Winter and Spring sports collide in the first week of March! Dave Collins reports on several recent and upcoming events and happenings in CSC athletics this week!

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal - Wrestling RMAC Honors, Nationals, Basketball Finishes Up and Softball Meets MSU-D! 3/6/24" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2h97s-15a1a5c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Winter and Spring sports collide in the first week of March! Dave Collins reports on several recent and upcoming events and happenings in CSC athletics this week!<figure>
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🎙 PODCAST: CSC SJ - Wrestling RMAC Honors, Nationals, Basketball Finishes Up and Softball Meets MSU-D! 3/6/24

🏀 Nebraska Boys High School State Basketball Brackets

Click for this year's games, times and scores at the <a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/bask/bbbr.pdf">Nebraska Boys Basketball High School Tournament</a>&nbsp;in Lincoln!

🏀 Nebraska Boys High School State Basketball BracketsClick for this year's games, times and scores at the <a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/bask/bbbr.pdf">Nebraska Boys Basketball High School Tournament</a>&nbsp;in Lincoln!<figure>
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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Two years ago, Russell Wilson exuberantly declared he intended to play a dozen years in Denver and double the trio of Lombardi Trophies in the Broncos' lobby.

General manager George Paton was equally dizzy, thrilled to send four premium draft picks and three players to Seattle for a younger, healthier version of Peyton Manning and excited to sign the Super Bowl-winning quarterback to that $242 million extension six months later.

Acquiring Wilson turned out to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-russell-wilson-73c72ba857a85517a10f0bc963e63290">biggest miscalculation</a>&nbsp;in franchise history. He won just 11 of his 30 starts and witnessed both the coaching and quarterback carousels continue to churn in Denver, which hasn't been to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016.

Wilson endured his worst season under Nathaniel Hackett in 2022 and bounced back under Sean Payton in 2023 only to get benched for Jarrett Stidham for the final two games.

On Monday, the Broncos informed Wilson they'd release him next week when the new league year begins.

“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, adding, “We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”

The divorce will be a costly one for the Broncos, however. They still owe Wilson his $39 million salary for 2024 minus whatever he'd sign for with another team, which would likely be the veteran's minimum salary of $1.21 million.

The Broncos also will take a record $89 million hit in dead cap charges over the next two seasons, which will crimp their roster building as they seek to end an eight-year playoff drought that's featured six head coaches and 13 starting quarterbacks since Manning retired a month after the franchise's third Super Bowl title.

<a href="https://x.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1764764382716731840?s=20">Wilson thanked Broncos fans</a>&nbsp;and teammates on social media posts, and issued individual shout-outs to a few of them, including left tackle Garett Bolles and receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Brandon Johnson and Tim Patrick.

“Court, I'll never forget your one-handed catch in LA and your toe-tap in Buffalo. Bolles, you always wrapping your arm around me win or lose. Brandon Johnson, your relentless work ethic. Jeu, you snagging and high-pointing that ball in KC!” Wilson wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Wilson also praised Patrick and running back Javonte Williams for their attitudes during arduous rehabs and thanked locker room attendants and other staff.

“Tough times don't last but tough people do,” Wilson concluded. “God's got me. I am excited for what's next.”

Wilson enjoyed a bounce-back year last season, throwing for 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 15 games.

But it wasn't good enough and Payton went with Stidham for the final two games. Stidham went 1-1 and the Broncos finished 8-9, their seventh straight losing season and their eighth in a row outside the playoffs.

Although he had maintained a Wilson return was possible, Payton hinted at an impending split at the NFL scouting combine last week when talking about Denver's long string of middling quarterbacks and suggested his job was to make sure “the next one” was the right QB to lead the Broncos back into contention.

Wilson, who had gone radio silent on social media at Payton's request a year ago, recently resumed sharing videos of his workouts and over the weekend he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">removed all Broncos references</a>&nbsp;from his profile on X.

Wilson was acquired in 2022 from the Seattle Seahawks, where he won a Super Bowl title after the 2013 season with a win over the Broncos, for a bevy of draft picks (two first-rounders and two seconds) and players (Drew Lock, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris).

He signed a nearly quarter-billion dollar extension before playing a single down in Denver and then went 4-11 in his first season under Hackett, who was fired after 15 games.

Payton had Wilson dial back his social media presence a year ago and a focused and fit Wilson showed up to training camp 20 pounds lighter.

He went 7-8 before losing his starting job. Wilson contended the Broncos had threatened to bench him for the final nine games if he didn't push back his $37 million injury guarantee in his contract.

<figure>
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 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Two years ago, Russell Wilson exuberantly declared he intended to play a dozen years in Denver and double the trio of Lombardi Trophies in the Broncos' lobby.General manager George Paton was equally dizzy, thrilled to send four premium draft picks and three players to Seattle for a younger, healthier version of Peyton Manning and excited to sign the Super Bowl-winning quarterback to that $242 million extension six months later.Acquiring Wilson turned out to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-russell-wilson-73c72ba857a85517a10f0bc963e63290">biggest miscalculation</a>&nbsp;in franchise history. He won just 11 of his 30 starts and witnessed both the coaching and quarterback carousels continue to churn in Denver, which hasn't been to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016.Wilson endured his worst season under Nathaniel Hackett in 2022 and bounced back under Sean Payton in 2023 only to get benched for Jarrett Stidham for the final two games.On Monday, the Broncos informed Wilson they'd release him next week when the new league year begins.“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, adding, “We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.”The divorce will be a costly one for the Broncos, however. They still owe Wilson his $39 million salary for 2024 minus whatever he'd sign for with another team, which would likely be the veteran's minimum salary of $1.21 million.The Broncos also will take a record $89 million hit in dead cap charges over the next two seasons, which will crimp their roster building as they seek to end an eight-year playoff drought that's featured six head coaches and 13 starting quarterbacks since Manning retired a month after the franchise's third Super Bowl title.<a href="https://x.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1764764382716731840?s=20">Wilson thanked Broncos fans</a>&nbsp;and teammates on social media posts, and issued individual shout-outs to a few of them, including left tackle Garett Bolles and receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Brandon Johnson and Tim Patrick.“Court, I'll never forget your one-handed catch in LA and your toe-tap in Buffalo. Bolles, you always wrapping your arm around me win or lose. Brandon Johnson, your relentless work ethic. Jeu, you snagging and high-pointing that ball in KC!” Wilson wrote on X (formerly Twitter).Wilson also praised Patrick and running back Javonte Williams for their attitudes during arduous rehabs and thanked locker room attendants and other staff.“Tough times don't last but tough people do,” Wilson concluded. “God's got me. I am excited for what's next.”He signed off, “#3”Wilson enjoyed a bounce-back year last season, throwing for 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 15 games.But it wasn't good enough and Payton went with Stidham for the final two games. Stidham went 1-1 and the Broncos finished 8-9, their seventh straight losing season and their eighth in a row outside the playoffs.Although he had maintained a Wilson return was possible, Payton hinted at an impending split at the NFL scouting combine last week when talking about Denver's long string of middling quarterbacks and suggested his job was to make sure “the next one” was the right QB to lead the Broncos back into contention.Wilson, who had gone radio silent on social media at Payton's request a year ago, recently resumed sharing videos of his workouts and over the weekend he&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">removed all Broncos references</a>&nbsp;from his profile on X.Wilson was acquired in 2022 from the Seattle Seahawks, where he won a Super Bowl title after the 2013 season with a win over the Broncos, for a bevy of draft picks (two first-rounders and two seconds) and players (Drew Lock, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris).He signed a nearly quarter-billion dollar extension before playing a single down in Denver and then went 4-11 in his first season under Hackett, who was fired after 15 games.Payton had Wilson dial back his social media presence a year ago and a focused and fit Wilson showed up to training camp 20 pounds lighter.He went 7-8 before losing his starting job. Wilson contended the Broncos had threatened to bench him for the final nine games if he didn't push back his $37 million injury guarantee in his contract.

Broncos cutting Russell Wilson

By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information Director

The Chadron State College men's basketball team's season came to an end in the first round of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament with an 84-74 defeat Tuesday night, falling to RMAC tournament #1 seed and the #5 ranked team in the nation, Colorado Mesa.   

The loss ends CSC's season at 12-17 overall and 9-13 in RMAC play. The Mavericks improve to 26-3 overall. They will host #4 Black Hills State in the RMAC Semifinals on Friday.

Chadron State started 3-4 from the field to build a 9-2 lead four minutes into the game. The Eagles were able to stretch their lead to 10 points with 9:36 remaining in the half.

With CSC leading 23-14, the Mavericks defense answered the threat by the visitors and manufactured a 12-0 scoring run in the hosts favor, giving the Mavericks a 26-23 lead.  

Both teams traded baskets before Christopher Speller hit a jumper with two seconds remaining, putting the Mavericks up 37-32 at half.

Chadron State opened the second half by making only one of seven attempts from the field. On the other side, Colorado Mesa began the second half with five consecutive points to build a ten-point lead that stretched to 13 points with 14:31 remaining.

That's when Jalen Patterson, a junior guard from Galt, California, scored eight consecutive points to make the score 49-44. After an "and-1" layup, Patterson scored a jumper on CSC's next possession before knocking down a three with 12 minutes remaining.

Colorado Mesa quickly regained a double-digit lead but CSC slowly chipped it back down to four points with 7:31 remaining. The Eagles found themselves trailing 63-59 after making three consecutive shots and five of their last seven.

The Mavericks lead stood at 68-63 with 5:45 remaining when the hosts offense caught fire. With 4:03 remaining in the game, Colorado Mesa led 78-63.

Chadron State was able to chip the Mavericks lead back down to nine but were unable to overcome the late scoring run by the hosts.

The hosts finished 33-58 (56.9 percent) from the field. They made 10 of their 25 attempts from three (40 percent) and were 8-13 from the charity stripe (61.5 percent).

CSC finished 29 of 66 (43.9 percent) from the field and 14-19 (73.7 percent) from the charity stripe. The Eagle's finished 2-12 (16.7 percent) from three point land, their second lowest percentage this season.

Chadron State had nine turnovers in the loss, resulting in five Maverick points. The Eagles scored 15 points off 17 Mesa turnovers.

Josh Robinson led CSC in scoring with 30 points and had a game high 10 rebounds. The senior made 13 of his 23 attempts from the field and was 4-8 from the charity stripe.

Patterson and Bryce Latimer joined Robinson in double-figures with 14 and 11 points, respectively.  

Trevor Baskin and Owen Koonce both scored 22 points for the Mavericks. Baskin added 10 rebounds while Spiller had 14 points.

<figure>
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 </figure>By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information DirectorThe Chadron State College men's basketball team's season came to an end in the first round of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament with an 84-74 defeat Tuesday night, falling to RMAC tournament #1 seed and the #5 ranked team in the nation, Colorado Mesa. The loss ends CSC's season at 12-17 overall and 9-13 in RMAC play. The Mavericks improve to 26-3 overall. They will host #4 Black Hills State in the RMAC Semifinals on Friday.Chadron State started 3-4 from the field to build a 9-2 lead four minutes into the game. The Eagles were able to stretch their lead to 10 points with 9:36 remaining in the half.With CSC leading 23-14, the Mavericks defense answered the threat by the visitors and manufactured a 12-0 scoring run in the hosts favor, giving the Mavericks a 26-23 lead. Both teams traded baskets before Christopher Speller hit a jumper with two seconds remaining, putting the Mavericks up 37-32 at half.Chadron State opened the second half by making only one of seven attempts from the field. On the other side, Colorado Mesa began the second half with five consecutive points to build a ten-point lead that stretched to 13 points with 14:31 remaining.That's when Jalen Patterson, a junior guard from Galt, California, scored eight consecutive points to make the score 49-44. After an "and-1" layup, Patterson scored a jumper on CSC's next possession before knocking down a three with 12 minutes remaining.Colorado Mesa quickly regained a double-digit lead but CSC slowly chipped it back down to four points with 7:31 remaining. The Eagles found themselves trailing 63-59 after making three consecutive shots and five of their last seven.The Mavericks lead stood at 68-63 with 5:45 remaining when the hosts offense caught fire. With 4:03 remaining in the game, Colorado Mesa led 78-63.Chadron State was able to chip the Mavericks lead back down to nine but were unable to overcome the late scoring run by the hosts.The hosts finished 33-58 (56.9 percent) from the field. They made 10 of their 25 attempts from three (40 percent) and were 8-13 from the charity stripe (61.5 percent).CSC finished 29 of 66 (43.9 percent) from the field and 14-19 (73.7 percent) from the charity stripe. The Eagle's finished 2-12 (16.7 percent) from three point land, their second lowest percentage this season.Colorado Mesa outrebounded CSC 40 to 29.Chadron State had nine turnovers in the loss, resulting in five Maverick points. The Eagles scored 15 points off 17 Mesa turnovers.Josh Robinson led CSC in scoring with 30 points and had a game high 10 rebounds. The senior made 13 of his 23 attempts from the field and was 4-8 from the charity stripe.Patterson and Bryce Latimer joined Robinson in double-figures with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Trevor Baskin and Owen Koonce both scored 22 points for the Mavericks. Baskin added 10 rebounds while Spiller had 14 points.

Eagles ousted by top seed Mesa in RMAC Tournament opening round

Alexis Markowski captured first-team All-Big Ten honors, while Jaz Shelley added second-team accolades and Natalie Potts was named honorable-mention when the conference announced its annual postseason awards on Monday, March 5.

Markowski, a 6-3 junior center from Lincoln, Neb., claimed first-team all-league honors after producing team-leading averages of 15.8 points and 10.7 rebounds for the Huskers. One of the three Big Ten players to average a double-double during the regular season, joining Serah Williams (Wisconsin) and Kendall Bostic (Illinois), Markowski produced 17 double-doubles, including 11 during conference play.

Her performances included a huge 20-point, career-high 21-rebound effort in a road win at Purdue (Feb. 17), one of just five 20-20 games by a Husker in school history.

Markowski, who earned preseason first-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2023 and 2024, claimed her first postseason first-team all-conference honor after capturing second-team awards in both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, she was also the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. During the 2023-24 regular season, Markowski was named to the Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll seven times.

Shelley, a 5-9 graduate guard from Moe, Australia, earned second-team Big Ten honors for the second time in her career after being named to the first team in 2023. Shelley averaged 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and team bests of 5.2 assists and 1.7 steals during the regular season. She connected on a team-high 66 three-pointers while hitting 88.5 percent of her free throws.

A preseason first-team All-Big Ten choice, Shelley was also a second-team All-Big Ten selection in her first season at Nebraska in 2022, when she was also named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.

Freshman Natalie Potts joined Markowski and Shelley with All-Big Ten recognition. The 6-2 forward from O'Fallon, Mo., ranked second in scoring among all conference freshmen with 10.5 points per game, while leading league freshmen in rebounding (5.4 rpg) and field goal percentage (.520). She also ranked second in free throw percentage (.859), while starting all 29 games for the 19-10 Huskers.

Potts, who was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the conference coaches, was joined on the All-Freshman Team by teammate Logan Nissley.

Graduate guard Maddie Krull rounded out Nebraska's Big Ten honorees by earning the team's Sportsmanship Award.

By NU Athletics CommunicationsAlexis Markowski captured first-team All-Big Ten honors, while Jaz Shelley added second-team accolades and Natalie Potts was named honorable-mention when the conference announced its annual postseason awards on Monday, March 5.Markowski, a 6-3 junior center from Lincoln, Neb., claimed first-team all-league honors after producing team-leading averages of 15.8 points and 10.7 rebounds for the Huskers. One of the three Big Ten players to average a double-double during the regular season, joining Serah Williams (Wisconsin) and Kendall Bostic (Illinois), Markowski produced 17 double-doubles, including 11 during conference play.Her performances included a huge 20-point, career-high 21-rebound effort in a road win at Purdue (Feb. 17), one of just five 20-20 games by a Husker in school history.Markowski, who earned preseason first-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2023 and 2024, claimed her first postseason first-team all-conference honor after capturing second-team awards in both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, she was also the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. During the 2023-24 regular season, Markowski was named to the Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll seven times.Shelley, a 5-9 graduate guard from Moe, Australia, earned second-team Big Ten honors for the second time in her career after being named to the first team in 2023. Shelley averaged 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and team bests of 5.2 assists and 1.7 steals during the regular season. She connected on a team-high 66 three-pointers while hitting 88.5 percent of her free throws.A preseason first-team All-Big Ten choice, Shelley was also a second-team All-Big Ten selection in her first season at Nebraska in 2022, when she was also named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.Freshman Natalie Potts joined Markowski and Shelley with All-Big Ten recognition. The 6-2 forward from O'Fallon, Mo., ranked second in scoring among all conference freshmen with 10.5 points per game, while leading league freshmen in rebounding (5.4 rpg) and field goal percentage (.520). She also ranked second in free throw percentage (.859), while starting all 29 games for the 19-10 Huskers.Potts, who was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the conference coaches, was joined on the All-Freshman Team by teammate Logan Nissley.Graduate guard Maddie Krull rounded out Nebraska's Big Ten honorees by earning the team's Sportsmanship Award.

Markowski, Shelly and Potts lead Huskers in All-Big Ten Honors

Champaign, Ill.&nbsp;- The Nebraska women's basketball team rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to take a seven-point fourth-quarter lead, but the Huskers were unable to knock down the winning shot in a 74-73 loss at Illinois on Sunday afternoon.

Jaz Shelley led Nebraska's big rally in the first 15 minutes of the second half, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists, but her final three-point attempt from the deep left wing was off the mark as the Huskers finished the regular season 19-10 overall and 11-7 in the Big Ten. Illinois moved to 14-14 overall and 8-10 in the conference.

Nebraska also got 14 points and eight rebounds from Alexis Markowski, who scored NU's only two points in the final five minutes by hitting a pair of free throws with 2:33 left.

Natalie Potts contributed 14 points, five rebounds and a career-high four assists to help put the Huskers in position to win.&nbsp;

Potts hit a pair of three-pointers early in the third quarter to set the tone for Nebraska's rally, then scored NU's first points of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 59 with 9:05 left. Shelley then scored four straight points before Potts scored again to give Nebraska a 65-59 edge with 6:35 left.

The Big Red also received a strong contribution with seven points from freshman Jessica Petrie, who finished with seven points including Nebraska's final field goal of the game on a layup with five minutes left to give the Huskers their biggest lead of the day at 71-64.

But Nebraska missed its final nine field goal attempts of the game and a pair of free throws with 25 seconds left. On the other end, Illinois got a basket from Camille Hobby, who finished with nine points, and back-to-back buckets from Gretchen Dolan, who scored five of her seven points in the game's closing minutes, while getting two free throws from Genesis Bryant and the game-winning free throw from Makira Cook.

Cook led Illinois with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Bryant added 17 points, four boards and four assists. Kendall Bostic contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards but was held scoreless by the Huskers in the second half.

Nebraska finished at 38.9 percent (28-72) from the field, including 30 percent (9-30) from three-point range. The Huskers also hit 8-of-11 free throws. The Big Red won the battle of the boards, 39-36, including a 15-9 edge on the offensive glass. NU also claimed the turnover fight, 8-7, in a well-played game by both teams.

The Illini finished at 46.8 percent (29-62) from the floor, including 7-of-16 threes (.438). Illinois also hit 9-of-10 free throws.

After a back-and-forth first half, Nebraska trailed 42-35 despite 10 points and six rebounds from Markowski and 10 points and four assists from Shelley. The Huskers hit just 37 percent (13-35) of their first-half shots, including just 27 percent (4-15) of their threes, but outworked Illinois 19-18 on the boards, 8-5 on the offensive glass.

Illinois answered by hitting 53 percent (18-34) of its shots, including 44.4 percent (4-9) of its threes. Bostic led the Illini with 12 first-half points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Cook added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-3 from long range. Illinois also won the first-half turnover battle, 4-3.

The Fighting Illini led 23-16 after one quarter before Nebraska opened the second period on a 10-0 run to take a 26-23 lead after a Shelley three-point play with 7:21 left in the half. But Illinois answered with a 10-0 run of its own with five points apiece from Bryant and Shay Bollin. The Illini went on to rebuild their seven-point lead at the half.

Nebraska will head to the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 5 seed and earn a first-round bye before playing on Thursday, March 7 at 2 p.m. in a game televised by the Big Ten Network.

By NU Athletics Communications Champaign, Ill.&nbsp;- The Nebraska women's basketball team rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to take a seven-point fourth-quarter lead, but the Huskers were unable to knock down the winning shot in a 74-73 loss at Illinois on Sunday afternoon.Jaz Shelley led Nebraska's big rally in the first 15 minutes of the second half, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists, but her final three-point attempt from the deep left wing was off the mark as the Huskers finished the regular season 19-10 overall and 11-7 in the Big Ten. Illinois moved to 14-14 overall and 8-10 in the conference.Nebraska also got 14 points and eight rebounds from Alexis Markowski, who scored NU's only two points in the final five minutes by hitting a pair of free throws with 2:33 left.Natalie Potts contributed 14 points, five rebounds and a career-high four assists to help put the Huskers in position to win.&nbsp;Potts hit a pair of three-pointers early in the third quarter to set the tone for Nebraska's rally, then scored NU's first points of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 59 with 9:05 left. Shelley then scored four straight points before Potts scored again to give Nebraska a 65-59 edge with 6:35 left.The Big Red also received a strong contribution with seven points from freshman Jessica Petrie, who finished with seven points including Nebraska's final field goal of the game on a layup with five minutes left to give the Huskers their biggest lead of the day at 71-64.But Nebraska missed its final nine field goal attempts of the game and a pair of free throws with 25 seconds left. On the other end, Illinois got a basket from Camille Hobby, who finished with nine points, and back-to-back buckets from Gretchen Dolan, who scored five of her seven points in the game's closing minutes, while getting two free throws from Genesis Bryant and the game-winning free throw from Makira Cook.Cook led Illinois with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Bryant added 17 points, four boards and four assists. Kendall Bostic contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards but was held scoreless by the Huskers in the second half.Nebraska finished at 38.9 percent (28-72) from the field, including 30 percent (9-30) from three-point range. The Huskers also hit 8-of-11 free throws. The Big Red won the battle of the boards, 39-36, including a 15-9 edge on the offensive glass. NU also claimed the turnover fight, 8-7, in a well-played game by both teams.The Illini finished at 46.8 percent (29-62) from the floor, including 7-of-16 threes (.438). Illinois also hit 9-of-10 free throws.After a back-and-forth first half, Nebraska trailed 42-35 despite 10 points and six rebounds from Markowski and 10 points and four assists from Shelley. The Huskers hit just 37 percent (13-35) of their first-half shots, including just 27 percent (4-15) of their threes, but outworked Illinois 19-18 on the boards, 8-5 on the offensive glass.Illinois answered by hitting 53 percent (18-34) of its shots, including 44.4 percent (4-9) of its threes. Bostic led the Illini with 12 first-half points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Cook added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-3 from long range. Illinois also won the first-half turnover battle, 4-3.The Fighting Illini led 23-16 after one quarter before Nebraska opened the second period on a 10-0 run to take a 26-23 lead after a Shelley three-point play with 7:21 left in the half. But Illinois answered with a 10-0 run of its own with five points apiece from Bryant and Shay Bollin. The Illini went on to rebuild their seven-point lead at the half.Nebraska will head to the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 5 seed and earn a first-round bye before playing on Thursday, March 7 at 2 p.m. in a game televised by the Big Ten Network.

Huskers WBB fall in final seconds, Big 10 Tourney next

Keisei Tominaga scored seven of his team-high 18 points in a span of 48 seconds in the second half, as Nebraska held off Rutgers, 67-56, Sunday evening.

Tominaga, making his final regular-season appearance at Pinnacle Bank Arena, took over after Rutgers whittled a 16-point second-half lead to 54-58 with 7:05 remaining,&nbsp;

Tominaga started the run with a conventional 3-point play before sending the sellout crowd of 15,854 into a frenzy with a four-point play, as he was fouled while hitting a 3-pointer from the logo give the Huskers a 61-48 cushion with 6:00 left. Tominaga capped a personal 12-0 run with a trio of foul shots that put NU ahead 64-51 with 5:19 left and NU led by double figures the rest of the way.&nbsp;

While Tominaga keyed the decisive run, it was the play of Josiah Allick and Juwan Gary that sent the tone for Nebraska (21-9, 11-8 Big Ten), as both players posted double doubles. Allick had 10 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, while Gary added 15 points, 11 caroms and three blocked shots.&nbsp;

The pair helped Nebraska post a 44-40 advantage on the glass, while the Huskers held Rutgers to 32.8 percent shooting, including 4-of-25 from 3-point range.&nbsp;

Nebraska stretched the lead in the opening minutes of the second half, building a 49-33 lead after a pair of Brice Williams free throws with 14:36 left, but Rutgers would climb back into the game. The visitors used a 15-5 spurt to pull within 54-48 with just over seven minutes remaining before Tominaga took over down the stretch.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s defense and rebounding were the story in the first half, as the Huskers led 37-25 at the break. Nebraska held the Scarlet Knights to just 34 percent shooting in the first half and enjoyed a 24-12 advantage on the glass that led to 12 second-chance points for the Huskers.&nbsp;

Nebraska got to a strong start, jumping to an 8-0 lead, including a trio of putback baskets in the first five minutes of the contest. Nebraska used a 9-2 spurt to push the lead to 12, at 19-7, after a 3-pointer from C.J. Wilcher at the 10:05 mark.&nbsp;

Rutgers was within 24-15 after a Jeremiah Williams basket, but Gary scored five of his 11 first-half points in an 8-0 run that made it 32-15 with 3:47 left in the half.&nbsp;

Rutgers mounted a comeback, with a 10-3 run to pull within 35-25 after Gavin Griffiths’ 3-pointer but Gary’s dunk pushed the margin back to 12 at the break.&nbsp;

Williams led Rutgers (15-14, 7-11) with 14 points while Griffiths added 10 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-pointers.&nbsp;

The Huskers finish the regular season on the road when they take on Michigan at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sunday, March 10. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. and will be carried on the Big Ten Network and Huskers Radio Network.

By NU Athletics CommunicationsKeisei Tominaga scored seven of his team-high 18 points in a span of 48 seconds in the second half, as Nebraska held off Rutgers, 67-56, Sunday evening.Tominaga, making his final regular-season appearance at Pinnacle Bank Arena, took over after Rutgers whittled a 16-point second-half lead to 54-58 with 7:05 remaining,&nbsp;Tominaga started the run with a conventional 3-point play before sending the sellout crowd of 15,854 into a frenzy with a four-point play, as he was fouled while hitting a 3-pointer from the logo give the Huskers a 61-48 cushion with 6:00 left. Tominaga capped a personal 12-0 run with a trio of foul shots that put NU ahead 64-51 with 5:19 left and NU led by double figures the rest of the way.&nbsp;While Tominaga keyed the decisive run, it was the play of Josiah Allick and Juwan Gary that sent the tone for Nebraska (21-9, 11-8 Big Ten), as both players posted double doubles. Allick had 10 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, while Gary added 15 points, 11 caroms and three blocked shots.&nbsp;The pair helped Nebraska post a 44-40 advantage on the glass, while the Huskers held Rutgers to 32.8 percent shooting, including 4-of-25 from 3-point range.&nbsp;Nebraska stretched the lead in the opening minutes of the second half, building a 49-33 lead after a pair of Brice Williams free throws with 14:36 left, but Rutgers would climb back into the game. The visitors used a 15-5 spurt to pull within 54-48 with just over seven minutes remaining before Tominaga took over down the stretch.&nbsp;Nebraska’s defense and rebounding were the story in the first half, as the Huskers led 37-25 at the break. Nebraska held the Scarlet Knights to just 34 percent shooting in the first half and enjoyed a 24-12 advantage on the glass that led to 12 second-chance points for the Huskers.&nbsp;Nebraska got to a strong start, jumping to an 8-0 lead, including a trio of putback baskets in the first five minutes of the contest. Nebraska used a 9-2 spurt to push the lead to 12, at 19-7, after a 3-pointer from C.J. Wilcher at the 10:05 mark.&nbsp;Rutgers was within 24-15 after a Jeremiah Williams basket, but Gary scored five of his 11 first-half points in an 8-0 run that made it 32-15 with 3:47 left in the half.&nbsp;Rutgers mounted a comeback, with a 10-3 run to pull within 35-25 after Gavin Griffiths’ 3-pointer but Gary’s dunk pushed the margin back to 12 at the break.&nbsp;Williams led Rutgers (15-14, 7-11) with 14 points while Griffiths added 10 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-pointers.&nbsp;The Huskers finish the regular season on the road when they take on Michigan at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sunday, March 10. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. and will be carried on the Big Ten Network and Huskers Radio Network.<h2>RELATED STO</h2>

Huskers top Rutgers on Senior night

Nebraska rallied for four runs in the eighth and ninth innings to clinch the weekend series at Charleston with a 5-4 win over the Cougars at Patriots Point on Saturday night.

Nebraska (6-3) scored five runs on 13 hits and committed a pair of errors, while Charleston (7-2) recorded four runs on six hits.

Riley Silva led the Huskers at the plate with his second three-hit game of the season, going 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Cayden Brumbaugh, Josh Caron and Ben Columbus tallied two hits apiece, while Tyler Stone, Cole Evans, Dylan Carey and Case Sanderson recorded one hit.

Brett Sears posted his third quality start of the season after allowing two runs on two hits in six innings. The Westphalia, Iowa, native struck out a career-high seven hitters for the third time this season and surrendered just one walk. Ty Horn collected his first collegiate win after pitching two innings in relief. Horn allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits and a pair of walks in his third relief outing of the year. Casey Daiss replaced Horn in the ninth and recorded his second save of the year. Daiss posted a strikeout and allowed just one hit in the shutout inning.

For the first time in five games, the Huskers were held scoreless in the opening frame. Nebraska had a pair of baserunners reach first and second after singles to left by Silva and Stone, but the Big Red couldn’t plate the game’s first run.

A two-out walk on full count, followed by Cole Singsank’s two-run homer over the fence in left gave Charleston a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

Sears retired the Cougars in order in the third and fourth innings, while the NU offense had runners on first and third with one out in the fifth after a walk to Columbus and Sanderson’s single. The Huskers couldn’t scratch across a run after Cayden Brumbaugh grounded into a first-pitch 6-4-3 double play.

Silva began the sixth with a double down the left-field line and later came around to score on Evans’ RBI single to right-center, bringing the Huskers within 2-1 after six innings.

Charleston grew its lead to 4-1 with a pair of runs on two hits and an NU error in the seventh. A leadoff single and a four-pitch walk placed runners on first and second, while a wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third with no outs. The Cougars scored both runs after Luke Wood’s RBI single scored one and an errant relay throw added another run.

The Huskers scored two runs on three hits in the eighth to make it a one-run game headed into the final inning. Caron reached on a single to left, and Evans drew a two-out walk to put runners on first and second. Back-to-back RBI singles from Carey and Columbus plated Caron and Evans to bring the Huskers within 4-3.

The Cougars had their first two hitters reach in the eighth, before a heads-up play by Bryce Hughes at second base put a halt to the Cougars’ momentum. Charleston would’ve had runners on first and second with no outs after a walk on full count, but Hughes applied the tag of the Cougars’ baserunner who slid past second base. Horn retired the next two Cougars via a popout and groundout to send a 4-3 game into the ninth.

The Huskers began the ninth with consecutive singles from Brumbaugh and Silva, before Silva swiped second to place runners on second and third with zero outs. Caron locked the game at four after dropping an RBI single into right-center, while NU grabbed the lead after Stone lifted a 3-1 pitch deep to left for a sacrifice fly to score Silva.

Nebraska wraps up this weekend’s action at Charleston in the series finale tomorrow at 12 p.m. CT. Sunday’s matchup can be seen on FloBaseball, while fans can listen to Dave Gustafson and Ben McLaughlin call the action on the Huskers Radio Network.

By NU Athletics CommunicationsNebraska rallied for four runs in the eighth and ninth innings to clinch the weekend series at Charleston with a 5-4 win over the Cougars at Patriots Point on Saturday night.Nebraska (6-3) scored five runs on 13 hits and committed a pair of errors, while Charleston (7-2) recorded four runs on six hits.Riley Silva led the Huskers at the plate with his second three-hit game of the season, going 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Cayden Brumbaugh, Josh Caron and Ben Columbus tallied two hits apiece, while Tyler Stone, Cole Evans, Dylan Carey and Case Sanderson recorded one hit.Brett Sears posted his third quality start of the season after allowing two runs on two hits in six innings. The Westphalia, Iowa, native struck out a career-high seven hitters for the third time this season and surrendered just one walk. Ty Horn collected his first collegiate win after pitching two innings in relief. Horn allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits and a pair of walks in his third relief outing of the year. Casey Daiss replaced Horn in the ninth and recorded his second save of the year. Daiss posted a strikeout and allowed just one hit in the shutout inning.For the first time in five games, the Huskers were held scoreless in the opening frame. Nebraska had a pair of baserunners reach first and second after singles to left by Silva and Stone, but the Big Red couldn’t plate the game’s first run.A two-out walk on full count, followed by Cole Singsank’s two-run homer over the fence in left gave Charleston a 2-0 lead in the second inning.Sears retired the Cougars in order in the third and fourth innings, while the NU offense had runners on first and third with one out in the fifth after a walk to Columbus and Sanderson’s single. The Huskers couldn’t scratch across a run after Cayden Brumbaugh grounded into a first-pitch 6-4-3 double play.Silva began the sixth with a double down the left-field line and later came around to score on Evans’ RBI single to right-center, bringing the Huskers within 2-1 after six innings.Charleston grew its lead to 4-1 with a pair of runs on two hits and an NU error in the seventh. A leadoff single and a four-pitch walk placed runners on first and second, while a wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third with no outs. The Cougars scored both runs after Luke Wood’s RBI single scored one and an errant relay throw added another run.The Huskers scored two runs on three hits in the eighth to make it a one-run game headed into the final inning. Caron reached on a single to left, and Evans drew a two-out walk to put runners on first and second. Back-to-back RBI singles from Carey and Columbus plated Caron and Evans to bring the Huskers within 4-3.The Cougars had their first two hitters reach in the eighth, before a heads-up play by Bryce Hughes at second base put a halt to the Cougars’ momentum. Charleston would’ve had runners on first and second with no outs after a walk on full count, but Hughes applied the tag of the Cougars’ baserunner who slid past second base. Horn retired the next two Cougars via a popout and groundout to send a 4-3 game into the ninth.The Huskers began the ninth with consecutive singles from Brumbaugh and Silva, before Silva swiped second to place runners on second and third with zero outs. Caron locked the game at four after dropping an RBI single into right-center, while NU grabbed the lead after Stone lifted a 3-1 pitch deep to left for a sacrifice fly to score Silva.Nebraska wraps up this weekend’s action at Charleston in the series finale tomorrow at 12 p.m. CT. Sunday’s matchup can be seen on FloBaseball, while fans can listen to Dave Gustafson and Ben McLaughlin call the action on the Huskers Radio Network.

Huskers baseball uses rally to top Charlston in extra's 

By: Con Marshal CSC Sports Information

The Chadron State Eagles played some of their best basketball of the season Saturday night, leading all the way after breaking an 8-8 deadlock until Black Hills State tied the score at 76-76 on a layup with 16 seconds remaining. That sent the regular-season finale into overtime, when the Yellow Jackets outscored their visitors 18-7 to win 94-83.

Despite the disappointing outcome, apparently there's still some positive news for the Eagles and their fans.  While the official word had not been received when this story was written, it's anticipated that Coach Shane Paben's team with its 9-13 conference mark has qualified for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference playoffs as the No. 8 seed. 

If so, that means the Eagles will be in the first round of the playoffs at Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction on Tuesday, March 5.  The Mavericks claimed the RMAC regular-season title Saturday night when they improved their conference record to 21-1 by defeating Western Colorado 74-55 while Colorado School of Mines handed Fort Lewis its second conference loss by a 70-65 score.

The way the game in Spearfish turn out was painful for the Eagles.  They got off to a great start, knocking down their first six 3-point shots while building a 32-16 lead midway through the first half. 

The Yellow Jackets served notice they are potent by scoring the final eight points of the first half to draw within 45-40 at intermission.  But the Eagles maintained the lead through the next 19 minutes and 44 seconds, or until Caelin Hearne's layup tied the score.

Chadron State's biggest margin of the second half was 10 points—69-59—with 6:45remaining.  The visitors still led 76-69 with 2:39 left after making one of two free throws.  Nearly a minute passed before Black Hills cut the lead to five with two free shots.

But after the Eagles committed one of their just five turnovers, the roof started to cave in when Yellow Jackets' star, Matt Ragsdale nailed a 3-pointer to make it 76-74 with 69 seconds left on the clock.  Chadron State knew it needed to score again, but missed a jumper, got the rebound, but also could not make the putback.  The hosts' Hoku Fisher got the second rebound.

There was still 33 seconds left on the clock.  While it was anticipated that Ragsdale, who had already scored 32 points, would get the ball, it was Hearne, who had made just two of 11 shots while playing nearly 30 minutes, who took the ball to the hoop to knot the score 76-76.  

There were still 16 seconds left for the Eagles to win the game, but a last-second jumper did not connect and it was overtime.

Both teams missed a 3-point shot and a contested layup to open the extra session, but Ragsdale finally connected from in the paint to break the ice with 3:37 still showing.

When it rains it pours and the Yellow Jackets wound up making three more field goals, two of them treys by Fisher and Herne, before sinking all of eight of their free throws in the final 41 seconds.  The Eagles did not score in overtime until just 1:17remained.

Ragsdale, a fifth-year senior and the RMAC's scoring leader for the season with a 22-point average, finished with 36 points. He was 15 of 26 from the field, including 5-of-10 from long range. Fisher contributed 16 points and Hearne 13. All three are 6-foot-4.

Four Eagles reached double-figures, led by 6-7 senior center Porter Anderson with 17 points on 7-of-8 from the field.  Guard Bryce Latimer and 6-9 John Jenkins each scored 16 and Josh Robinson 13. Alternate guards Jarrett Anderson and Jalen Patterson added nine and eight, respectively. 

Black Hills is 16-12 for the season and its 14-8 conference record is good enough to make it one of the four teams to host a first-round playoff tilt. CSC finishes the regular season with a 12-16 record,

When Mesa visited Chadron on Jan. 12, the Eagles' Jarrett Taylor nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie the score at 85 and send it into overtime. The Mavericks eventually won 102-9, but CSC had played the conference champs even-Steven for 40 minutes, just like it did against Black Hills on Saturday.      

Chadron State—Porter Anderson 17, Bryce Latimer 16, John Jenkins 16, Josh Robinson 13, Jarrett Taylor 9, Jalen Patterson 8, Martin Poznanovic 4. Totals: 34-84 (8-19) 7-10 83 points, 45 rebounds, 5 turnovers, 10 assists.

Black Hills State—Matt Ragsdale 36, Hoku Fisher 16, Caelin Herne 13, Myles Johnson 8, Ronnall Tape 7, Deegan Williams 6, John Shanklin 4, Joel Speckman 4, Totals: 32-67 (9-29) 21-23 94 points, 42 rebounds, 4 turnovers 9 assists.

Chadron State                         45          31         7                ----83

Black Hills State                       40         36       18                ----94

3-pointers: CSC—Taylor 3, Latimer 2, Patterson 2, Jenkins 1. BHSU—Ragsdale 5, Fisher 2, Herne 1, Tape 1.

By: Con Marshal CSC Sports InformationThe Chadron State Eagles played some of their best basketball of the season Saturday night, leading all the way after breaking an 8-8 deadlock until Black Hills State tied the score at 76-76 on a layup with 16 seconds remaining. That sent the regular-season finale into overtime, when the Yellow Jackets outscored their visitors 18-7 to win 94-83.Despite the disappointing outcome, apparently there's still some positive news for the Eagles and their fans. While the official word had not been received when this story was written, it's anticipated that Coach Shane Paben's team with its 9-13 conference mark has qualified for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference playoffs as the No. 8 seed. If so, that means the Eagles will be in the first round of the playoffs at Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction on Tuesday, March 5. The Mavericks claimed the RMAC regular-season title Saturday night when they improved their conference record to 21-1 by defeating Western Colorado 74-55 while Colorado School of Mines handed Fort Lewis its second conference loss by a 70-65 score.The way the game in Spearfish turn out was painful for the Eagles. They got off to a great start, knocking down their first six 3-point shots while building a 32-16 lead midway through the first half. The Yellow Jackets served notice they are potent by scoring the final eight points of the first half to draw within 45-40 at intermission. But the Eagles maintained the lead through the next 19 minutes and 44 seconds, or until Caelin Hearne's layup tied the score.Chadron State's biggest margin of the second half was 10 points—69-59—with 6:45remaining. The visitors still led 76-69 with 2:39 left after making one of two free throws. Nearly a minute passed before Black Hills cut the lead to five with two free shots.But after the Eagles committed one of their just five turnovers, the roof started to cave in when Yellow Jackets' star, Matt Ragsdale nailed a 3-pointer to make it 76-74 with 69 seconds left on the clock. Chadron State knew it needed to score again, but missed a jumper, got the rebound, but also could not make the putback. The hosts' Hoku Fisher got the second rebound.There was still 33 seconds left on the clock. While it was anticipated that Ragsdale, who had already scored 32 points, would get the ball, it was Hearne, who had made just two of 11 shots while playing nearly 30 minutes, who took the ball to the hoop to knot the score 76-76. There were still 16 seconds left for the Eagles to win the game, but a last-second jumper did not connect and it was overtime.Both teams missed a 3-point shot and a contested layup to open the extra session, but Ragsdale finally connected from in the paint to break the ice with 3:37 still showing.When it rains it pours and the Yellow Jackets wound up making three more field goals, two of them treys by Fisher and Herne, before sinking all of eight of their free throws in the final 41 seconds. The Eagles did not score in overtime until just 1:17remained.Ragsdale, a fifth-year senior and the RMAC's scoring leader for the season with a 22-point average, finished with 36 points. He was 15 of 26 from the field, including 5-of-10 from long range. Fisher contributed 16 points and Hearne 13. All three are 6-foot-4.Four Eagles reached double-figures, led by 6-7 senior center Porter Anderson with 17 points on 7-of-8 from the field. Guard Bryce Latimer and 6-9 John Jenkins each scored 16 and Josh Robinson 13. Alternate guards Jarrett Anderson and Jalen Patterson added nine and eight, respectively. Black Hills is 16-12 for the season and its 14-8 conference record is good enough to make it one of the four teams to host a first-round playoff tilt. CSC finishes the regular season with a 12-16 record,When Mesa visited Chadron on Jan. 12, the Eagles' Jarrett Taylor nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie the score at 85 and send it into overtime. The Mavericks eventually won 102-9, but CSC had played the conference champs even-Steven for 40 minutes, just like it did against Black Hills on Saturday. Chadron State—Porter Anderson 17, Bryce Latimer 16, John Jenkins 16, Josh Robinson 13, Jarrett Taylor 9, Jalen Patterson 8, Martin Poznanovic 4. Totals: 34-84 (8-19) 7-10 83 points, 45 rebounds, 5 turnovers, 10 assists.Black Hills State—Matt Ragsdale 36, Hoku Fisher 16, Caelin Herne 13, Myles Johnson 8, Ronnall Tape 7, Deegan Williams 6, John Shanklin 4, Joel Speckman 4, Totals: 32-67 (9-29) 21-23 94 points, 42 rebounds, 4 turnovers 9 assists.Chadron State 45 31 7 ----83Black Hills State 40 36 18 ----943-pointers: CSC—Taylor 3, Latimer 2, Patterson 2, Jenkins 1. BHSU—Ragsdale 5, Fisher 2, Herne 1, Tape 1.

🏀MBB: Eagles fall in overtime at BH, but sneak into RMAC playoffs as #8 seed

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

A 13-0 surge late in the game boosted the Chadron State College men's basketball team to a 69-63 win over South Dakota Mines in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action in Rapid City on Friday night.

The Hardrockers led 54-50 when the Eagles launched their rally with just over six minutes remaining. 

An old-fashioned 3-point play by center Porter Anderson got the ball rolling. It was followed by two baskets by forward Josh Robinson and 3-pointers by Jarrett Taylor and Dalton Peterson that put the Eagles ahead 63-54 with 3:33 remaining. 

The Hardrockers didn't fold. Two free throws and a layup by Keegan Smith kept the home team in contention.  But a dunk by the Eagles' John Jenkins just before the shot clock expired gave the visitors another big lift. 

Jenkins also scored again with 24 seconds remaining to help offset a five-point splurge by the Hardrockers' Alejandro Rama in the final minute.

Even though he missed his first seven field goal shots, the Eagles' Bryce Latimer was the game's leading scorer with 18 points, 14 of them in the second half.  Robinson added 14 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds, while Anderson scored 12 points and Patterson nine by making three of his team's four treys.

Rama paced Mines with 16 points, Cameron Cohn and Kolton Frugoli each had 14 and Smith 11.  Frugoli also grabbed 10 rebounds.

The win snapped the Eagles' six-game losing streak and improves their chances of making the RMAC playoffs. Both Chadron State and Mines are now 9-12 in the conference and are tied with Colorado State-Pueblo for seventh through ninth in the standings entering Saturday night's final games of the regular season. The top eight teams make the playoffs.

The Eagles will play at Black Hills State, Mines will host Colorado Christian and Pueblo will visit Regis tonight           

Chadron State—Bryce Latimer 18, Josh Robinson 14, Porter Anderson 12, Dalton Peterson 9, John Jenkins 6, Jarrett Taylor 5, Martin Poznanovic 3, Jalen Patterson 2. Totals: 29-71 (4-19) 7-11 69 points, 42 rebounds, 12 turnovers, 5 assists.

South Dakota Mines—Alejandro Rama 16, Cameron Cohn 14, Kolton Frugoli 14, Keagen Smith 11, Brannagh Walsh 4, Abel Hutchinson 2, Guillem Garcia 2.  Totals: 28-66 (4-20) 3-8 63 points, 30 rebounds, 15 turnovers, 6 assists.

              Chadron State                 30          39       ----69

              South Dakota Mines       32          31      ----63

              3-pointers: CSC—Peterson 3, Taylor 1. SDM—Cohn 2, Rama 1, Smith 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709402681482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationA 13-0 surge late in the game boosted the Chadron State College men's basketball team to a 69-63 win over South Dakota Mines in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action in Rapid City on Friday night.The Hardrockers led 54-50 when the Eagles launched their rally with just over six minutes remaining. An old-fashioned 3-point play by center Porter Anderson got the ball rolling. It was followed by two baskets by forward Josh Robinson and 3-pointers by Jarrett Taylor and Dalton Peterson that put the Eagles ahead 63-54 with 3:33 remaining. The Hardrockers didn't fold. Two free throws and a layup by Keegan Smith kept the home team in contention. But a dunk by the Eagles' John Jenkins just before the shot clock expired gave the visitors another big lift. Jenkins also scored again with 24 seconds remaining to help offset a five-point splurge by the Hardrockers' Alejandro Rama in the final minute.Even though he missed his first seven field goal shots, the Eagles' Bryce Latimer was the game's leading scorer with 18 points, 14 of them in the second half. Robinson added 14 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds, while Anderson scored 12 points and Patterson nine by making three of his team's four treys.Rama paced Mines with 16 points, Cameron Cohn and Kolton Frugoli each had 14 and Smith 11. Frugoli also grabbed 10 rebounds.The win snapped the Eagles' six-game losing streak and improves their chances of making the RMAC playoffs. Both Chadron State and Mines are now 9-12 in the conference and are tied with Colorado State-Pueblo for seventh through ninth in the standings entering Saturday night's final games of the regular season. The top eight teams make the playoffs.The Eagles will play at Black Hills State, Mines will host Colorado Christian and Pueblo will visit Regis tonight Chadron State—Bryce Latimer 18, Josh Robinson 14, Porter Anderson 12, Dalton Peterson 9, John Jenkins 6, Jarrett Taylor 5, Martin Poznanovic 3, Jalen Patterson 2. Totals: 29-71 (4-19) 7-11 69 points, 42 rebounds, 12 turnovers, 5 assists.South Dakota Mines—Alejandro Rama 16, Cameron Cohn 14, Kolton Frugoli 14, Keagen Smith 11, Brannagh Walsh 4, Abel Hutchinson 2, Guillem Garcia 2. Totals: 28-66 (4-20) 3-8 63 points, 30 rebounds, 15 turnovers, 6 assists. Chadron State 30 39 ----69 South Dakota Mines 32 31 ----63 3-pointers: CSC—Peterson 3, Taylor 1. SDM—Cohn 2, Rama 1, Smith 1.

Late surge pushes CSC past SD Mines and to brink of playoff berth

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Rienk Mast and Jamarques Lawrence had 14 points apiece, but a hot shooting night by Ohio State’s Jamison Battle lifted Ohio State to a 78-69 win over Nebraska Thursday night.&nbsp;

Mast posted his sixth double-double of the year with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Lawrence finished with 14 points and five assists, as the Huskers (20-9, 10-8, Big Ten) saw their four-game win streak snapped.

Battle had a game-high 32 points on 9-of-18 shooting and was a perfect 10-of-10 from the foul line to lead a trio of Buckeyes in double figures. Roddy Gayle Jr. added 16 points and 10 boards while Devin Royal had 13 points off the bench. The 32-point effort was the most against the Huskers this season.&nbsp;

Ohio State (17-12, 7-11 Big Ten) got to the foul line, converting 24 of 28 from the charity stripe, while Nebraska got to the line just eight times on Thursday.&nbsp;

In the first half, the Huskers led for most of the half before a late Buckeye surge gave Ohio State a 39-37 halftime lead. Battle had 17 first-half points, including six straight in a 12-1 spurt that put OSU up 39-35 late in the half. OSU shot just 41 percent in the half but went 11-of-12 at the line in the opening 20 minutes.&nbsp;

Ohio State relied on the shooting of Battle, who had Ohio State’s first 11 points as the Buckeyes built a 13-6 lead with 15:31 left in the half. Nebraska came right back, as C.J. Wilcher came off the bench to spark a 15-2 Husker run with five points before Juwan Gary’s steal and basket gave the Huskers a 21-15 lead.&nbsp;

Nebraska, which shot 43 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, led 27-24 before baskets from Rienk and Keisei Tominaga made it a seven-point lead at 31-24. Tominaga, who had nine first-half points, hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to 34-27 with 5:07 left in the half, but OSU closed the half on a surge.&nbsp;

Nebraska trailed 48-39 with just under 15 minutes remaining before Lawrence led the comeback. The sophomore had all 11 of his second-half points in a 14-7 run that pulled Nebraska within 55-53 after a Wilcher 3-pointer with 11:13 left.&nbsp;Battle answered back with a 3-pointer and a jumper on the next possession to stretch the lead back to 60-53 with just over 10 minutes left but the Huskers kept clawing back. Mast had eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers before Gary’s dunk with 4:49 left made it 67-65. NU was within 69-67 after Gary’s two free throws with 3:58 left, but would get&nbsp; no closer, as the Buckeyes used a 9-0 run to earn its third win in the last four contes.&nbsp;

The Huskers return home on Sunday, March 3, as they host Rutgers. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. with Senior Night festivities set for 5 p.m. Sunday’s game is sold out and will be carried on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

Notes*-Nebraska hit 10 3-pointers tonight, and now has 274 3-pointers on the season. That broke the school record of 270 set in 2018-19. NU falls to 10-5 when hitting at least 10 3-pointers*-Jamarques Lawrence has now reached double figures in each of the last three games and four of the past six games since moving to the bench. Lawrence also paced NU with five assists.*-With Lawrence reaching double figures, NU has now had at least one double-figure effort n 24 of 29 contests.*-Rienk Mast finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds for his team-high sixth double-double of the season. It was the 11th double-double by a Husker this season.*-Ohio State snapped a three-game losing streak to Nebraska dating back to 2022

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsRienk Mast and Jamarques Lawrence had 14 points apiece, but a hot shooting night by Ohio State’s Jamison Battle lifted Ohio State to a 78-69 win over Nebraska Thursday night.&nbsp;Mast posted his sixth double-double of the year with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Lawrence finished with 14 points and five assists, as the Huskers (20-9, 10-8, Big Ten) saw their four-game win streak snapped.Battle had a game-high 32 points on 9-of-18 shooting and was a perfect 10-of-10 from the foul line to lead a trio of Buckeyes in double figures. Roddy Gayle Jr. added 16 points and 10 boards while Devin Royal had 13 points off the bench. The 32-point effort was the most against the Huskers this season.&nbsp;Ohio State (17-12, 7-11 Big Ten) got to the foul line, converting 24 of 28 from the charity stripe, while Nebraska got to the line just eight times on Thursday.&nbsp;In the first half, the Huskers led for most of the half before a late Buckeye surge gave Ohio State a 39-37 halftime lead. Battle had 17 first-half points, including six straight in a 12-1 spurt that put OSU up 39-35 late in the half. OSU shot just 41 percent in the half but went 11-of-12 at the line in the opening 20 minutes.&nbsp;Ohio State relied on the shooting of Battle, who had Ohio State’s first 11 points as the Buckeyes built a 13-6 lead with 15:31 left in the half. Nebraska came right back, as C.J. Wilcher came off the bench to spark a 15-2 Husker run with five points before Juwan Gary’s steal and basket gave the Huskers a 21-15 lead.&nbsp;Nebraska, which shot 43 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, led 27-24 before baskets from Rienk and Keisei Tominaga made it a seven-point lead at 31-24. Tominaga, who had nine first-half points, hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to 34-27 with 5:07 left in the half, but OSU closed the half on a surge.&nbsp;Nebraska trailed 48-39 with just under 15 minutes remaining before Lawrence led the comeback. The sophomore had all 11 of his second-half points in a 14-7 run that pulled Nebraska within 55-53 after a Wilcher 3-pointer with 11:13 left.&nbsp;Battle answered back with a 3-pointer and a jumper on the next possession to stretch the lead back to 60-53 with just over 10 minutes left but the Huskers kept clawing back. Mast had eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers before Gary’s dunk with 4:49 left made it 67-65. NU was within 69-67 after Gary’s two free throws with 3:58 left, but would get&nbsp; no closer, as the Buckeyes used a 9-0 run to earn its third win in the last four contes.&nbsp;The Huskers return home on Sunday, March 3, as they host Rutgers. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. with Senior Night festivities set for 5 p.m. Sunday’s game is sold out and will be carried on BTN and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;Notes*-Nebraska hit 10 3-pointers tonight, and now has 274 3-pointers on the season. That broke the school record of 270 set in 2018-19. NU falls to 10-5 when hitting at least 10 3-pointers*-Jamarques Lawrence has now reached double figures in each of the last three games and four of the past six games since moving to the bench. Lawrence also paced NU with five assists.*-With Lawrence reaching double figures, NU has now had at least one double-figure effort n 24 of 29 contests.*-Rienk Mast finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds for his team-high sixth double-double of the season. It was the 11th double-double by a Husker this season.*-Ohio State snapped a three-game losing streak to Nebraska dating back to 2022

Huskers comeback falls short at Ohio State

🏀 Nebraska Girls State Basketball Tournament Bracket Link

Follow along with results from the <a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/bask/gbbr.pdf">Girls State Basketball Tournament</a> in Lincoln!

🏀 Nebraska Girls State Basketball Tournament Bracket LinkFollow along with results from the <a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/bask/gbbr.pdf">Girls State Basketball Tournament</a> in Lincoln!<figure>
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🏀 Nebraska Girls State Basketball Tournament Bracket

Chadron State will be among the top teams competing in Saturday's Region Six event at CSU-Pueblo. Here's a preview of what the Eagles will face among a strong group of competitors seeking to advance to the National Championships in March!

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal: Men's Wrestling Regionals Preview - 2/28/24" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=y989n-15969c0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Chadron State will be among the top teams competing in Saturday's Region Six event at CSU-Pueblo. Here's a preview of what the Eagles will face among a strong group of competitors seeking to advance to the National Championships in March!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695229852520.jpeg" alt="" />
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🎙CSC Sports Journal: Men's Wrestling Regionals Preview - 2/28/24

The Nebraska beach volleyball team swept Southwest Baptist on Tuesday in the final home match of the season at the Hawks Championship Center.

The Huskers won all five pairs in straight sets to finish the home portion of the schedule with a 6-0 record. The Huskers are 27-0 all-time at home since the program was founded in 2013.&nbsp;

Lindsay Krause and Lexi Rodriguez got the day started with a 21-14, 21-11 victory as the No. 1 pair. Ally Batenhorst and Bergen Reilly followed with a 21-18, 21-18 win. Laney Choboy and Harper Murray clinched the third point and the match with a 21-15, 21-9 triumph. Merritt Beason and Skyler Pierce were the No. 4 pair and won emphatically, 21-7, 21-7. Andi Jackson and Olivia Mauch won their No. 5 match to complete the sweep, 21-15, 21-18. NU's exhibition team of Maisie Boesiger and Kyla Kenney fell in three sets, 21-17, 16-21, 4-15.&nbsp;

NU will hit the road this weekend for the first time this season with five matches at the Tiger Beach Challenge in Baton Rouge, La.

Nebraska will play Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi on Saturday at 8 a.m., North Alabama on Saturday at 1 p.m., and No. 7 LSU on Saturday at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

The Huskers finish the weekend with two matches on Sunday: at 10 a.m. against Central Arkansas and at 2 p.m. against Houston Christian.&nbsp;

Nebraska 5, Southwest Baptist 01. Lindsay Krause/Lexi Rodriguez (NEB) def. Bailey Lasater/Chandler Lawrence (SBU): 21-14, 21-112. Ally Batenhorst/Bergen Reilly (NEB) def. Gabby Belcher/Carlee Lill (SBU): 21-18, 21-183. Laney Choboy/Harper Murray (NEB) def. Dylan Cochran/Katie Pogue (SBU): 21-15, 21-94. Merritt Beason/Skyler Pierce (NEB) def. Ryleigh Fowler/Janel Pido (SBU): 21-7, 21-75. Andi Jackson/Olivia Mauch (NEB) def. Reagan Hoerning/Madi Satterly (SBU): 21-15, 21-18Exh. Gabby Belcher/Bailey Lasater (SBU) def. Maisie Boesiger/Kyla Kenney (NEB): 17-21, 21-16, 15-4

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska beach volleyball team swept Southwest Baptist on Tuesday in the final home match of the season at the Hawks Championship Center.The Huskers won all five pairs in straight sets to finish the home portion of the schedule with a 6-0 record. The Huskers are 27-0 all-time at home since the program was founded in 2013.&nbsp;Lindsay Krause and Lexi Rodriguez got the day started with a 21-14, 21-11 victory as the No. 1 pair. Ally Batenhorst and Bergen Reilly followed with a 21-18, 21-18 win. Laney Choboy and Harper Murray clinched the third point and the match with a 21-15, 21-9 triumph. Merritt Beason and Skyler Pierce were the No. 4 pair and won emphatically, 21-7, 21-7. Andi Jackson and Olivia Mauch won their No. 5 match to complete the sweep, 21-15, 21-18. NU's exhibition team of Maisie Boesiger and Kyla Kenney fell in three sets, 21-17, 16-21, 4-15.&nbsp;NU will hit the road this weekend for the first time this season with five matches at the Tiger Beach Challenge in Baton Rouge, La.Nebraska will play Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi on Saturday at 8 a.m., North Alabama on Saturday at 1 p.m., and No. 7 LSU on Saturday at 7 p.m.&nbsp;The Huskers finish the weekend with two matches on Sunday: at 10 a.m. against Central Arkansas and at 2 p.m. against Houston Christian.&nbsp;Nebraska 5, Southwest Baptist 01. Lindsay Krause/Lexi Rodriguez (NEB) def. Bailey Lasater/Chandler Lawrence (SBU): 21-14, 21-112. Ally Batenhorst/Bergen Reilly (NEB) def. Gabby Belcher/Carlee Lill (SBU): 21-18, 21-183. Laney Choboy/Harper Murray (NEB) def. Dylan Cochran/Katie Pogue (SBU): 21-15, 21-94. Merritt Beason/Skyler Pierce (NEB) def. Ryleigh Fowler/Janel Pido (SBU): 21-7, 21-75. Andi Jackson/Olivia Mauch (NEB) def. Reagan Hoerning/Madi Satterly (SBU): 21-15, 21-18Exh. Gabby Belcher/Bailey Lasater (SBU) def. Maisie Boesiger/Kyla Kenney (NEB): 17-21, 21-16, 15-4

Huskers Beach Volleyball sweep Southwest Baptist in home finale

Nebraska's Natalie Potts captured her conference-leading seventh Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week award of 2023-24 when the league announced its honors on Monday, Feb. 26.

Potts, a 6-2 forward from O'Fallon, Mo., averaged 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals to help power Nebraska to a pair of home wins last week. In a 75-50 victory over Northwestern on Tuesday, Potts produced her fourth double-double of the season with game highs of 18 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. She closed out the week with 12 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot in a 70-51 win over Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday.

For the week, Potts hit 11-of-16 shots from the field (.688), including her only three-point attempt, while going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free throw line. For the season, Potts is averaging 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, while hitting 52.6 percent of her shots from the field and 85.9 percent of her free throws.

Potts has started all 28 games this season for a Nebraska team that is 19-9 overall and 11-6 in the Big Ten. She is the only Big Ten freshman to win more than three weekly honors.

Potts and Nebraska will enjoy the mid-week off before traveling to Illinois to close out the regular season on Sunday, March 3. Tip-off with the Fighting Illini is set for 3 p.m. (CT) with live television coverage by the Big Ten Network. The final Big Ten weekly honors will be announced on Monday, March 4, before the conference releases its annual postseason awards on Tuesday, March 5.

Natalie Potts Big Ten Freshman of the Week AwardsNov. 13,&nbsp;Nov. 27, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, Feb. 26

All Other Big Ten Freshman Honors in 2023-24Dec. 4, Jan. 22, Feb. 19 (Grace Grocholski, Minnesota - 3)Jan. 2, Feb. 12 (Mary Ashley Stevenson, Purdue - 2)&nbsp;Nov. 20 (Rashunda Jones, Purdue)Dec. 18 (D'Yanis Jimenez, Wisconsin)Jan. 29 (Tessa Grady, Wisconsin)Feb. 5 (Jillian Huerter, Rutgers)

By NU Athletics CommunicationsNebraska's Natalie Potts captured her conference-leading seventh Big Ten Freshman-of-the-Week award of 2023-24 when the league announced its honors on Monday, Feb. 26.Potts, a 6-2 forward from O'Fallon, Mo., averaged 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals to help power Nebraska to a pair of home wins last week. In a 75-50 victory over Northwestern on Tuesday, Potts produced her fourth double-double of the season with game highs of 18 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. She closed out the week with 12 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot in a 70-51 win over Minnesota at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday.For the week, Potts hit 11-of-16 shots from the field (.688), including her only three-point attempt, while going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free throw line. For the season, Potts is averaging 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, while hitting 52.6 percent of her shots from the field and 85.9 percent of her free throws.Potts has started all 28 games this season for a Nebraska team that is 19-9 overall and 11-6 in the Big Ten. She is the only Big Ten freshman to win more than three weekly honors.Potts and Nebraska will enjoy the mid-week off before traveling to Illinois to close out the regular season on Sunday, March 3. Tip-off with the Fighting Illini is set for 3 p.m. (CT) with live television coverage by the Big Ten Network. The final Big Ten weekly honors will be announced on Monday, March 4, before the conference releases its annual postseason awards on Tuesday, March 5.Natalie Potts Big Ten Freshman of the Week AwardsNov. 13,&nbsp;Nov. 27, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, Feb. 26All Other Big Ten Freshman Honors in 2023-24Dec. 4, Jan. 22, Feb. 19 (Grace Grocholski, Minnesota - 3)Jan. 2, Feb. 12 (Mary Ashley Stevenson, Purdue - 2)&nbsp;Nov. 20 (Rashunda Jones, Purdue)Dec. 18 (D'Yanis Jimenez, Wisconsin)Jan. 29 (Tessa Grady, Wisconsin)Feb. 5 (Jillian Huerter, Rutgers)

Potts gets 7th Big Ten Freshman of Week award for Huskers

By Shamus Knight NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office announced Monday afternoon that this Sunday’s game against Rutgers is sold out. It will be the fourth consecutive sellout for the Huskers, as the Huskers are 20-8 on the season (10-7 Big Ten) following Sunday’s 73-55 win over Minnesota. &nbsp;Sunday’s home finale will tip off at 5:30 p.m. with program Senior Night ceremonies set to begin shortly after 5 p.m.&nbsp;

Nebraska will look to extend its four-game win streak on Thursday, as the Huskers travel to Ohio State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (central) and will be broadcast on FS1 and the Husker Radio Network.

By Shamus Knight NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office announced Monday afternoon that this Sunday’s game against Rutgers is sold out. It will be the fourth consecutive sellout for the Huskers, as the Huskers are 20-8 on the season (10-7 Big Ten) following Sunday’s 73-55 win over Minnesota. &nbsp;Sunday’s home finale will tip off at 5:30 p.m. with program Senior Night ceremonies set to begin shortly after 5 p.m.&nbsp;Nebraska will look to extend its four-game win streak on Thursday, as the Huskers travel to Ohio State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (central) and will be broadcast on FS1 and the Husker Radio Network.

Huskers MBB Senior Night game vs. Rutgers is sold out

On the same night Caitlin Clark was adding to her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-iowa-12e078352a92fe2effb307888775cdb0">NCAA women's basketball scoring record</a>&nbsp;before a packed house in Indiana, and a national audience on television, the Iowa sensation was losing ground to the most prolific active scorer in her sport.

In a gymnasium smaller than those of many high schools, where hundreds of fans scattered across sets of retractable bleachers, Grace Beyer was pouring in 40 points for the&nbsp;<a href="https://eutecticsports.com/sports/wbkb/index">University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy</a>&nbsp;in a close loss to Cottey College.

That pushed the career total for the fifth-year senior to 3,842 points, 249 ahead of Clark, who had scored 24 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sports/womens-college-basketball-college-basketball-south-carolina-gamecocks-3e8e00c8c35f24802768b670877d5937">the Hawkeyes' loss to the Hoosiers</a>&nbsp;last Thursday night. Beyer added another 32 points on Saturday in a win over Hannibal-LaGrange, breaking Miriam Walker-Samuels' record for an NAIA school and moving her into fifth place in college basketball history.

Men or women, NCAA or NAIA, regardless of division.

“What she's doing," said Beyer’s coach, Jillian Lipman-Segura, "is just remarkable. She makes everything look so easy."

The contrast is stark in the way Clark and Beyer have been chasing history in the twilight of their careers.

Ever since helping the Hawkeyes reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-ncaa-scoring-record-goats-462a6db5ec8aac5dae950b884349400c">the national championship game last season</a>, and famously feuding with LSU standout Angel Reese, Clark has become perhaps the most bankable star in the history of the women's college game.

Fans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-scoring-aaef3ceebb200a2dd326dc94371585c1">lined up for hours all season</a>, often in freezing cold, to watch her make those 30-foot 3-pointers. Tickets went for more than a $1,000 on the secondary market as Clark approached Kelsey Plum's NCAA women's scoring record. And in the era of Name, Image and Likeness legislation that has allowed Clark to monetize her fame, she has popped up in advertisements for everything from State Farm Insurance to Hy-Vee, a supermarket chain headquartered not far from her childhood home in Des Moines.

As she passed Plum and set her sights on Lynette Woodard's major college record of 3,649 points, set before the days of NCAA women's hoops, Clark's games have become appointment viewing when they are televised on FS1 or streamed on Peacock.

“It's amazing," Beyer said with a smile, “to be mentioned in the same breath as her.”

Perhaps that is because her own story is playing out on such a wildly different stage.

Just like Clark, Beyer grew up with a basketball in her hands, putting up thousands of shots at the local YMCA before and after school. She learned about toughness from playing older brothers Brian and Daniel in the driveway of their Wisconsin home, and how to be a leader while taking Mukwonago High School to the state championship game as a freshman.

And just like Clark, the Division I coaches came calling. They saw in her all the same traits that Iowa coach Lisa Bluder saw in her future phenom, right down to the desire it takes to play basketball at the college level.

Yet that is where Clark and Beyer abruptly diverged.

Beyer's grandfather had lived with her family as she grew up, but as he grew older, he began having trouble managing his medications. Beyer stepped in to help, learning everything she could about the drugs and how they interacted. That piqued in her a desire to study pharmacy, a burdensome academic pathway that typically requires a four-year undergraduate degree in something such as biology or chemistry before at least two more years spent earning a doctorate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709051133890.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By: Dave Skretta (AP)On the same night Caitlin Clark was adding to her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-iowa-12e078352a92fe2effb307888775cdb0">NCAA women's basketball scoring record</a>&nbsp;before a packed house in Indiana, and a national audience on television, the Iowa sensation was losing ground to the most prolific active scorer in her sport.In a gymnasium smaller than those of many high schools, where hundreds of fans scattered across sets of retractable bleachers, Grace Beyer was pouring in 40 points for the&nbsp;<a href="https://eutecticsports.com/sports/wbkb/index">University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy</a>&nbsp;in a close loss to Cottey College.That pushed the career total for the fifth-year senior to 3,842 points, 249 ahead of Clark, who had scored 24 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sports/womens-college-basketball-college-basketball-south-carolina-gamecocks-3e8e00c8c35f24802768b670877d5937">the Hawkeyes' loss to the Hoosiers</a>&nbsp;last Thursday night. Beyer added another 32 points on Saturday in a win over Hannibal-LaGrange, breaking Miriam Walker-Samuels' record for an NAIA school and moving her into fifth place in college basketball history.Men or women, NCAA or NAIA, regardless of division.“What she's doing," said Beyer’s coach, Jillian Lipman-Segura, "is just remarkable. She makes everything look so easy."The contrast is stark in the way Clark and Beyer have been chasing history in the twilight of their careers.Ever since helping the Hawkeyes reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-ncaa-scoring-record-goats-462a6db5ec8aac5dae950b884349400c">the national championship game last season</a>, and famously feuding with LSU standout Angel Reese, Clark has become perhaps the most bankable star in the history of the women's college game.Fans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-scoring-aaef3ceebb200a2dd326dc94371585c1">lined up for hours all season</a>, often in freezing cold, to watch her make those 30-foot 3-pointers. Tickets went for more than a $1,000 on the secondary market as Clark approached Kelsey Plum's NCAA women's scoring record. And in the era of Name, Image and Likeness legislation that has allowed Clark to monetize her fame, she has popped up in advertisements for everything from State Farm Insurance to Hy-Vee, a supermarket chain headquartered not far from her childhood home in Des Moines.As she passed Plum and set her sights on Lynette Woodard's major college record of 3,649 points, set before the days of NCAA women's hoops, Clark's games have become appointment viewing when they are televised on FS1 or streamed on Peacock.“It's amazing," Beyer said with a smile, “to be mentioned in the same breath as her.”Perhaps that is because her own story is playing out on such a wildly different stage.Just like Clark, Beyer grew up with a basketball in her hands, putting up thousands of shots at the local YMCA before and after school. She learned about toughness from playing older brothers Brian and Daniel in the driveway of their Wisconsin home, and how to be a leader while taking Mukwonago High School to the state championship game as a freshman.And just like Clark, the Division I coaches came calling. They saw in her all the same traits that Iowa coach Lisa Bluder saw in her future phenom, right down to the desire it takes to play basketball at the college level.Yet that is where Clark and Beyer abruptly diverged.Beyer's grandfather had lived with her family as she grew up, but as he grew older, he began having trouble managing his medications. Beyer stepped in to help, learning everything she could about the drugs and how they interacted. That piqued in her a desire to study pharmacy, a burdensome academic pathway that typically requires a four-year undergraduate degree in something such as biology or chemistry before at least two more years spent earning a doctorate.Many coaches had been recruiting Beyer since the seventh grade, including several from Division I schools, yet they blanched when she told them about her academic goals. They thought there was no way Beyer could juggle that course load and still focus on basketball, so the phone calls and text messages and interest slowly dried up.“I had a lot of conversations with my parents,” Beyer said, “and they urged me to prepare for the 40 years of my life rather than the four years of college. It's kind of a big concept to grasp when you're in high school, but I just knew that I wanted to be happy and have a career in something I'm going to enjoy. And basketball? I'll enjoy that wherever I play.”That ended up being a small college in St. Louis whose nickname — Eutectics — is the process of two solids forming a liquid, and whose mascot, Mortarmer McPestle, wears a shock of yellow hair and a white lab coat.Odd, yet fitting, for a school that in 2020 renamed itself the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy.“Our program is academically rigorous,” Eutectics athletic director Jill Harter said, “and it really takes a special type of athlete to be successful here, because you have to be able to achieve in the classroom in order to be able to excel competitively, too.“Grace,” Harter added, "checks both of those boxes.”There are no chartered planes at the NAIA level, just mind-numbing bus rides that often last six or more hours. There are no tutors for the women's basketball program, only the academic assistance afforded to any student. And while the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy facilities are pristine, they are nowhere near what a Division I college can offer.“But honestly,” Harter said, "if your passion is healthcare and you want to play a sport, why would you go anywhere else?”That was the pitch that sold Beyer on a school whose team had gone 19-116 in the five seasons before her arrival.With her leading the way, the Eutectics won at least 20 games each of the past two years. The few dozen fans that used to show up at games turned into a few hundred, and people actually began calling the school to ask when Beyer would play next.As the wins mounted, so did her scoring total, often in chunks of 40 or more points at a time.Beyer had a career-high 59 last year in a game against Columbia, and earlier this season, the 5-foot-8 guard scored 51 of the Eutectics' points in a 69-62 win over William Woods. In all, Beyer has been averaging more than 34 points over her final season of college basketball, while also leading her team in rebounds, steals and assists.“There's sometimes we'll beat a team but they'll be like, ‘Oh, Grace didn’t score 30, so it's a win,'” she said, “but it's not a win. You lost. So it's kind of funny how some people's mindsets are different, not even caring about the outcome of the game.”At her current pace, Beyer needs six postseason games to chase down the women’s all-college scoring record, set by Pearl Moore with 4,061 points — 3,884 for AIAW-member Francis Marion from 1975-79 and 177 points while at Anderson Junior College.The Eutectics open the American Midwest Conference Tournament against Missouri Baptist on Friday night.Meanwhile, Beyer continues to watch Clark chase her own milestones from afar. The reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clark-reese-bueckers-all-america-lsu-uconn-iowa-10d3dc8c0b5b2c4729550620967fdbcb">AP player of the year</a>&nbsp;has 3,617 points after her triple-double in Iowa's win over Illinois on Sunday, and Clark needs 33 points heading into Wednesday's game at Minnesota to break Woodard's major college scoring record.In rare moments, Beyer catches herself wondering what it would have been like to play under those bright lights herself. Could she have competed at that level, or had that much success? Would she have been as happy doing it?“I definitely don't have any regrets coming here,” she said, “but everyone has those what-if thoughts, you know? What it would have been like if I went to a bigger school. But those are all what-ifs. I'm never going to know how my career would have ended up at a different school. I can only know for sure what I have accomplished here, and what I've accomplished here is not something that anyone can take away from me. I can't have any regrets when I know what I've left behind.”