LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska women’s basketball team opened its season in impressive fashion Monday afternoon, rolling past San Jose State 81-54 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Britt Prince and Amiah Hargrove came close to recording double-doubles, while Natalie Potts added another strong performance in double figures. The Huskers led by as many as 33 points in front of 8,274 fans, the second-largest opening-day crowd in program history.
Nebraska’s victory marked its eighth consecutive season-opening win.
Prince led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 9-of-12 from the field through the first three quarters. The junior guard connected on four of six three-point attempts while adding eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. She set the tone early, scoring 15 points and collecting seven rebounds in the first half as Nebraska built a 37-21 halftime advantage.
Hargrove added 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Potts also finished in double figures with 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, an assist and a blocked shot in 20 minutes of action.
Potts’ return was especially encouraging after missing time because of an injury suffered against North Alabama on Nov. 19, 2024.
Defense played a major role in Nebraska’s convincing win. The Huskers forced 32 turnovers and outrebounded the Spartans 44-31. Nebraska also grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, with Potts and Hargrove combining for nine.
The Huskers’ defensive pressure and work on the boards helped them control the possession battle 74-45. Nebraska finished 30-of-74 from the field (40.5%), including 7-of-29 from three-point range (24.1%), and converted 14-of-20 free throws.
San Jose State shot 40% from the field, making 18 of 45 attempts, and connected on six of 12 three-pointers. The Spartans also went 12-of-15 at the free-throw line.
Freshman point guard Erika Mace led San Jose State with 20 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the floor and making all three of her three-point attempts. Junior transfer Sydnie Rodriguez added 15 points, including three three-pointers. However, the two guards combined for 12 turnovers.
Nebraska received contributions throughout its lineup. Freshman Ashlyn Koupal and senior Emily Fisher each finished with seven points and three rebounds.
Allison Weidner scored five points in her return to the court after suffering a practice injury on Jan. 11, 2025.
Junior Kennadi Williams made her first career start, finishing with three points, three assists and three steals. Freshmen Maddi Stewart and Ava Miles also made their collegiate debuts. Stewart recorded two points, three rebounds and four assists, while Miles contributed one point and one steal.
Before tipoff, Nebraska hosted its annual Sizemore Sportsmanship Pep Rally, welcoming more than 4,000 students and adults representing 70 schools from across the state. Head coach Amy Williams, along with players Natalie Potts and Logan Nissley, shared messages with the middle-grade students.
With the victory, Nebraska improved to 50-3 all-time in home season openers and continued its strong record at Pinnacle Bank Arena, where the Huskers have not lost a home opener since 2018.
The Huskers will look to keep the momentum going Saturday, Nov. 7, when they welcome Western Illinois to Pinnacle Bank Arena for a 2 p.m. tipoff.
