Story by NU Athletic Communications

Kelly Ann Strand fired rounds of 71 and 74 to close the opening day of the Briar's Creek Challenge in a tie for 15th to lead the Nebraska women's golf team in Johns Island, S.C., on Monday.

Strand, a sophomore from Challis, Idaho, began the day with a steady round of 71 that featured two birdies and 15 pars along with a single bogey on No. 16. Her second round included a birdie and 14 more pars, but also included a trio of bogeys. Her two-round total of 145 (+1) was good for a tie for 15th. She is just five strokes outside the top four players in a tight 104-player field.

With Strand leading the way, the Huskers enter Tuesday's final round in 11th place in a 17-team field filled with top-100 teams.

Junior Miu Takahashi added back-to-back rounds of 74 (+2) to close the day at 148 (+4) in a tie for 35th. Freshman Arden Louchheim contributed counting rounds to both of Nebraska's team scores by carding an opening-round 78 (+6) and a second-round 75 (+3). She ended the day at 153 (+9) in a tie for 67th with senior teammate Michaela Vavrova.

Vavrova opened with a 73 (+1) for Nebraska's second-best round of the day, before settling for an 80 in the second round.&nbsp;

Senior Lindsey Thiele contributed to the Husker team score with a 75 (+3) in the second round after opening the day with an 80. Thiele is tied for 77th individually at 155 (+11).

The Huskers managed team scores of 296 and 298 to head to the final round at 594 (+18) on the par-72, 6,152-yard layout of the Briar's Creek Golf Club.

Michigan State sits atop the team standings at 566 (-10) after rounds of 282 and 284. Illinois is six shots back in second at 572, while Rutgers is 15 strokes behind the Spartans in third at 581 (+5).

Michigan State's Katie Lu owns the top spot on the individual leader board at 136 (69-67), one shot ahead of Isabel Sy from Illinois (137) and two strokes in front of Spartan teammate Brooke Biermann in third (138).&nbsp;

Tuesday's final round at Briar's Creek begins with a shotgun start at 7:45 a.m. (CT). Live scoring from GolfStat will be available on Huskers.com.

Briar's Creek ChallengeMarch 11-12, 2024Johns Island, South CarolinaBriar's Creek Golf Club (Par 72, 6,152 Yards)

Team Standings (Two Rounds)1. Michigan State - 284-282=566 (-10)2. Illinois - 284-288=572 (-4)3. Rutgers - 291-290=581 (+5)4. UCF - 301-281=582 (+6)5. Florida - 290-293=583 (+7)6. NC State - 291-293-584 (+8)7. Boston College - 294-292=586 (+10)8. Purdue - 294-293=587 (+11)9. Campbell - 285-306=591 (+15)10. Miami - 294-298=592 (+16)11. Nebraska - 296-298=594 (+18)12. Georgetown - 293-302=595 (+19)13. College of Charleston - 305-293=598 (+22)14. Maryland - 299-300=599 (+23)15. Penn State - 305-296=601 (+25)16. Wisconsin - 299-304=603 (+27)17. Old Dominion - 297-309=606 (+30)

Individual Standings (Two Rounds)1. Katie Lu, Michigan State - 69-67=136 (-8)2. Isabel Sy, Illinois - 67-70=137 (-7)3. Brooke Biermann, Michigan State - 68-70=138 (-6)T4. Ines Archer, Florida - 70-70=140 (-4)T4. Leigha Devine, Rutgers - 69-71=140 (-4)6. Jade Gu, Purdue - 70-71=141 (-3)T7. Pimpisa Sisutham, UCF - 74-68=142 (-2)T7. Lexanne Halama, Illinois - 73-69=142 (-2)T7. Emily Bohrer, Boston College - 71-71=142 (-2)T10. Lauren Olivares Leon, NC State - 74-69=143 (-1)T10. Lucrezia Rossettin, Rutgers - 72-71=143 (-1)T10. Jasmine Kahler, Purdue - 72-71=143 (-1)&nbsp;

Nebraska IndividualsT15. Kelli Ann Strand - 71-74=145 (+1)T35. Miu Takahashi - 74-74=148 (+4)T67. Arden Louchheim - 78-75=153 (+9)T67. Michaela Vavrova - 73-80=153 (+9)T77. Lindsey Thiele - 80-75=155 (+11)*T98. Brooke Bream - 85-76=161 (+17)

* competing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsKelly Ann Strand fired rounds of 71 and 74 to close the opening day of the Briar's Creek Challenge in a tie for 15th to lead the Nebraska women's golf team in Johns Island, S.C., on Monday.Strand, a sophomore from Challis, Idaho, began the day with a steady round of 71 that featured two birdies and 15 pars along with a single bogey on No. 16. Her second round included a birdie and 14 more pars, but also included a trio of bogeys. Her two-round total of 145 (+1) was good for a tie for 15th. She is just five strokes outside the top four players in a tight 104-player field.With Strand leading the way, the Huskers enter Tuesday's final round in 11th place in a 17-team field filled with top-100 teams.Junior Miu Takahashi added back-to-back rounds of 74 (+2) to close the day at 148 (+4) in a tie for 35th. Freshman Arden Louchheim contributed counting rounds to both of Nebraska's team scores by carding an opening-round 78 (+6) and a second-round 75 (+3). She ended the day at 153 (+9) in a tie for 67th with senior teammate Michaela Vavrova.Vavrova opened with a 73 (+1) for Nebraska's second-best round of the day, before settling for an 80 in the second round.&nbsp;Senior Lindsey Thiele contributed to the Husker team score with a 75 (+3) in the second round after opening the day with an 80. Thiele is tied for 77th individually at 155 (+11).The Huskers managed team scores of 296 and 298 to head to the final round at 594 (+18) on the par-72, 6,152-yard layout of the Briar's Creek Golf Club.Michigan State sits atop the team standings at 566 (-10) after rounds of 282 and 284. Illinois is six shots back in second at 572, while Rutgers is 15 strokes behind the Spartans in third at 581 (+5).Michigan State's Katie Lu owns the top spot on the individual leader board at 136 (69-67), one shot ahead of Isabel Sy from Illinois (137) and two strokes in front of Spartan teammate Brooke Biermann in third (138).&nbsp;Tuesday's final round at Briar's Creek begins with a shotgun start at 7:45 a.m. (CT). Live scoring from GolfStat will be available on Huskers.com.Briar's Creek ChallengeMarch 11-12, 2024Johns Island, South CarolinaBriar's Creek Golf Club (Par 72, 6,152 Yards)Team Standings (Two Rounds)1. Michigan State - 284-282=566 (-10)2. Illinois - 284-288=572 (-4)3. Rutgers - 291-290=581 (+5)4. UCF - 301-281=582 (+6)5. Florida - 290-293=583 (+7)6. NC State - 291-293-584 (+8)7. Boston College - 294-292=586 (+10)8. Purdue - 294-293=587 (+11)9. Campbell - 285-306=591 (+15)10. Miami - 294-298=592 (+16)11. Nebraska - 296-298=594 (+18)12. Georgetown - 293-302=595 (+19)13. College of Charleston - 305-293=598 (+22)14. Maryland - 299-300=599 (+23)15. Penn State - 305-296=601 (+25)16. Wisconsin - 299-304=603 (+27)17. Old Dominion - 297-309=606 (+30)Individual Standings (Two Rounds)1. Katie Lu, Michigan State - 69-67=136 (-8)2. Isabel Sy, Illinois - 67-70=137 (-7)3. Brooke Biermann, Michigan State - 68-70=138 (-6)T4. Ines Archer, Florida - 70-70=140 (-4)T4. Leigha Devine, Rutgers - 69-71=140 (-4)6. Jade Gu, Purdue - 70-71=141 (-3)T7. Pimpisa Sisutham, UCF - 74-68=142 (-2)T7. Lexanne Halama, Illinois - 73-69=142 (-2)T7. Emily Bohrer, Boston College - 71-71=142 (-2)T10. Lauren Olivares Leon, NC State - 74-69=143 (-1)T10. Lucrezia Rossettin, Rutgers - 72-71=143 (-1)T10. Jasmine Kahler, Purdue - 72-71=143 (-1)&nbsp;Nebraska IndividualsT15. Kelli Ann Strand - 71-74=145 (+1)T35. Miu Takahashi - 74-74=148 (+4)T67. Arden Louchheim - 78-75=153 (+9)T67. Michaela Vavrova - 73-80=153 (+9)T77. Lindsey Thiele - 80-75=155 (+11)*T98. Brooke Bream - 85-76=161 (+17)* competing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Strand leads Huskers Golf on 1st day at Briar’s Creek

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos on Monday agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $22.5 million with former Miami Dophins safety Brandon Jones, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person also confirmed that kicker Wil Lutz, who converted almost 90% of his field goal attempts last season in his reunion with coach Sean Payton, was re-signing with Denver on a two-year deal.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Broncos didn't announce the agreements, which will become official Wednesday with the start of the new league year.

The deal with Jones came shortly after the Broncos announced they had re-signed fifth-year safety&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1767328146896912545?s=20">P.J. Locke</a>&nbsp;to a two-year contract that kept the emerging star off the free agent market.

Locke, who went undrafted out of Texas in 2020, is coming off a breakout season in 2023.

Filling in for the oft-suspended Kareem Jackson, Locke made 53 tackles, 33 of them solo, with three sacks, an interception, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles in a dozen games, including eight starts.

He also became the first safety in club history to get a sack in three consecutive games.

Like Locke, Jones joined the NFL out of Texas in 2020 when the the Dolphins selected him in the third round.

Jones played in 16 games last season and set career highs with four pass breakups and two interceptions. His 2022 season was cut short by a torn left ACL and he had a slow start last season before finishing strong.

Denver fourth-year safety Caden Sterns, who is coming back from a leg injury that sidelined him last season, also went to Texas. So, the Broncos' secondary should have some measure of familiarity even as it adjusts to the absence of All-Pro&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-free-agency-safeties-simmons-b9ca043f75e36f1094343203203de6fb">Justin Simmons</a>, a salary cap casualty in the aftermath of quarterback Russell Wilson's release.

The Broncos were saddled with a league-record $85 million in dead cap charges by releasing Wilson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steelers-wilson-07f79b0a666fffdcf62d9954f9e35fbb">agreed to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh</a>&nbsp;for the veteran minimum of $1.21 million. That leaves Denver on the hook for the remaining $36.79 million in Wilson's salary for 2024.

Also Monday, the Broncos lost Lloyd Cushenberry III to the Tennessee Titans, opening the way for a camp competition at center between Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth. Cushenberry agreed to a four-year, $50 million contract with the Titans.

The Broncos wanted Cushenberry to return but they had already paid top dollar to left guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey in their free agency spending spree a year ago, and Quinn Meinerz is set to cash in next year after emerging as a standout at right guard.

Kirk Cousins chooses Atlanta, Saquon Barkley goes to Philly

Kirk Cousins is heading to the Falcons. Saquon Barkley is joining the Eagles. Brian Burns is going to the Giants.

The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was a free-for-all frenzy with teams making one big move after another, highlighted by Cousins’ decision to leave Minnesota for Atlanta.

The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and the Falcons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-cousins-falcons-contract-be48f1d3287f851e58cee83e17da154e">agreed on a $180 million, four-year deal</a>&nbsp;with $100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus, according to a person with knowledge of the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Barkley bolted New York for NFC East rival Philadelphia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-huff-barkley-785dd3a9eb249fa12bc16d1ac6e34ff7">agreeing on a three-year, $37.75 million deal</a>&nbsp;with $26 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the contract told the AP.

Hours after losing Barkley, the Giants made a splash on the defensive side. They’re sending a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder to Carolina for Burns,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/burns-giants-panthers-trade-06609a1b33204bd3f212b2ea2945c6b8">who is getting a five-year contract</a>&nbsp;worth up to $150 million with $87.5 million in guarantees, according to a person with knowledge of the terms.

Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, joins an all-star offensive cast in Philly and replaces D’Andre Swift, who is heading to the Chicago Bears.

It was a busy day for running backs, who have been undervalued by NFL teams in recent years.

Josh Jacobs, a 2022 All-Pro, is leaving Las Vegas for Green Bay. Tony Pollard is going from Dallas to Tennessee, Austin Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers to Washington, Devin Singletary from Houston to the Giants, Gus Edwards from Baltimore to the Chargers and Antonio Gibson from the Commanders to New England.

Like the Giants, the Raiders made a major splash on defense after losing their starting running back. Las Vegas and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins agreed to a four-year, $110 contract with $84.75 million guaranteed, agent David Mulugheta said.

The Raiders also are bringing in quarterback Gardner Minshew, who went 7-6 filling in for Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis last season.

Detroit is getting edge rusher Marcus Davenport and acquiring cornerback Carlton Davis from Tampa Bay in a trade. The Lions also are re-signing guard Graham Glasgow.

The Vikings are adding edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and inside linebacker Blake Cashman.

In addition to Pollard, the Titans are getting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and center Lloyd Cushenberry.

The Packers bolstered their defense by agreeing on a deal with safety Xavier McKinney. Green Bay released Aaron Jones to make way for Jacobs.

Jacksonville, which is acquiring quarterback Mac Jones to back up Trevor Lawrence, is adding wide receiver Gabe Davis, safety Darnell Savage, kick returner Devin Duvernay and cornerback Ronald Darby.

The Commanders, who have the most salary cap space in the league, raided division rival Dallas for defensive end Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz. Washington also is bringing in linebacker Frankie Luvu.

Several teams kept some of their top players.

The Browns have agreed to re-sign defensive end Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. The Eagles extended Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson’s contract and are signing edge rusher Bryce Huff away from the Jets.

The Seahawks are bringing back tight end Noah Fant. The Jets are re-signing kicker Greg Zuerlein and announced they signed cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who was released by San Francisco last month.

The Patriots are re-signing receiver Kendrick Bourne while bringing quarterback Jacoby Brissett back to the team that drafted him to play behind Tom Brady several years ago. The Bengals are adding safety Geno Stone and they announced they’re re-signing tight end Drew Sample and running back Trayveon Williams.

The Bills are bringing back left tackle Dion Dawkins, edge rusher A.J. Epenesa and defensive back Cam Lewis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698082044048.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos on Monday agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $22.5 million with former Miami Dophins safety Brandon Jones, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person also confirmed that kicker Wil Lutz, who converted almost 90% of his field goal attempts last season in his reunion with coach Sean Payton, was re-signing with Denver on a two-year deal.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Broncos didn't announce the agreements, which will become official Wednesday with the start of the new league year.The deal with Jones came shortly after the Broncos announced they had re-signed fifth-year safety&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1767328146896912545?s=20">P.J. Locke</a>&nbsp;to a two-year contract that kept the emerging star off the free agent market.Locke, who went undrafted out of Texas in 2020, is coming off a breakout season in 2023.Filling in for the oft-suspended Kareem Jackson, Locke made 53 tackles, 33 of them solo, with three sacks, an interception, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles in a dozen games, including eight starts.He also became the first safety in club history to get a sack in three consecutive games.Like Locke, Jones joined the NFL out of Texas in 2020 when the the Dolphins selected him in the third round.Jones played in 16 games last season and set career highs with four pass breakups and two interceptions. His 2022 season was cut short by a torn left ACL and he had a slow start last season before finishing strong.Denver fourth-year safety Caden Sterns, who is coming back from a leg injury that sidelined him last season, also went to Texas. So, the Broncos' secondary should have some measure of familiarity even as it adjusts to the absence of All-Pro&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-free-agency-safeties-simmons-b9ca043f75e36f1094343203203de6fb">Justin Simmons</a>, a salary cap casualty in the aftermath of quarterback Russell Wilson's release.The Broncos were saddled with a league-record $85 million in dead cap charges by releasing Wilson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steelers-wilson-07f79b0a666fffdcf62d9954f9e35fbb">agreed to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh</a>&nbsp;for the veteran minimum of $1.21 million. That leaves Denver on the hook for the remaining $36.79 million in Wilson's salary for 2024.Also Monday, the Broncos lost Lloyd Cushenberry III to the Tennessee Titans, opening the way for a camp competition at center between Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth. Cushenberry agreed to a four-year, $50 million contract with the Titans.The Broncos wanted Cushenberry to return but they had already paid top dollar to left guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey in their free agency spending spree a year ago, and Quinn Meinerz is set to cash in next year after emerging as a standout at right guard.<h2>Kirk Cousins chooses Atlanta, Saquon Barkley goes to Philly</h2>Kirk Cousins is heading to the Falcons. Saquon Barkley is joining the Eagles. Brian Burns is going to the Giants.The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was a free-for-all frenzy with teams making one big move after another, highlighted by Cousins’ decision to leave Minnesota for Atlanta.The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and the Falcons&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-cousins-falcons-contract-be48f1d3287f851e58cee83e17da154e">agreed on a $180 million, four-year deal</a>&nbsp;with $100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus, according to a person with knowledge of the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday.Barkley bolted New York for NFC East rival Philadelphia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-huff-barkley-785dd3a9eb249fa12bc16d1ac6e34ff7">agreeing on a three-year, $37.75 million deal</a>&nbsp;with $26 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the contract told the AP.Hours after losing Barkley, the Giants made a splash on the defensive side. They’re sending a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder to Carolina for Burns,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/burns-giants-panthers-trade-06609a1b33204bd3f212b2ea2945c6b8">who is getting a five-year contract</a>&nbsp;worth up to $150 million with $87.5 million in guarantees, according to a person with knowledge of the terms.Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, joins an all-star offensive cast in Philly and replaces D’Andre Swift, who is heading to the Chicago Bears.It was a busy day for running backs, who have been undervalued by NFL teams in recent years.Josh Jacobs, a 2022 All-Pro, is leaving Las Vegas for Green Bay. Tony Pollard is going from Dallas to Tennessee, Austin Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers to Washington, Devin Singletary from Houston to the Giants, Gus Edwards from Baltimore to the Chargers and Antonio Gibson from the Commanders to New England.Like the Giants, the Raiders made a major splash on defense after losing their starting running back. Las Vegas and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins agreed to a four-year, $110 contract with $84.75 million guaranteed, agent David Mulugheta said.The Raiders also are bringing in quarterback Gardner Minshew, who went 7-6 filling in for Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis last season.Detroit is getting edge rusher Marcus Davenport and acquiring cornerback Carlton Davis from Tampa Bay in a trade. The Lions also are re-signing guard Graham Glasgow.The Vikings are adding edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and inside linebacker Blake Cashman.In addition to Pollard, the Titans are getting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and center Lloyd Cushenberry.The Packers bolstered their defense by agreeing on a deal with safety Xavier McKinney. Green Bay released Aaron Jones to make way for Jacobs.Jacksonville, which is acquiring quarterback Mac Jones to back up Trevor Lawrence, is adding wide receiver Gabe Davis, safety Darnell Savage, kick returner Devin Duvernay and cornerback Ronald Darby.The Commanders, who have the most salary cap space in the league, raided division rival Dallas for defensive end Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz. Washington also is bringing in linebacker Frankie Luvu.Several teams kept some of their top players.The Browns have agreed to re-sign defensive end Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. The Eagles extended Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson’s contract and are signing edge rusher Bryce Huff away from the Jets.The Seahawks are bringing back tight end Noah Fant. The Jets are re-signing kicker Greg Zuerlein and announced they signed cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who was released by San Francisco last month.The Patriots are re-signing receiver Kendrick Bourne while bringing quarterback Jacoby Brissett back to the team that drafted him to play behind Tom Brady several years ago. The Bengals are adding safety Geno Stone and they announced they’re re-signing tight end Drew Sample and running back Trayveon Williams.The Bills are bringing back left tackle Dion Dawkins, edge rusher A.J. Epenesa and defensive back Cam Lewis.

Broncos active on NFL's first day of free agency; big names make big changes

Manda Clarke has resigned as head volleyball coach.&nbsp; Coach Clarke led the Lady Bulldogs for two seasons, compiling 31 wins and one district final appearance.&nbsp;

Coach Clarke would like to express her sincere gratitude for the support, guidance, and appreciation provided to her during her time as a coach at AHS. It has been her pleasure working with a team dedicated to fostering growth and development in our student athletes.&nbsp;

Manda plans to continue at Alliance Public Schools as a school nurse.&nbsp; She recently accepted a Nurse Practitioner position that will bring about a change in her schedule that will not allow her the time nor the schedule flexibility to fulfill head coach responsibilities.&nbsp;

We thank Coach Manda Clarke for all she has done for our volleyball&nbsp; program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710197128189.jpeg" alt="Coach Clarke Coaching in a game last season. Photo by Teresa Sanders" />
 <figcaption>Coach Clarke Coaching in a game last season. Photo by Teresa Sanders</figcaption>
 </figure>By Alliance Public SchoolsManda Clarke has resigned as head volleyball coach.&nbsp; Coach Clarke led the Lady Bulldogs for two seasons, compiling 31 wins and one district final appearance.&nbsp;Coach Clarke would like to express her sincere gratitude for the support, guidance, and appreciation provided to her during her time as a coach at AHS. It has been her pleasure working with a team dedicated to fostering growth and development in our student athletes.&nbsp;Manda plans to continue at Alliance Public Schools as a school nurse.&nbsp; She recently accepted a Nurse Practitioner position that will bring about a change in her schedule that will not allow her the time nor the schedule flexibility to fulfill head coach responsibilities.&nbsp;We thank Coach Manda Clarke for all she has done for our volleyball&nbsp; program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manda Clarke Resigns as Head Coach of Bulldogs Volleyball

Russell Wilson is heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Sunday night.

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been finalized, said Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21 million while the Denver Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million salary.

<a href="https://x.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1767031776151777728?s=20">Wilson posted his intentions</a>&nbsp;on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, saying: “Year 13. Grateful. (at)Steelers.”

The 35-year-old Wilson was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos after being acquired in a trade from Seattle. He bounced back from a dreadful 2022 season and threw 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, but still lost his job to Jarrett Stidham after going 7-8 in coach Sean Payton’s first season last year.

Wilson led Seattle to eight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 10 seasons with the Seahawks.

The Steelers lost a wild-card playoff game with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback. Rudolph went 3-0 after replacing Kenny Pickett, who was 7-5 before going down with an injury. Mitch Trubisky started the other two games and went 0-2.

Pittsburgh is scheduled to play the Broncos in Denver this upcoming season — and the game could feature a return by Wilson. The NFL is expected to release its league schedule in May.

Last week, the Broncos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-russell-wilson-released-8dd648ea616e012c4e1d765b3bfa7c0a">informed Wilson they’d release him</a>&nbsp;when the new league year begins Wednesday — but gave him permission to speak to other teams.

“We thank Russell for his contributions and dedications to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1764762904182550644?s=20">team posted</a>&nbsp;on its social media channels last week, adding, “We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”

After signing a nearly quarter-billion dollar extension before playing a down in Denver, Wilson contended the Broncos had threatened to bench him for the final nine games last season if he didn’t push back his $37 million injury guarantee in his contract.

Wilson declined to adjust his deal and started seven more games before getting benched in what Payton insisted was a football move, not a financial one.

The move also comes less than two weeks after Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the team had “full faith” in Pickett, a former star next door at the University of Pittsburgh who has struggled to be a difference maker at the most important position on the field.

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has defended Pickett at every turn since the Steelers selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Tomlin admitted in the days after Pittsburgh's loss to Buffalo in the playoffs that 2024 would be a “huge” year for Pickett and the plan was to bring in competition during training camp.

That competition now likely won't be on the well-liked Rudolph — who will become a free agent on Wednesday — but instead a player with a potentially Hall of Fame caliber resume who has just one playoff win since 2016 and struggled to fit in in Denver.

Wilson joins a team that has plenty of youth on offense in running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, and stars on defense in perennial All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

With Watt and Fitzpatrick both in their primes, Pittsburgh appears to be in a hurry to close the gap between itself and the AFC's elite, a club the Steelers haven't been a part of for at least a half-decade. Team president Art Rooney II said in January it was “time to get some wins” in the playoffs, something Pittsburgh hasn't done since beating Kansas City in the divisional round in 2016.

Enter Wilson and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arthur-smith-steelers-1cc1eb14fd27541354c6a869f90ba741">hired last month</a>&nbsp;to revive a unit that has finished 21st or worse in points per game four times in the last five years.

Getting Wilson on the cheap gives Pittsburgh plenty of flexibility in free agency as it looks to address positions along the offensive and defensive lines as well as the secondary and inside linebacker. The team cut several players — namely veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson and center Mason Cole — in recent weeks to create more flexibility and Wilson's arrival signals an “all-in” approach with the team in its longest drought between postseason victories since Franco Harris made the “Immaculate Reception” more than five decades ago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710169338116.jpeg" alt="Russell 2" />
 <figcaption>Russell 2</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) Russell Wilson is heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers.The nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Sunday night.The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been finalized, said Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21 million while the Denver Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million salary.<a href="https://x.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1767031776151777728?s=20">Wilson posted his intentions</a>&nbsp;on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, saying: “Year 13. Grateful. (at)Steelers.”The 35-year-old Wilson was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos after being acquired in a trade from Seattle. He bounced back from a dreadful 2022 season and threw 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, but still lost his job to Jarrett Stidham after going 7-8 in coach Sean Payton’s first season last year.Wilson led Seattle to eight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 10 seasons with the Seahawks.The Steelers lost a wild-card playoff game with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback. Rudolph went 3-0 after replacing Kenny Pickett, who was 7-5 before going down with an injury. Mitch Trubisky started the other two games and went 0-2.Pittsburgh is scheduled to play the Broncos in Denver this upcoming season — and the game could feature a return by Wilson. The NFL is expected to release its league schedule in May.Last week, the Broncos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-russell-wilson-released-8dd648ea616e012c4e1d765b3bfa7c0a">informed Wilson they’d release him</a>&nbsp;when the new league year begins Wednesday — but gave him permission to speak to other teams.“We thank Russell for his contributions and dedications to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/1764762904182550644?s=20">team posted</a>&nbsp;on its social media channels last week, adding, “We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”After signing a nearly quarter-billion dollar extension before playing a down in Denver, Wilson contended the Broncos had threatened to bench him for the final nine games last season if he didn’t push back his $37 million injury guarantee in his contract.Wilson declined to adjust his deal and started seven more games before getting benched in what Payton insisted was a football move, not a financial one.The move also comes less than two weeks after Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the team had “full faith” in Pickett, a former star next door at the University of Pittsburgh who has struggled to be a difference maker at the most important position on the field.Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has defended Pickett at every turn since the Steelers selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Tomlin admitted in the days after Pittsburgh's loss to Buffalo in the playoffs that 2024 would be a “huge” year for Pickett and the plan was to bring in competition during training camp.That competition now likely won't be on the well-liked Rudolph — who will become a free agent on Wednesday — but instead a player with a potentially Hall of Fame caliber resume who has just one playoff win since 2016 and struggled to fit in in Denver.Wilson joins a team that has plenty of youth on offense in running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, and stars on defense in perennial All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.With Watt and Fitzpatrick both in their primes, Pittsburgh appears to be in a hurry to close the gap between itself and the AFC's elite, a club the Steelers haven't been a part of for at least a half-decade. Team president Art Rooney II said in January it was “time to get some wins” in the playoffs, something Pittsburgh hasn't done since beating Kansas City in the divisional round in 2016.Enter Wilson and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arthur-smith-steelers-1cc1eb14fd27541354c6a869f90ba741">hired last month</a>&nbsp;to revive a unit that has finished 21st or worse in points per game four times in the last five years.Getting Wilson on the cheap gives Pittsburgh plenty of flexibility in free agency as it looks to address positions along the offensive and defensive lines as well as the secondary and inside linebacker. The team cut several players — namely veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson and center Mason Cole — in recent weeks to create more flexibility and Wilson's arrival signals an “all-in” approach with the team in its longest drought between postseason victories since Franco Harris made the “Immaculate Reception” more than five decades ago.

Russell Wilson: Pittsburgh Steelers adding former Broncos quarterback

MSU-Denver takes final two games in series Sunday

By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. -- The RMAC leading MSU-Denver Roadrunners finished the series sweep over CSC on Sunday with an extra innings 5-4 victory and a 11-2 victory in five innings at CSC's softball field.

The Roadrunners improve to 23-5 overall and 16-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The Eagles are now 5-21 overall and 5-11 in conference play.

In game one, the Roadrunners tied the game at four in the top of the seventh and scored one run in the top of the eighth to win 5-4.

The guests gained a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning when Shelby Robb hit a three-run homer to left field.

CSC cut one run off the deficit when Lauren Zimmerman singled to right field, scoring Brady Laucomer in the bottom of the inning.

Chadron State gained its first and only lead of the series in the bottom of the fourth inning when trailing 3-0. With Jessie Henchenski on first and one out, J'lyssa Martinez, a junior from Denver, Colorado, homered to left center to tie the game at three.

Jazlyn Arvizo, a sophomore from Denver, followed Martinez up with a double to center field before being brought home by a Devyn Thornton triple, giving the Eagle a 4-3 lead.

Scoring was halted until the top of the 7th inning. The Roadrunners began the inning with a single and a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to second.  The next batter singled to left field, bringing home the tying run.

After Chadron State went three up three down in the bottom of the seventh, Robb was successfully brought home from second on a single in the top of the eighth inning.

With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Martinez singled to left field but was stranded at second when the third out occurred.

Tori Haug received the loss for CSC. The senior from Commerce City, Colorado allowed nine hits and five runs in eight innings. Natalie Romero was the winning pitcher in 4.2 innings of work.

The Eagles finished the game with four runs on ten hits. MSU-Denver had five runs on nine hits.

In game two, CSC had two runs on six hits compared to its opponents 11 runs on 15 hits.

The Roadrunners led 4-0 at the end of the first inning. Robb hit her second homer of the day, scoring three runs before a single scored the fourth.

In the top of the third inning, the guests added six more runs on seven hits to extend their lead to 10-0.

The Eagles scored their first run of the game when Laucomer led the bottom of the third off with a solo homerun.

Boths teams added one more run in the fourth inning. The Roadrunners used two doubles to bring one run home, making the score 11-1.

After Mackenzi Kroll drew a walk, Arvizo brought her home from second with a single to center field. Arvizo's RBI would score the last run of the game, making the score 11-2 in five innings.

Maddy Wilson was the winning pitcher for MSU-Denver in five innings of work. Wilson allowed six hits and two runs.

Kenzi Garner, a junior from Broomfield, Colorado, received the loss for the Eagles in two innings. Brooklyn Levin, a freshman from Littleton, Colorado pitched three innings of relief.

Chadron State plays next in Durango, Colorado against Fort Lewis. The games are scheduled for 12 and 2 p.m., on Saturday and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m., on Sunday.

Roadrunners explode for 24 runs against CSC

CHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College softball team was defeated in both games against MSU-Denver on Saturday, falling 15-5 in game one before losing game two 9-4 on day one of the two teams' series in Chadron this weekend.

The RMAC leading Roadrunners improve to 21-5 overall and 14-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. CSC drops to 5-19 overall and 5-9 in RMAC action.

After being knotted at two at the end of the first in game one, the Roadrunners scored nine runs in the second inning to gain an 11-2 lead.

In the top of the first inning, MSU-Denver had four consecutive singles to score two runs.

The Eagles began the inning with a Brady Laucomer walk before a sacrifice bunt advanced her to second. Lauren Zimmerman, a junior from Reno, Nevada, hit her first of three home runs on the day to center field, tying the game at two.

The Roadrunners manufactured a two-out rally to score their nine runs in the second inning.

With two outs and a runner on third, MSU-Denver's next nine batters all reached base successfully. The visitors recorded six singles, two homers and two walks in the inning.

Chadron State lowered the deficit to 11-5 in the bottom of the third inning.

Laucomer, a sophomore from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, homered down the left filed line to add one run. After two consecutive outs, Ashland Baca hit an infield single and was brought home by a Jessie Henchenski homer to left field.

MSU-Denver quickly gained the runs back and extended its lead to 15-5 in the top of the fourth inning. The Roadrunners scored one run on an error by the CSC defense before hitting a 3 RBI double to left center.

CSC left one on base with zero runs in the following two innings, putting the eight runs after five innings rule into effect.

Chadron State had five runs on six hits and three errors in the loss. MSU-Denver had 15 runs on 16 hits.

Tori Haug received the loss in the circle for the Eagles in 1.2 innings of work. Kenzi Garner pitched 3.1 innings of relief. Jenna Medhus improved to 6-0 on the year for the Roadrunners.

MSU-Denver scored in five different innings during its 9-4, seven inning game two victory.

The Roadrunners quickly gained a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning off a Shelby Robb RBI double.

Chadron State tied the game in the bottom of the third when Baca, a senior from Pueblo West, Colorado, brought Laucomer home with an RBI single.

In the top of the next inning, MSU-Denver regained the lead by scoring three more runs. The Roadrunners hit two doubles and two singles, making the score 4-1.

Each team scored at least one run in the following three innings. The score became 5-1 in the top of the fifth inning before Zimmerman hit her second home run of the day in the bottom of the inning, making the score 5-2.

The guests added two in the top of the sixth, making the score 7-2.

Laucomer hit an infield single that brought Jorja Sierra, a freshman from Morrison, Colorado, home in the bottom of the sixth.

After MSU-Denver scored two runs in the top of the final inning to make the score 9-3, Zimmerman hit her second homer of the game and third of the afternoon to lead off the bottom of the inning. With the bases loaded, the Roadrunner defense forced a double play to end the game 9-4 in the visitors favor.

Chadron State had four runs, nine hits and three errors in the loss. MSU-Denver had nine runs, 14 hits and two errors.

Brooklyn Levin received the loss for CSC after pitching the complete game.

Chadron State and MSU-Denver will play two more games tomorrow. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 11 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710169158041.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>MSU-Denver takes final two games in series Sunday</h2>By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. -- The RMAC leading MSU-Denver Roadrunners finished the series sweep over CSC on Sunday with an extra innings 5-4 victory and a 11-2 victory in five innings at CSC's softball field.The Roadrunners improve to 23-5 overall and 16-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The Eagles are now 5-21 overall and 5-11 in conference play.In game one, the Roadrunners tied the game at four in the top of the seventh and scored one run in the top of the eighth to win 5-4.The guests gained a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning when Shelby Robb hit a three-run homer to left field.CSC cut one run off the deficit when Lauren Zimmerman singled to right field, scoring Brady Laucomer in the bottom of the inning.Chadron State gained its first and only lead of the series in the bottom of the fourth inning when trailing 3-0. With Jessie Henchenski on first and one out, J'lyssa Martinez, a junior from Denver, Colorado, homered to left center to tie the game at three.Jazlyn Arvizo, a sophomore from Denver, followed Martinez up with a double to center field before being brought home by a Devyn Thornton triple, giving the Eagle a 4-3 lead.Scoring was halted until the top of the 7th inning. The Roadrunners began the inning with a single and a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to second. The next batter singled to left field, bringing home the tying run.After Chadron State went three up three down in the bottom of the seventh, Robb was successfully brought home from second on a single in the top of the eighth inning.With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Martinez singled to left field but was stranded at second when the third out occurred.Tori Haug received the loss for CSC. The senior from Commerce City, Colorado allowed nine hits and five runs in eight innings. Natalie Romero was the winning pitcher in 4.2 innings of work.The Eagles finished the game with four runs on ten hits. MSU-Denver had five runs on nine hits.In game two, CSC had two runs on six hits compared to its opponents 11 runs on 15 hits.The Roadrunners led 4-0 at the end of the first inning. Robb hit her second homer of the day, scoring three runs before a single scored the fourth.In the top of the third inning, the guests added six more runs on seven hits to extend their lead to 10-0.The Eagles scored their first run of the game when Laucomer led the bottom of the third off with a solo homerun.Boths teams added one more run in the fourth inning. The Roadrunners used two doubles to bring one run home, making the score 11-1.After Mackenzi Kroll drew a walk, Arvizo brought her home from second with a single to center field. Arvizo's RBI would score the last run of the game, making the score 11-2 in five innings.Maddy Wilson was the winning pitcher for MSU-Denver in five innings of work. Wilson allowed six hits and two runs.Kenzi Garner, a junior from Broomfield, Colorado, received the loss for the Eagles in two innings. Brooklyn Levin, a freshman from Littleton, Colorado pitched three innings of relief.Chadron State plays next in Durango, Colorado against Fort Lewis. The games are scheduled for 12 and 2 p.m., on Saturday and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m., on Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710169075858.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>Roadrunners explode for 24 runs against CSC</h2>CHADRON, Neb. -- The Chadron State College softball team was defeated in both games against MSU-Denver on Saturday, falling 15-5 in game one before losing game two 9-4 on day one of the two teams' series in Chadron this weekend.The RMAC leading Roadrunners improve to 21-5 overall and 14-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. CSC drops to 5-19 overall and 5-9 in RMAC action.After being knotted at two at the end of the first in game one, the Roadrunners scored nine runs in the second inning to gain an 11-2 lead.In the top of the first inning, MSU-Denver had four consecutive singles to score two runs.The Eagles began the inning with a Brady Laucomer walk before a sacrifice bunt advanced her to second. Lauren Zimmerman, a junior from Reno, Nevada, hit her first of three home runs on the day to center field, tying the game at two.The Roadrunners manufactured a two-out rally to score their nine runs in the second inning.With two outs and a runner on third, MSU-Denver's next nine batters all reached base successfully. The visitors recorded six singles, two homers and two walks in the inning.Chadron State lowered the deficit to 11-5 in the bottom of the third inning.Laucomer, a sophomore from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, homered down the left filed line to add one run. After two consecutive outs, Ashland Baca hit an infield single and was brought home by a Jessie Henchenski homer to left field.MSU-Denver quickly gained the runs back and extended its lead to 15-5 in the top of the fourth inning. The Roadrunners scored one run on an error by the CSC defense before hitting a 3 RBI double to left center.CSC left one on base with zero runs in the following two innings, putting the eight runs after five innings rule into effect.Chadron State had five runs on six hits and three errors in the loss. MSU-Denver had 15 runs on 16 hits.Tori Haug received the loss in the circle for the Eagles in 1.2 innings of work. Kenzi Garner pitched 3.1 innings of relief. Jenna Medhus improved to 6-0 on the year for the Roadrunners.MSU-Denver scored in five different innings during its 9-4, seven inning game two victory.The Roadrunners quickly gained a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning off a Shelby Robb RBI double.Chadron State tied the game in the bottom of the third when Baca, a senior from Pueblo West, Colorado, brought Laucomer home with an RBI single.In the top of the next inning, MSU-Denver regained the lead by scoring three more runs. The Roadrunners hit two doubles and two singles, making the score 4-1.Each team scored at least one run in the following three innings. The score became 5-1 in the top of the fifth inning before Zimmerman hit her second home run of the day in the bottom of the inning, making the score 5-2.The guests added two in the top of the sixth, making the score 7-2.Laucomer hit an infield single that brought Jorja Sierra, a freshman from Morrison, Colorado, home in the bottom of the sixth.After MSU-Denver scored two runs in the top of the final inning to make the score 9-3, Zimmerman hit her second homer of the game and third of the afternoon to lead off the bottom of the inning. With the bases loaded, the Roadrunner defense forced a double play to end the game 9-4 in the visitors favor.Chadron State had four runs, nine hits and three errors in the loss. MSU-Denver had nine runs, 14 hits and two errors.Brooklyn Levin received the loss for CSC after pitching the complete game.Chadron State and MSU-Denver will play two more games tomorrow. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Eagles nearly hand MSU-Denver first loss of RMAC softball season

Nebraska scored 10 of its runs with two outs and overcame a five-run deficit for the first time since 2021, as the Huskers clinched the series over South Alabama with a 12-7 win on Sunday afternoon at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

The Huskers (9-4) scored 12 runs on 15 hits and five errors, while the Jaguars (11-5) had seven runs on eight hits and an error.

Rhett Stokes continued his hot stretch at the plate this weekend, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Tyler Stone was 3-for-5 with a double and team-high three runs scored.

Dylan Carey had a 2-for-3 afternoon at the plate with a home run, three RBI and a pair of walks. Case Sanderson, Garrett Anglim and Dylan Hufft recorded two hits apiece, while Cole Evans had a double.

Ty Horn made his first career start on Sunday, pitching three innings. The freshman allowed six runs, two earned, on three hits and struck out four Jaguars. Mason McConnaughey pitched the next three innings and picked up his first win to improve to 1-2 on the season. McConnaughey struck out a career-high seven hitters and allowed just two hits and a walk.

Kyle Perry recorded two outs, setting up Tucker Timmerman to finish the game for the NU pitching staff. Timmerman struck out four and issued one walk and two hits in 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.

A leadoff walk, followed by back-to-back errors on routine ground balls plated the game’s first run for the Jaguars in the opening frame. South Alabama’s lead enlarged to four after Lucas Ismaili’s three-run homer to left.

The Big Red had the bases loaded in the second with no outs after a leadoff double by Stone and consecutive walks to Clay Bradford and Garrett Anglim. An RBI groundout from Ben Columbus scored Stone but that would be all the Huskers could get, as a 5-4-3 double play put an end to Nebraska’s threat and kept it a 4-1 game.

A hit and an error in the top of the third added two more to the lead for the Jaguars. A two-out single, followed by an NU fielding error made it a 5-1 game, before a wild pitch later in the inning grew the lead to 6-1.

The Huskers got one of the two runs back in the bottom of the third after Silva reached on a leadoff walk and Sanderson poked an RBI single through the right side.

McConnaughey blanked the Jaguars in the fourth and fifth innings, while the NU offense put up four runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth to lock the game at six. Josh Caron reached on a fielder’s choice, while Stone singled to center to put runners on first and second with one out. Anglim continued the rally in the fifth with an RBI double to left-center, plating Caron.

Carey drew a full-count walk with the bases loaded to score Stone, while Stokes smacked a two-RBI single back up the middle to lock the game at six through five innings.

South Alabama began the sixth with a leadoff single, but McConnaughey retired the next three Jaguars to maintain the tie at six heading into the bottom of the sixth.

The NU offense picked up where it left off from in the fifth, scoring six two-out runs in the sixth to jump ahead 12-6. A walk to Caron and Stone’s second single of the day set up Evans’ two-RBI double to the fence in right-center.&nbsp; Evans came around to score on Anglim’s RBI single in the next at-bat to give the Big Red a 9-6 lead.

Hufft sent a 3-2 pitch to center for an RBI single to plate Anglim and grow the lead to four, before Carey launched a 353-foot two-run homer into the left-field berm for his first homer of the season.

A leadoff solo homer in the top of the seventh brought the Jaguars within five, while a pair of NU errors placed runners on first and second for the visitors with two outs. Timmerman replaced Perry on the mound and induced a first-pitch fielder’s choice to elude the damage.

Timmerman worked around a single in the eighth and faced traffic on the basepath in the ninth, but the freshman clinched the series win with a three-pitch strikeout of Robbie Petracci to finish off the Jaguars for Nebraska’s 12-7 win.

Nebraska travels to Wichita, Kan., for a pair of midweek games at Wichita State on Tuesday-Wednesday, March 12-13.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska scored 10 of its runs with two outs and overcame a five-run deficit for the first time since 2021, as the Huskers clinched the series over South Alabama with a 12-7 win on Sunday afternoon at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.The Huskers (9-4) scored 12 runs on 15 hits and five errors, while the Jaguars (11-5) had seven runs on eight hits and an error.Rhett Stokes continued his hot stretch at the plate this weekend, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Tyler Stone was 3-for-5 with a double and team-high three runs scored.Dylan Carey had a 2-for-3 afternoon at the plate with a home run, three RBI and a pair of walks. Case Sanderson, Garrett Anglim and Dylan Hufft recorded two hits apiece, while Cole Evans had a double.Ty Horn made his first career start on Sunday, pitching three innings. The freshman allowed six runs, two earned, on three hits and struck out four Jaguars. Mason McConnaughey pitched the next three innings and picked up his first win to improve to 1-2 on the season. McConnaughey struck out a career-high seven hitters and allowed just two hits and a walk.Kyle Perry recorded two outs, setting up Tucker Timmerman to finish the game for the NU pitching staff. Timmerman struck out four and issued one walk and two hits in 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.A leadoff walk, followed by back-to-back errors on routine ground balls plated the game’s first run for the Jaguars in the opening frame. South Alabama’s lead enlarged to four after Lucas Ismaili’s three-run homer to left.The Big Red had the bases loaded in the second with no outs after a leadoff double by Stone and consecutive walks to Clay Bradford and Garrett Anglim. An RBI groundout from Ben Columbus scored Stone but that would be all the Huskers could get, as a 5-4-3 double play put an end to Nebraska’s threat and kept it a 4-1 game.A hit and an error in the top of the third added two more to the lead for the Jaguars. A two-out single, followed by an NU fielding error made it a 5-1 game, before a wild pitch later in the inning grew the lead to 6-1.The Huskers got one of the two runs back in the bottom of the third after Silva reached on a leadoff walk and Sanderson poked an RBI single through the right side.McConnaughey blanked the Jaguars in the fourth and fifth innings, while the NU offense put up four runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth to lock the game at six. Josh Caron reached on a fielder’s choice, while Stone singled to center to put runners on first and second with one out. Anglim continued the rally in the fifth with an RBI double to left-center, plating Caron.Carey drew a full-count walk with the bases loaded to score Stone, while Stokes smacked a two-RBI single back up the middle to lock the game at six through five innings.South Alabama began the sixth with a leadoff single, but McConnaughey retired the next three Jaguars to maintain the tie at six heading into the bottom of the sixth.The NU offense picked up where it left off from in the fifth, scoring six two-out runs in the sixth to jump ahead 12-6. A walk to Caron and Stone’s second single of the day set up Evans’ two-RBI double to the fence in right-center.&nbsp; Evans came around to score on Anglim’s RBI single in the next at-bat to give the Big Red a 9-6 lead.Hufft sent a 3-2 pitch to center for an RBI single to plate Anglim and grow the lead to four, before Carey launched a 353-foot two-run homer into the left-field berm for his first homer of the season.A leadoff solo homer in the top of the seventh brought the Jaguars within five, while a pair of NU errors placed runners on first and second for the visitors with two outs. Timmerman replaced Perry on the mound and induced a first-pitch fielder’s choice to elude the damage.Timmerman worked around a single in the eighth and faced traffic on the basepath in the ninth, but the freshman clinched the series win with a three-pitch strikeout of Robbie Petracci to finish off the Jaguars for Nebraska’s 12-7 win.Nebraska travels to Wichita, Kan., for a pair of midweek games at Wichita State on Tuesday-Wednesday, March 12-13.

Huskers baseball overcome early deficit to clinch series against Jaguars

College Park, Md.&nbsp;- For the second-straight year, the Huskers have a Big Ten Champ as Ridge Lovett claimed the crown at 149 and the Nebraska wrestling team finished third at the 2024 Big Ten Championships with 118.0 team points.&nbsp;

The Huskers put eight wrestlers in the final, third-place and fifth-place bouts combined this weekend and clinched nine automatic bids to the NCAA Championships.&nbsp;

In a rematch of this year’s home dual against the Wolverines, No. 1 Lovett met No. 2 Austin Gomez in the finals. Gomez got the takedown in Period One, but Lovett responded with a move of his own and took a 5-3 lead to open the final period. Lovett gave up a stall point, but he hung on for the 5-4 victory and claimed the 149 Big Ten title.

At 157, after falling to Iowa’s No. 4 Jared Franek in the quarterfinals, No. 5 Peyton Robb won four-straight to finish third and qualify for the NCAA Championships for the fifth time. Then at 184, No. 2 Lenny Pinto secured a third-place finish after defeating Michigan’s No. 5 Jaden Bullock in the third-place match, 4-1 and is a two-time NCAA Qualifier. Rounding out the group of third-place finishers was No. 4 Silas Allred at 197. Allred recorded four victories, including an opening tech. fall, to earn his second-straight NCAA Qualification. &nbsp;

In his first career Big Ten Championships, No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (133) dropped to consolation after a tough-fought match against No. 5 Aaron Nagao (PSU) in the quarterfinals and won three-straight for a spot in the third-place match. He faced Nagao again and battled, but fell by pin in the first period and finished fourth.&nbsp;

Both No. 4 Brock Hardy (141) and No. 5 Antrell Taylor (165) finished fifth after commanding victories in their fifth-places matches. Hardy dropped two matches on the weekend, but bounced back with a pin over Rutgers’ No. 7 Mitch Moore in his final match. Taylor had an impressive performance in his first career Big Ten Tournament, going 3-2 and earning himself a spot at the NCAA Championships.

At heavyweight, No. 10 Nash Hutmacher had a successful showing, finishing sixth and securing a spot at the NCAA Tournament. Hutmacher won two-straight in consolation to secure the automatic qualification. No. 5 Caleb Smith (125) finished 2-3 with an eighth-place finish to secure his spot in Kansas City. Rounding out the Huskers competing at Big Tens was No. 12 Bubba Wilson at 174. He will await a potential at-large bid for NCAAs as he finished ninth with a 3-2 record.&nbsp;

Up next, NU has two weeks to prep for the 2024 NCAA Championships which are set for March 21-23 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;

Big Ten ChampionshipsXFINITY Center | College Park, Md.Sessions I-IVMarch 9-10, 2024

125: No. 5 Caleb Smith 8th (2-3) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) tech. fall No. 12 Massey Odiotti (NU) 24-8Quarterfinals: No. 4 Patrick McKee (MINN) dec. No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) 5-2Cons. Second Round: No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) dec. No. 14 Blaine Frazier (IND) 8-2Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 1 Matt Ramos (PUR) dec. No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) 5-2Seventh-Place Match: No. 3 Eric Barnett (WIS) tech. fall No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) 17-2

133: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee 4th (4-2) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) tech. fall &nbsp;No. 13 Patrick Adams (NU) 21-5Quarterfinals: No. 5 Aaron Nagao (PSU) dec. No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) 4-3Cons. Second Round: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) dec. No. 3 Nic Bouzakis (OSU) 10-8Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) dec. No. 10 Cayden Rooks (IND) 11-6Cons. Semifinals: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) dec. No. 14 Brody Teske (IOWA) 9-6 SV-1Third-Place Match: No. 5 Aaron Nagao (PSU) pinned No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) (1:52)

141: No. 4 Brock Hardy 5th (4-2) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) pinned No. 13 Kolby McClain (NU) (1:48)Quarterfinals: No. 5 Sergio Lemley (MICH) dec. No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) 4-2Cons. Second Round: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) dec. No. 11 Kal Miller (MD) 5-3Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) major dec. No. 10 Vance Vombaur (MINN) 10-2Cons. Semifinals: No. 3 Real Woods (IOWA) dec. No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) 8-4Fifth-Place Match: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) pinned No. 7 Mitch Moore (RUT) (2:38)

149: No. 1 Ridge Lovett 1st (3-0) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: BYEQuarterfinals: No. 1 Ridge Lovett (NEB) pinned No. 8 Graham Rooks (IND) (3:57)Semifinals: No. 1 Ridge Lovett (NEB) dec. No. 4 Tyler Kasak (PSU) 4-0Finals: No. 1 Ridge Lovett (NEB) dec. No. 2 Austin Gomez (MICH) 5-4

157: No. 5 Peyton Robb 3rd (5-1) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) tech. fall No. 12 Michael North (MD) 15-0Quarterfinals: No. 4 Jared Franek (IOWA) dec. No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) 7-3Cons. Second Round: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) tech. fall No. 11 Al Desantis (RUT) 15-0Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) dec. No. 9 Trevor Chumbley (NU) 5-0Cons. Semifinals: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) dec. No. 3 Brayton Lee (IND) 2-1Third-Place Match: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) over No. 4 Jared Franek (IOWA) MFF

165: No. 5 Antrell Taylor 5th (3-2) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) dec. No. 12 Maxx Mayfield (NU) 7-2Quarterfinals: No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) dec. No. 4 Caleb Fish (MSU) 8-5 SV-1&nbsp;Semifinals: No. 1 Dean Hamiti (WIS) pinned No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) (1:04)Cons. Semifinals: No. 6 Cameron Amine (MICH) dec. No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) 3-2 TB-2Fifth-Place Match: No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) dec. No. 11 Chris Moore (ILL) 4-1

174: No. 12 Bubba Wilson 9th (3-2)&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Rocco Welsh (OSU) major dec. No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) 14-4Cons. First Round: No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) dec. No. 13 DJ Shannon (MSU) 7-3Cons. Second Round: No. 6 Jackson Turley (RUT) pinned No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB)&nbsp;Ninth-Place Bracket: No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) major dec. No. 11 Dominic Solis (MD) 18-9Ninth-Place Match: No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) dec. No. 13 DJ Shannon (MSU) 8-6

184: No. 2 Lenny Pinto 3rd (3-1) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: BYEQuarterfinals: No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec. No. 10 Roman Rogotzke (IND) 14-7Semifinals: No. 3 Bernie Truax (PSU) dec. No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) 4-2Cons. Semifinals: No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec. No. 4 Ryder Rogotzke (OSU) 15-9Third-Place Match: No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec. No. 5 Jaden Bullock (MICH) 4-1 SV-1

197: No. 4 Silas Allred 3rd (4-1) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) tech. fall No. 13 Bobby Striggow (MICH) 19-4Quarterfinals: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) dec. No. 5 Garrett Joles (MINN) 5-4Semifinals: No. 1 Aaron Brooks (PSU) major dec. No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) 14-2Cons. Semifinals: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) dec. No. 6 Luke Geog (OSU) Inj. 4:08Third-Place Match: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) dec. No. 2 Jaxon Smith (MD) 10-3

HWT: No. 10 Nash Hutmacher 6th (2-3) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: No. 7 Bradley Hill (IOWA) dec. No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) 4-2Cons. First Round: BYECons. Second Round: No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) major dec. No. 8 Bennett Tabor (MINN) 9-1Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) dec. No. 5 Seth Nevills (MD) 7-0Cons. Semifinals: No. 3 Lucas Davison (MICH) pinned No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) (3:46)Fifth-Place Match: No. 7 Bradley Hill (IOWA) dec. No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) 4-1

Team Score (Points):1. Penn State (170.5)2. Michigan (123.5)3. Nebraska (118.0)4. Iowa (110.5)5. Ohio State (89.0)

By NU Athletic CommunicationsCollege Park, Md.&nbsp;- For the second-straight year, the Huskers have a Big Ten Champ as Ridge Lovett claimed the crown at 149 and the Nebraska wrestling team finished third at the 2024 Big Ten Championships with 118.0 team points.&nbsp;The Huskers put eight wrestlers in the final, third-place and fifth-place bouts combined this weekend and clinched nine automatic bids to the NCAA Championships.&nbsp;In a rematch of this year’s home dual against the Wolverines, No. 1 Lovett met No. 2 Austin Gomez in the finals. Gomez got the takedown in Period One, but Lovett responded with a move of his own and took a 5-3 lead to open the final period. Lovett gave up a stall point, but he hung on for the 5-4 victory and claimed the 149 Big Ten title.At 157, after falling to Iowa’s No. 4 Jared Franek in the quarterfinals, No. 5 Peyton Robb won four-straight to finish third and qualify for the NCAA Championships for the fifth time. Then at 184, No. 2 Lenny Pinto secured a third-place finish after defeating Michigan’s No. 5 Jaden Bullock in the third-place match, 4-1 and is a two-time NCAA Qualifier. Rounding out the group of third-place finishers was No. 4 Silas Allred at 197. Allred recorded four victories, including an opening tech. fall, to earn his second-straight NCAA Qualification. &nbsp;In his first career Big Ten Championships, No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (133) dropped to consolation after a tough-fought match against No. 5 Aaron Nagao (PSU) in the quarterfinals and won three-straight for a spot in the third-place match. He faced Nagao again and battled, but fell by pin in the first period and finished fourth.&nbsp;Both No. 4 Brock Hardy (141) and No. 5 Antrell Taylor (165) finished fifth after commanding victories in their fifth-places matches. Hardy dropped two matches on the weekend, but bounced back with a pin over Rutgers’ No. 7 Mitch Moore in his final match. Taylor had an impressive performance in his first career Big Ten Tournament, going 3-2 and earning himself a spot at the NCAA Championships.At heavyweight, No. 10 Nash Hutmacher had a successful showing, finishing sixth and securing a spot at the NCAA Tournament. Hutmacher won two-straight in consolation to secure the automatic qualification. No. 5 Caleb Smith (125) finished 2-3 with an eighth-place finish to secure his spot in Kansas City. Rounding out the Huskers competing at Big Tens was No. 12 Bubba Wilson at 174. He will await a potential at-large bid for NCAAs as he finished ninth with a 3-2 record.&nbsp;Up next, NU has two weeks to prep for the 2024 NCAA Championships which are set for March 21-23 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;Big Ten ChampionshipsXFINITY Center | College Park, Md.Sessions I-IVMarch 9-10, 2024125: No. 5 Caleb Smith 8th (2-3) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) tech. fall No. 12 Massey Odiotti (NU) 24-8Quarterfinals: No. 4 Patrick McKee (MINN) dec. No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) 5-2Cons. Second Round: No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) dec. No. 14 Blaine Frazier (IND) 8-2Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 1 Matt Ramos (PUR) dec. No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) 5-2Seventh-Place Match: No. 3 Eric Barnett (WIS) tech. fall No. 5 Caleb Smith (NEB) 17-2133: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee 4th (4-2) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) tech. fall &nbsp;No. 13 Patrick Adams (NU) 21-5Quarterfinals: No. 5 Aaron Nagao (PSU) dec. No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) 4-3Cons. Second Round: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) dec. No. 3 Nic Bouzakis (OSU) 10-8Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) dec. No. 10 Cayden Rooks (IND) 11-6Cons. Semifinals: No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) dec. No. 14 Brody Teske (IOWA) 9-6 SV-1Third-Place Match: No. 5 Aaron Nagao (PSU) pinned No. 4 Jacob Van Dee (NEB) (1:52)141: No. 4 Brock Hardy 5th (4-2) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) pinned No. 13 Kolby McClain (NU) (1:48)Quarterfinals: No. 5 Sergio Lemley (MICH) dec. No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) 4-2Cons. Second Round: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) dec. No. 11 Kal Miller (MD) 5-3Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) major dec. No. 10 Vance Vombaur (MINN) 10-2Cons. Semifinals: No. 3 Real Woods (IOWA) dec. No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) 8-4Fifth-Place Match: No. 4 Brock Hardy (NEB) pinned No. 7 Mitch Moore (RUT) (2:38)149: No. 1 Ridge Lovett 1st (3-0) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: BYEQuarterfinals: No. 1 Ridge Lovett (NEB) pinned No. 8 Graham Rooks (IND) (3:57)Semifinals: No. 1 Ridge Lovett (NEB) dec. No. 4 Tyler Kasak (PSU) 4-0Finals: No. 1 Ridge Lovett (NEB) dec. No. 2 Austin Gomez (MICH) 5-4157: No. 5 Peyton Robb 3rd (5-1) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) tech. fall No. 12 Michael North (MD) 15-0Quarterfinals: No. 4 Jared Franek (IOWA) dec. No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) 7-3Cons. Second Round: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) tech. fall No. 11 Al Desantis (RUT) 15-0Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) dec. No. 9 Trevor Chumbley (NU) 5-0Cons. Semifinals: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) dec. No. 3 Brayton Lee (IND) 2-1Third-Place Match: No. 5 Peyton Robb (NEB) over No. 4 Jared Franek (IOWA) MFF165: No. 5 Antrell Taylor 5th (3-2) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) dec. No. 12 Maxx Mayfield (NU) 7-2Quarterfinals: No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) dec. No. 4 Caleb Fish (MSU) 8-5 SV-1&nbsp;Semifinals: No. 1 Dean Hamiti (WIS) pinned No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) (1:04)Cons. Semifinals: No. 6 Cameron Amine (MICH) dec. No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) 3-2 TB-2Fifth-Place Match: No. 5 Antrell Taylor (NEB) dec. No. 11 Chris Moore (ILL) 4-1174: No. 12 Bubba Wilson 9th (3-2)&nbsp;First Round: No. 5 Rocco Welsh (OSU) major dec. No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) 14-4Cons. First Round: No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) dec. No. 13 DJ Shannon (MSU) 7-3Cons. Second Round: No. 6 Jackson Turley (RUT) pinned No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB)&nbsp;Ninth-Place Bracket: No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) major dec. No. 11 Dominic Solis (MD) 18-9Ninth-Place Match: No. 12 Bubba Wilson (NEB) dec. No. 13 DJ Shannon (MSU) 8-6184: No. 2 Lenny Pinto 3rd (3-1) NCAA Qualifier&nbsp;First Round: BYEQuarterfinals: No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec. No. 10 Roman Rogotzke (IND) 14-7Semifinals: No. 3 Bernie Truax (PSU) dec. No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) 4-2Cons. Semifinals: No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec. No. 4 Ryder Rogotzke (OSU) 15-9Third-Place Match: No. 2 Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec. No. 5 Jaden Bullock (MICH) 4-1 SV-1197: No. 4 Silas Allred 3rd (4-1) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) tech. fall No. 13 Bobby Striggow (MICH) 19-4Quarterfinals: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) dec. No. 5 Garrett Joles (MINN) 5-4Semifinals: No. 1 Aaron Brooks (PSU) major dec. No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) 14-2Cons. Semifinals: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) dec. No. 6 Luke Geog (OSU) Inj. 4:08Third-Place Match: No. 4 Silas Allred (NEB) dec. No. 2 Jaxon Smith (MD) 10-3HWT: No. 10 Nash Hutmacher 6th (2-3) NCAA QualifierFirst Round: No. 7 Bradley Hill (IOWA) dec. No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) 4-2Cons. First Round: BYECons. Second Round: No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) major dec. No. 8 Bennett Tabor (MINN) 9-1Cons. Quarterfinals: No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) dec. No. 5 Seth Nevills (MD) 7-0Cons. Semifinals: No. 3 Lucas Davison (MICH) pinned No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) (3:46)Fifth-Place Match: No. 7 Bradley Hill (IOWA) dec. No. 10 Nash Hutmacher (NEB) 4-1Team Score (Points):1. Penn State (170.5)2. Michigan (123.5)3. Nebraska (118.0)4. Iowa (110.5)5. Ohio State (89.0)

Huskers Wrestling finishes third at Big Ten Championships

By Shamus Mcknight NU Athletics Communications

Behind 30 points from Keisei Tominaga, Nebraska clinched a double bye for next week's Big Ten Tournament with an 85-70 win over Michigan Sunday.&nbsp;

Tominaga posted his second 30-point game of the season, hitting 12-of-17 shots from the floor, including five 3-pointers, as Nebraska improved to 22-9 on the season and 12-8 in Big Ten play.

The Huskers will be the No. 3 seed in Minneapolis, following Purdue's 78-70 win over Wisconsin. The third-place finish matches NU's best conference finish since 1992-93. Nebraska will play its first game Friday evening at approximately 8 p.m. on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

Josiah Allick had 15 points, while Rienk Mast and Brice Williams added 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Huskers shot 58 percent from the field, including 70 percent in the opening 20 minutes.&nbsp;

Tominaga had 23 first-half points, on 9-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range as he went over 1,000 career points at Nebraska.&nbsp;

Nebraska trailed 16-14 before Tominaga used a personal 8-0 run, including a pair of 3-pointers, to give the Huskers a 22-16 advantage with 13:29 remaining in the half.&nbsp; Nebraska eventually stretched the lead to eight on two occasions, the last at 43-35 on a Tominaga 3-poionter with 4:24 left in the half but the Wolverines would not go away. Michigan shot 55 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 8-of-15 from long distance to stay within striking distance.&nbsp;

Dug McDaniel had all 17 of his points for Michigan in the opening 20 minutes, including hitting on his first five 3-point attempts.&nbsp;

Michigan pulled to within 46-43 on McDaniel’s fifth 3-pointer of the half with 1:53 left in the half, but baskets from C.J. Wilcher and Josiah Allick stretched the lead to seven at the break.&nbsp;

Michigan was within 55-48 with just over 18 minutes left before the Huskers took control. NU ran off straight points, the last coming on a Josiah Allick layup to give NU a 59-48 lead with 16:27 left. After a Will Tschetter basket, the Huskers scored the next 11 points to stretch the lead to 70-50 with 13:37 left.&nbsp;

Nebraska kept the Wolverines at bay, holding Michigan (8-23, 3-17) to just 24 percent shooting, including 1-of-13 in the second half.&nbsp;

Terrance Williams II finished with 14 points, as Michigan will play on Wednesday in Minneapolis.&nbsp;

*-With the win, the Huskers clinch a double bye for next week’s Big Ten Tournament. It is the first time since 2017-18 that Nebraska has clinched a double bye.

*-With the win, Nebraska will finish in a tie for third place in the Big Ten, its best Big ten finish since joining the conference in 2011-12 and program’s best conference finish since tying for second in the Big Eight in 1992-93. Depending on the Wisconsin/Purdue result, it will be either a two-or-three-way tie for third place.

*-Nebraska’s 22 wins ties for second on the Huskers’ all-time single-season list, while the 12 conference wins ties for second all-time.

*-Nebraska picks up its first-ever win in Ann Arbor, as Nebraska was 0-12 all-time at Michigan before today. Today’s win also marks the Huskers’ first season sweep of the Wolverines.

*-Tominaga posted his second 30-point game of the season and third of his career with 30 points, one shy of his career high. He also tied a career high with six rebounds

*-With his 3-pointer with 4:22 left I the first half, Keisei Tominaga went over 1,000 career points at Nebraska. He became the 31st player to reach 1,000 career points at Nebraska. Tominaga has (982+) points at Nebraska.

*-Tominaga scored 20+ points in the first half, becoming the first Husker to score at least 20 points in a half since Rienk Mast did it against Ohio State on Jan. 23

*-Nebraska scored 50 first-half points, the fourth time Nebraska scored 50+ points in a first half this season and the second time in Big Ten play (also at Indiana).*-Nebraska’s 11-0 second half run was the Huskers’ 21st double-figure run of the season*

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710169461585.jpeg" alt="(Associated Press)" />
 <figcaption>(Associated Press)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Shamus Mcknight NU Athletics CommunicationsBehind 30 points from Keisei Tominaga, Nebraska clinched a double bye for next week's Big Ten Tournament with an 85-70 win over Michigan Sunday.&nbsp;Tominaga posted his second 30-point game of the season, hitting 12-of-17 shots from the floor, including five 3-pointers, as Nebraska improved to 22-9 on the season and 12-8 in Big Ten play.The Huskers will be the No. 3 seed in Minneapolis, following Purdue's 78-70 win over Wisconsin. The third-place finish matches NU's best conference finish since 1992-93. Nebraska will play its first game Friday evening at approximately 8 p.m. on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;Josiah Allick had 15 points, while Rienk Mast and Brice Williams added 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Huskers shot 58 percent from the field, including 70 percent in the opening 20 minutes.&nbsp;Tominaga had 23 first-half points, on 9-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range as he went over 1,000 career points at Nebraska.&nbsp;Nebraska trailed 16-14 before Tominaga used a personal 8-0 run, including a pair of 3-pointers, to give the Huskers a 22-16 advantage with 13:29 remaining in the half.&nbsp; Nebraska eventually stretched the lead to eight on two occasions, the last at 43-35 on a Tominaga 3-poionter with 4:24 left in the half but the Wolverines would not go away. Michigan shot 55 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 8-of-15 from long distance to stay within striking distance.&nbsp;Dug McDaniel had all 17 of his points for Michigan in the opening 20 minutes, including hitting on his first five 3-point attempts.&nbsp;Michigan pulled to within 46-43 on McDaniel’s fifth 3-pointer of the half with 1:53 left in the half, but baskets from C.J. Wilcher and Josiah Allick stretched the lead to seven at the break.&nbsp;Michigan was within 55-48 with just over 18 minutes left before the Huskers took control. NU ran off straight points, the last coming on a Josiah Allick layup to give NU a 59-48 lead with 16:27 left. After a Will Tschetter basket, the Huskers scored the next 11 points to stretch the lead to 70-50 with 13:37 left.&nbsp;Nebraska kept the Wolverines at bay, holding Michigan (8-23, 3-17) to just 24 percent shooting, including 1-of-13 in the second half.&nbsp;Terrance Williams II finished with 14 points, as Michigan will play on Wednesday in Minneapolis.&nbsp;Nebraska Postgame Notes*-With the win, the Huskers clinch a double bye for next week’s Big Ten Tournament. It is the first time since 2017-18 that Nebraska has clinched a double bye.*-With the win, Nebraska will finish in a tie for third place in the Big Ten, its best Big ten finish since joining the conference in 2011-12 and program’s best conference finish since tying for second in the Big Eight in 1992-93. Depending on the Wisconsin/Purdue result, it will be either a two-or-three-way tie for third place.*-Nebraska’s 22 wins ties for second on the Huskers’ all-time single-season list, while the 12 conference wins ties for second all-time.*-Nebraska picks up its first-ever win in Ann Arbor, as Nebraska was 0-12 all-time at Michigan before today. Today’s win also marks the Huskers’ first season sweep of the Wolverines.*-Tominaga posted his second 30-point game of the season and third of his career with 30 points, one shy of his career high. He also tied a career high with six rebounds*-With his 3-pointer with 4:22 left I the first half, Keisei Tominaga went over 1,000 career points at Nebraska. He became the 31st player to reach 1,000 career points at Nebraska. Tominaga has (982+) points at Nebraska.*-Tominaga scored 20+ points in the first half, becoming the first Husker to score at least 20 points in a half since Rienk Mast did it against Ohio State on Jan. 23*-Nebraska scored 50 first-half points, the fourth time Nebraska scored 50+ points in a first half this season and the second time in Big Ten play (also at Indiana).*-Nebraska’s 11-0 second half run was the Huskers’ 21st double-figure run of the season*

Tominaga hits five threes', Huskers rout Michigan

Minneapolis&nbsp;- Nebraska took No. 3 Iowa to the brink, forcing overtime against the defending champion Hawkeyes before falling 94-89 in the extra period in front of 18,534 fans and a CBS national television audience at the Target Center on Sunday.

Junior first-team All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski tied the Nebraska school record with her 40th career double-double by leading the Huskers (22-11) with 23 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals. The Hawkeyes could only slow Markowski, who joined her Husker teammates in sending a strong message about the rise of the Nebraska program throughout the successful week in Minneapolis.

With Iowa focused on stopping Markowski, Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Year Natalie Potts added a huge game of her own with 21 points and nine boards to help keep Nebraska in control for most of the game.

All-Big Ten guard Jaz Shelley added the 13th double-double of her career with 16 points and a career-high 13 assists to go along with six rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. Her free throws with 2:38 left in regulation put Nebraska in front 75-67 after the two teams went to the fourth quarter tied at 58.&nbsp;

However, behind All-America Caitlin Clark Iowa rallied to tie the score at 77 heading to overtime. Clark's leaner with 29.3 seconds left tied the game, and the Hawkeye defense held for the final possession to force OT.

By NU Athletics CommunicationsMinneapolis&nbsp;- Nebraska took No. 3 Iowa to the brink, forcing overtime against the defending champion Hawkeyes before falling 94-89 in the extra period in front of 18,534 fans and a CBS national television audience at the Target Center on Sunday.Junior first-team All-Big Ten center Alexis Markowski tied the Nebraska school record with her 40th career double-double by leading the Huskers (22-11) with 23 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals. The Hawkeyes could only slow Markowski, who joined her Husker teammates in sending a strong message about the rise of the Nebraska program throughout the successful week in Minneapolis.With Iowa focused on stopping Markowski, Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Year Natalie Potts added a huge game of her own with 21 points and nine boards to help keep Nebraska in control for most of the game.All-Big Ten guard Jaz Shelley added the 13th double-double of her career with 16 points and a career-high 13 assists to go along with six rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. Her free throws with 2:38 left in regulation put Nebraska in front 75-67 after the two teams went to the fourth quarter tied at 58.&nbsp;However, behind All-America Caitlin Clark Iowa rallied to tie the score at 77 heading to overtime. Clark's leaner with 29.3 seconds left tied the game, and the Hawkeye defense held for the final possession to force OT.Clark finished with 34 points and 12 assists for Iowa, while Hannah Stuelke contributed 25 points and nine boards. Sydney Affolter added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Kate Martin added 13 points, including a key three-pointer with just over a minute left in regulation, and two more threes and a free throw in overtime to put Iowa in the driver's seat for the first time in the game.While Iowa solved the puzzle to win in overtime, the Huskers came up with some big answers as well. Trailing 82-81, freshman Logan Nissley drained a pair of threes to give the Big Red an 87-86 advantage with one minute left. But Clark countered with five straight points to give Iowa its a 91-87 lead with 37 seconds left. Nissley finished with 13 points and five assists, while draining four threes.Nebraska got a layup from Markowski with 21.5 seconds left to trim the margin to 91-89, but the Huskers could get no closer.The Huskers were playing their fourth game in four days after entering the tournament as the No. 5 seed with an 11-7 Big Ten regular-season mark that included an 82-79 win over then-No. 2 Iowa (Feb. 11). They hit 41.6 percent (32-77) for the game, including 14-of-34 threes (.412). NU also sank 11-of-14 free throws, while winning the turnover battle 15-14.Iowa hit 44.6 percent (33-74) of its shots, including 13-of-33 threes (.394), while connecting on 15-of-19 free throws (.789). The Hawkeyes, who won their third game of the weekend, won the battle of the boards late, 48-43.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Huskers got big contributions up and down the roster in an outstanding first half, taking a 46-35 lead to the locker room. Potts scored 10 of her first-half points in the second quarter, while adding seven first-half rebounds. Potts scored six straight points as part of a 9-0 run that started with a Callin Hake three. The run gave Nebraska its biggest lead of the half at 43-30 with 1:27 left.Shelley added 10 first-half points, including a buzzer-beating three from the left wing to end the half that sent the Huskers to halftime with a double-digit edge. Shelley, who hit a pair of first-half threes, also had four rebounds and three assists in the first 20 minutes.Markowski added eight points and eight boards in the half, including a four-point play early in the first quarter that started with her made free throw before Shelley got a rebound and an assist on a Markowski three after she missed the second free throw. That four-point play started a 12-0 run that included back-to-back threes by Minnesotans Annika Stewart and Kendall Coley that gave the Huskers their first double-digit lead at 16-5 with 4:22 left in the first period.Nebraska hit 17-of-37 (.459) first-half shots, including 7-of-16 threes (.438), while going 5-of-6 at the free throw line. The Huskers won the rebounding battle, 26-20.Hannah Stuelke led Iowa with 11 first-half points, while Affolter added nine points and six boards, but Clark had just four points on 2-of-13 shooting, including 0-for-9 from beyond the arc.The Hawkeyes were just 13-of-38 (.342) from the floor and 4-for-16 from three, while going 5-for-5 at the line.&nbsp;Iowa controlled the third quarter, eliminating Nebraska's halftime edge to take a pair of one-point leads late in the period before the game went to the fourth quarter tied at 58.Nebraska Notes<ul>
 <li>The Huskers came up short of their second Big Ten title in 13 seasons in the conference. Nebraska won the Big Ten Tournament title with a win over Iowa in Indianapolis in 2014. NU also played in the Big Ten Championship game in its first season in the league in 2012, falling in double-overtime to Purdue.</li><li>Alexis Markowski recorded her 19th double-double of the season with 23 points and 13 rebounds. She needs one more to tie the school single-season record shared by first-team All-Americans Jordan Hooper (20) and Kelsey Griffin (20).</li><li>Markowski's 13 rebounds pushed her to 355 on the season, surpassing Griffin (2009-10) for the No. 3 spot on the Nebraska single-season rebounding chart (354).</li><li>Shelley set the Nebraska season Big Ten Tournament records with 33 assists over four games. She also set a Husker season tournament record with 16 three-pointers in the 2024 tournament.</li><li>Alexis Markowski and Jaz Shelley earned spots on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team. Caitlin Clark was the MVP, while Sydney Affolter and Michigan's Laila Phelia completed the five-player team.</li>
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