) as Doane's Alec Oberhauser (4) looks to help in the first half Dec. 17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17
Nebraska Trevor Lakes, who made three three-pointers in the first half, celebrates a make against Doane last year at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10
Nebraska and Indiana join at the center of the court in a moment of unity before the start of Sunday's game at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10
Nebraska's Derrick Walker (13) dunks the ball over Indiana in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10
Indiana's Race Thompson (25) battles Nebraska's Dalano Banton for a loose ball during their game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in January. Banton, who sprained his ankle in the Huskers' first workout back from their COVID-19 pause, is full-go for Saturday's game at Michigan State.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Indiana vs. Nebraska, 1.10
Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2) scores against Indiana's Trey Galloway in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Rutgers vs. Nebraska, 1.3
Nebraska's Ashley Scoggin (left) is blocked by Rutgers' Tekia Mack (middle) in the first quarter at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 3.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Rutgers vs. Nebraska, 1.3
Nebraska celebrates after its win against Rutgers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 3.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Rutgers vs. Nebraska, 1.3
Nebraska's Sam Haiby celebrates as the clock winds down in the final seconds against Rutgers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 3.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19
Nebraska's Kate Cain (from left) and Ashley Scoggin try to take the ball away from Minnesota's Gadiva Hubbard in the second half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19
Minnesota's Kadi Sissoko (from left) competes for a rebound with Nebraska's Whitney Brown and Bella Cravens in the second half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19
Nebraska's Whitney Brown (left) scores against Minnesota's Kayla Mershon at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 19. Mershon, a former Husker, has started the last four games for Minnesota.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 1.19
Nebraska's Sam Haiby (right) battles for possession with Minnesota's Katie Borowicz in the first half Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Â
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Doane vs. Nebraska, 12.17
Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) slams down two points against Doane as teammate Teddy Allen (0) looks on in the second half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Creighton, 12.14
Nebraska's Kate Cain (left) fights for a loose ball against Creighton's Mallory Brake during the first half Dec. 14 at Sokol Arena in Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Creighton, 12.14
Nebraska's Sam Haiby reacts from the bench during the second half Monday at Sokol Arena in Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Nevada, 11.26
Nebraska's Shamiel Stevenson is sandwiched by Nevada's Desmond Cambridge (left) and Tré Coleman in the second half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Nevada, 11.26
Nebraska forward Yvan Ouedraogo looks for room as he is defended by Nevada forwards Tré Coleman (left), Zane Meeks (top right) and guard Desmond Cambridge on Nov. 26 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Nevada, 11.26
Nebraska guard Trey McGowens falls to the floor as he is defended by Nevada forward Robby Robinson during first half Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Michigan vs. Nebraska, 12.25
Nebraska's Yvan Ouedraogo celebrates in the second half against Michigan on Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Michigan vs. Nebraska, 12.25
Nebraska's Trey McGowens (2) and Nebraska's Teddy Allen try to steal the ball from Michigan's Terrance Williams in the second half Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
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