By Michael Moore
Number 6 seeded Nebraska defeated number three seeded Michigan in the 2nd round of the Big Ten tournament 76-73.
Despite a valiant effort from Naz Hillmon (18 points, 12 rebounds), freshman Laila Phelia (19 points), and Leigha Brown (16 points), the lady Wolverines found themselves in an early 12 point deficit in the 1st quarter.
Michigan turned things around in the 2nd quarter outscoring Nebraska 22 – 6, and went into halftime up by four points.
In the 3rd quarter, Nebraska outscored Michigan 26 – 14 behind an aggressive and balanced offense. Jr. guard Jaz Shelley set the Nebraska record hitting nine three-pointers in their first-round win over Illinois, and she continued against Michigan scoring (12 points), Sam Haiby (16 points), Allison Weidner (16 points), and Annika Stewart (12 points)
Michigan had a chance at the very end down by just one with less than 1:00 minute to play but fell short.
Nebraska will play Iowa in the semifinals, with the winner playing in the championship game on Sunday.
