Story by Eric Olson - Associated Press

The suggestion that Nebraska might back out of playing at Oklahoma this fall didn't sit well with one of the stars of the 1971 Game of the Century.

Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska's 1972 Heisman Trophy winner, said such a move would be an embarrassment.

"We can't really afford to have a reputation like that, trying to get out of playing top teams," Rodgers said.

The game scheduled for Sept. 18 in Norman, Oklahoma, would mark the 50th anniversary of Nebraska's 35-31 win over the Sooners in a clash of the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the nation.

However, the Huskers have contacted teams in the Mid-American Conference and Old Dominion about playing in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sept. 18, according to unidentified sources who spoke to Stadium. The Lincoln Journal Star also reported Nebraska officials have explored the feasibility of not playing the Oklahoma game.

Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos did not reply to a text from The Associated Press seeking comment, and an athletic department spokesman did not respond to messages.

It would cost Nebraska $1 million to break the contract, which was signed in 2012. The teams also are scheduled to meet in Lincoln in 2022.

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione issued a statement saying the Sooners plan to play.

"The Oklahoma-Nebraska football series represents one of the most unique traditional rivalries in college football," Castiglione said. "The planning for this game was intentional as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Game of the Century. We've been looking forward to celebrating these two stories programs and have collaborated on various aspects of what promises to be a special weekend."

The Huskers and Sooners played 71 straight seasons as members of the Big Six and Big Eight. The game decided the Big Eight championship 31 times in 36 seasons. The teams moved to the Big 12 in 1996 and met twice every four years. Nebraska went to the Big Ten in 2011.

Oklahoma leads the series 45-38-3, having won the teams' last meeting 23-20 in the 2010 Big 12 championship game.

No game was bigger than the one in '71. The Huskers won in Norman and went on to a second straight national title. It was the Sooners' only loss, and they were No. 2 in the final polls.

Rodgers is one of the most identifiable figures from the game, returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown for the signature play of his career.

Rodgers said he already has been invited to participate in events surrounding the game and that he had gotten calls Friday from former teammates who are disgruntled about the possibility of the game being called off.

Nebraska has gone 12-20 in three seasons under Scott Frost. The school was among the most vocal in favor of the Big Ten playing a 2020 season during the pandemic.

On the notion of ducking the Sooners, Rodgers said, "That's an attitude we're not accustomed to. We can't be trying to get out of being competitive, because that's our whole nature. Our whole state bleeds Big Red football. We want to be known for playing the best and beating the best. It's unheard of."

Oklahoma has won six straight Big 12 championships and appeared in four of the last six College Football Playoff semifinals. Nebraska has had losing seasons four straight years and in five of the last six.

"If we're going to start getting our reputation back, we've got to start beating and playing the best," Rodgers said. "That's just the only way. What are we going to play? Division II schools or something. We play Ohio State. We should definitely be wanting to play Oklahoma."

Story by Eric Olson - Associated PressThe suggestion that Nebraska might back out of playing at Oklahoma this fall didn't sit well with one of the stars of the 1971 Game of the Century.Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska's 1972 Heisman Trophy winner, said such a move would be an embarrassment."We can't really afford to have a reputation like that, trying to get out of playing top teams," Rodgers said.The game scheduled for Sept. 18 in Norman, Oklahoma, would mark the 50th anniversary of Nebraska's 35-31 win over the Sooners in a clash of the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the nation.However, the Huskers have contacted teams in the Mid-American Conference and Old Dominion about playing in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sept. 18, according to unidentified sources who spoke to Stadium. The Lincoln Journal Star also reported Nebraska officials have explored the feasibility of not playing the Oklahoma game.Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos did not reply to a text from The Associated Press seeking comment, and an athletic department spokesman did not respond to messages.It would cost Nebraska $1 million to break the contract, which was signed in 2012. The teams also are scheduled to meet in Lincoln in 2022.Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione issued a statement saying the Sooners plan to play."The Oklahoma-Nebraska football series represents one of the most unique traditional rivalries in college football," Castiglione said. "The planning for this game was intentional as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Game of the Century. We've been looking forward to celebrating these two stories programs and have collaborated on various aspects of what promises to be a special weekend."The Huskers and Sooners played 71 straight seasons as members of the Big Six and Big Eight. The game decided the Big Eight championship 31 times in 36 seasons. The teams moved to the Big 12 in 1996 and met twice every four years. Nebraska went to the Big Ten in 2011.Oklahoma leads the series 45-38-3, having won the teams' last meeting 23-20 in the 2010 Big 12 championship game.No game was bigger than the one in '71. The Huskers won in Norman and went on to a second straight national title. It was the Sooners' only loss, and they were No. 2 in the final polls.Rodgers is one of the most identifiable figures from the game, returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown for the signature play of his career.Rodgers said he already has been invited to participate in events surrounding the game and that he had gotten calls Friday from former teammates who are disgruntled about the possibility of the game being called off.Nebraska has gone 12-20 in three seasons under Scott Frost. The school was among the most vocal in favor of the Big Ten playing a 2020 season during the pandemic.On the notion of ducking the Sooners, Rodgers said, "That's an attitude we're not accustomed to. We can't be trying to get out of being competitive, because that's our whole nature. Our whole state bleeds Big Red football. We want to be known for playing the best and beating the best. It's unheard of."Oklahoma has won six straight Big 12 championships and appeared in four of the last six College Football Playoff semifinals. Nebraska has had losing seasons four straight years and in five of the last six."If we're going to start getting our reputation back, we've got to start beating and playing the best," Rodgers said. "That's just the only way. What are we going to play? Division II schools or something. We play Ohio State. We should definitely be wanting to play Oklahoma."

Reports of Huskers wanting to duck Sooners rankles Rodgers

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Indianapolis&nbsp;- Nebraska fought hard to carry multiple leads against No. 7 Maryland midway through&nbsp;the fourth quarter, but the Terrapins prevailed down the stretch in an 83-73 win over the upset-minded Huskers on Thursday in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. All-Big Ten guard&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41996">Sam Haiby</a>&nbsp;erupted for 19 points in the second half on her way to 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the game against the Big Ten regular-season champion Terps. Haiby, who reached the 1,000-point mark in her career with a three-pointer in the corner early in the third quarter, buried back-to-back threes to open the fourth and give Nebraska a 60-57 lead with 8:55 left. The two teams answered each other bucket for bucket the next several minutes, until Maryland took the lead 70-68. The Huskers scored their final five points at the free throw line, but Maryland responded with three field goals from Ashley Owusu and won the game at the free throw line down the stretch. Owusu finished with 22 points, going 10-of-11 at the free throw line, including 7-for-7 in the fourth quarter. She finished with 13 points in the fourth, while Haiby managed 12. Nebraska, which slipped to 12-12 overall, played Maryland tougher than any team since Ohio State upset the Terps, 88-86, on Jan. 25. No other team has played Maryland closer than 12 points since that loss. The Terrapins improved to 22-2 with their 11th straight win by double digits. Statistically, the game came down to the free throw line, where Maryland outscored the Huskers 18-8, including 12-7 in the fourth quarter. Nebraska hit 27-of-65 field goal attempts for the game (.415), including 11-of-26 threes (.423). The Big Red hit 8-of-10 free throws and out-rebounded the Terps 39-32, although Maryland entered the game with a plus-eight rebound margin on average for the season. Maryland hit 29-of-63 shots (.460), including 7-of-22 threes (.318), while going 18-for-21 at the free throw line. The Terps won the turnover battle, 19-10, but Nebraska outscored Maryland 13-10 in points off turnovers during the game. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41999">Ashley Scoggin</a>, who finished with 14 points, played a major role in keeping Nebraska within striking distance in the first half with 12 points in the first 20 minutes.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41993">Isabelle Bourne</a>&nbsp;added another solid effort with 13 points and five rebounds, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41995">Kate Cain</a>&nbsp;played a strong game with eight points,11 rebounds and one block. The Huskers hung tough against No. 7 Maryland in the first half, trailing just 38-34 at the break. Nebraska trailed 36-28 with 1:45 left in the half before Haiby beat the shot clock with a near half-court shot to save the possession. Scoggin then cut the lead to just four by burying her fourth three-pointer of the half. Scoggin led Nebraska with 12 first-half points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting. As a team, Nebraska hit 7-of-14 first-half threes, while going 13-for-35 overall from the field. The Huskers out-rebounded the Terrapins 24-17 in the half but lost the first-half turnover battle, 11-5. Maryland hit 15-of-35 shots, including 4-of-12 threes, while knocking down 4-of-6 free throws. Chloe Bibby and Mimi Collins each scored 13 first-half points. Bibby finished the game with 18, as did Diamond Miller, while Collins closed with 17 points. After winning the second quarter (+3) against the Terps, Nebraska matched Maryland blow-for-blow in the third quarter. In fact, the Huskers narrowed the game by outscoring Maryland 20-19 in the period, and the Terrapins never pushed the lead beyond six points at any point in the quarter. Nebraska started the fourth quarter with the ball down 57-54 and Haiby promptly tied the game on the opening possession. Moments later, Haiby buried another three to put the Big Red up 60-57 and force a Maryland timeout with 8:55 left. Out of the timeout, Bibby connected on a three to tie it at 60, before Cain answered for the Huskers with a bucket at the other end to put NU back up 62-60. Bibby answered with a layup of her own, before Haiby&nbsp;hit a pull-up jumper to give Nebraska the lead again at 64-62 with 7:43 left. Miller put the Terps back in front with a three-pointer on the next possession, before Haiby hit another jumper to stake Nebraska to a 66-65 edge with 6:46 left. Owusu and Cain then exchanged two made free throws on back-to-back possessions to keep&nbsp;the Huskers in front 68-67 with 6:26 left. Miller tied the game at 68 by making 1-of-2 free throws with 5:47 left, before Owusu hit a jumper in the paint with 4:49 left to put the Terps in front for good. It was the start of 11 straight points for Owusu, including five free throws, pushing Maryland's lead to 79-73 with 34 seconds left. The Huskers were unable to connect from the field down the stretch, and Maryland prevailed. Nebraska will await word on its postseason hopes with the 64-team NCAA Tournament field and the 32-team WNIT field being announced on the evening of Monday, March 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsIndianapolis&nbsp;- Nebraska fought hard to carry multiple leads against No. 7 Maryland midway through&nbsp;the fourth quarter, but the Terrapins prevailed down the stretch in an 83-73 win over the upset-minded Huskers on Thursday in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. All-Big Ten guard&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41996">Sam Haiby</a>&nbsp;erupted for 19 points in the second half on her way to 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the game against the Big Ten regular-season champion Terps. Haiby, who reached the 1,000-point mark in her career with a three-pointer in the corner early in the third quarter, buried back-to-back threes to open the fourth and give Nebraska a 60-57 lead with 8:55 left. The two teams answered each other bucket for bucket the next several minutes, until Maryland took the lead 70-68. The Huskers scored their final five points at the free throw line, but Maryland responded with three field goals from Ashley Owusu and won the game at the free throw line down the stretch. Owusu finished with 22 points, going 10-of-11 at the free throw line, including 7-for-7 in the fourth quarter. She finished with 13 points in the fourth, while Haiby managed 12. Nebraska, which slipped to 12-12 overall, played Maryland tougher than any team since Ohio State upset the Terps, 88-86, on Jan. 25. No other team has played Maryland closer than 12 points since that loss. The Terrapins improved to 22-2 with their 11th straight win by double digits. Statistically, the game came down to the free throw line, where Maryland outscored the Huskers 18-8, including 12-7 in the fourth quarter. Nebraska hit 27-of-65 field goal attempts for the game (.415), including 11-of-26 threes (.423). The Big Red hit 8-of-10 free throws and out-rebounded the Terps 39-32, although Maryland entered the game with a plus-eight rebound margin on average for the season. Maryland hit 29-of-63 shots (.460), including 7-of-22 threes (.318), while going 18-for-21 at the free throw line. The Terps won the turnover battle, 19-10, but Nebraska outscored Maryland 13-10 in points off turnovers during the game. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41999">Ashley Scoggin</a>, who finished with 14 points, played a major role in keeping Nebraska within striking distance in the first half with 12 points in the first 20 minutes.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41993">Isabelle Bourne</a>&nbsp;added another solid effort with 13 points and five rebounds, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41995">Kate Cain</a>&nbsp;played a strong game with eight points,11 rebounds and one block. The Huskers hung tough against No. 7 Maryland in the first half, trailing just 38-34 at the break. Nebraska trailed 36-28 with 1:45 left in the half before Haiby beat the shot clock with a near half-court shot to save the possession. Scoggin then cut the lead to just four by burying her fourth three-pointer of the half. Scoggin led Nebraska with 12 first-half points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting. As a team, Nebraska hit 7-of-14 first-half threes, while going 13-for-35 overall from the field. The Huskers out-rebounded the Terrapins 24-17 in the half but lost the first-half turnover battle, 11-5. Maryland hit 15-of-35 shots, including 4-of-12 threes, while knocking down 4-of-6 free throws. Chloe Bibby and Mimi Collins each scored 13 first-half points. Bibby finished the game with 18, as did Diamond Miller, while Collins closed with 17 points. After winning the second quarter (+3) against the Terps, Nebraska matched Maryland blow-for-blow in the third quarter. In fact, the Huskers narrowed the game by outscoring Maryland 20-19 in the period, and the Terrapins never pushed the lead beyond six points at any point in the quarter. Nebraska started the fourth quarter with the ball down 57-54 and Haiby promptly tied the game on the opening possession. Moments later, Haiby buried another three to put the Big Red up 60-57 and force a Maryland timeout with 8:55 left. Out of the timeout, Bibby connected on a three to tie it at 60, before Cain answered for the Huskers with a bucket at the other end to put NU back up 62-60. Bibby answered with a layup of her own, before Haiby&nbsp;hit a pull-up jumper to give Nebraska the lead again at 64-62 with 7:43 left. Miller put the Terps back in front with a three-pointer on the next possession, before Haiby hit another jumper to stake Nebraska to a 66-65 edge with 6:46 left. Owusu and Cain then exchanged two made free throws on back-to-back possessions to keep&nbsp;the Huskers in front 68-67 with 6:26 left. Miller tied the game at 68 by making 1-of-2 free throws with 5:47 left, before Owusu hit a jumper in the paint with 4:49 left to put the Terps in front for good. It was the start of 11 straight points for Owusu, including five free throws, pushing Maryland's lead to 79-73 with 34 seconds left. The Huskers were unable to connect from the field down the stretch, and Maryland prevailed. Nebraska will await word on its postseason hopes with the 64-team NCAA Tournament field and the 32-team WNIT field being announced on the evening of Monday, March 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers Drop Tight One with No. 7 Terps

Though it flys under the radar, Swim and Dive is one of the oldest sports in America. It has names like Greg Louganis and Michael Phelps, two athletes who personify what competition can do for a sport.&nbsp; Here in North Platte the Swim and Dive team struggled with things outside of their control; no people in the stands to cheer them on, a season that could be cancelled at any moment, and still they persisted, putting together a season to remember. Multiple personal bests (coming at the state tournament no less!), an individual state championship in Diving, and memories galore!

Here is a look back at this years Swim and Dive season.&nbsp;

First up we hear from head Coach Brian Jahnke:&nbsp;

A few photos from the year (thanks to Coach Jahnke for the photos!)

Though it flys under the radar, Swim and Dive is one of the oldest sports in America. It has names like Greg Louganis and Michael Phelps, two athletes who personify what competition can do for a sport.&nbsp; Here in North Platte the Swim and Dive team struggled with things outside of their control; no people in the stands to cheer them on, a season that could be cancelled at any moment, and still they persisted, putting together a season to remember. Multiple personal bests (coming at the state tournament no less!), an individual state championship in Diving, and memories galore! Here is a look back at this years Swim and Dive season.&nbsp;First up we hear from head Coach Brian Jahnke:&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 2020-21 Swim and Dive wrap up with Coach Jahnke" height="200" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ci5i5-fd6ebb?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>A few photos from the year (thanks to Coach Jahnke for the photos!)<figure>
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NPHS Swim and Dive: Season wrap up! Pictures and Audio

Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist

North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball player Erica Hopping will continue her athletic career in Lincoln. Hopping signed her letter of intent Thursday to play for Nebraska Wesleyan University.

“I am truly humbled and excited to have an opportunity to continue my volleyball career,” Hopping said. “It was a tough decision, but I knew I would be happy at Nebraska Wesleyan. Although my job at NPCC is not over, I am so thankful for Coach [Rayna Cain] and the opportunity to hop on their journey as a Prairie Wolf.”

NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall, who also happens to be Hopping’s sister, said she is excited for and proud of Hopping for taking this next step.

“I think Nebraska Wesleyan will be a good fit for her and will give her that competitive atmosphere that she enjoys being in,” McCall said. “I think Erica has grown as a player here at NPCC. She came to us with a little experience setting but has really stepped up to lead her team on and off the court. She has a high volleyball IQ and that’s something we really look for when we recruit setters. Her teammates respect her, and it has been really fun to coach her. I am excited to see how she continues with her volleyball career. She will be missed.”

Hopping was named to both the All Region IX Team and All Region IX Tournament Team in 2019. She was also named to the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Volleyball first team.

Last season, Hopping averaged 9.25 assists per set, putting her at #10 in the record book of Knights Volleyball players. She also recorded 1,239 assists for the year, which put her at #8 in the record book.

Currently, Hopping is sitting at 507 total assists, ranking her fifth in the nation for Division 2, and at 7.8 assists per set, placing her 30th in the nation.

“I am beyond thankful for my support system that I have had throughout the years,” said Hopping. “My family and guardian angels up above have been a fan base that I am more than lucky to have. I am also thankful for the coaches I’ve had, teachers who pushed me and my peers for always supporting me. Lastly, I want to thank my parents and sisters, who have always rooted for me and pushed me beyond my limits. My love and passion for volleyball wouldn’t be where it is if it wasn’t for them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615509195604.jpeg" alt="Hopping family.jpg" />
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 </figure>Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information SpecialistNorth Platte Community College Knights Volleyball player Erica Hopping will continue her athletic career in Lincoln. Hopping signed her letter of intent Thursday to play for Nebraska Wesleyan University.“I am truly humbled and excited to have an opportunity to continue my volleyball career,” Hopping said. “It was a tough decision, but I knew I would be happy at Nebraska Wesleyan. Although my job at NPCC is not over, I am so thankful for Coach [Rayna Cain] and the opportunity to hop on their journey as a Prairie Wolf.”NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall, who also happens to be Hopping’s sister, said she is excited for and proud of Hopping for taking this next step.“I think Nebraska Wesleyan will be a good fit for her and will give her that competitive atmosphere that she enjoys being in,” McCall said. “I think Erica has grown as a player here at NPCC. She came to us with a little experience setting but has really stepped up to lead her team on and off the court. She has a high volleyball IQ and that’s something we really look for when we recruit setters. Her teammates respect her, and it has been really fun to coach her. I am excited to see how she continues with her volleyball career. She will be missed.”Hopping was named to both the All Region IX Team and All Region IX Tournament Team in 2019. She was also named to the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Volleyball first team.Last season, Hopping averaged 9.25 assists per set, putting her at #10 in the record book of Knights Volleyball players. She also recorded 1,239 assists for the year, which put her at #8 in the record book.Currently, Hopping is sitting at 507 total assists, ranking her fifth in the nation for Division 2, and at 7.8 assists per set, placing her 30th in the nation.“I am beyond thankful for my support system that I have had throughout the years,” said Hopping. “My family and guardian angels up above have been a fan base that I am more than lucky to have. I am also thankful for the coaches I’ve had, teachers who pushed me and my peers for always supporting me. Lastly, I want to thank my parents and sisters, who have always rooted for me and pushed me beyond my limits. My love and passion for volleyball wouldn’t be where it is if it wasn’t for them.”

NPCC Volleyball: Hopping signs with Nebraska Wesleyan

North Platte Community College men’s basketball team will not host Western Nebraska on Saturday due to health concerns within the Cougars program.

The Knights will travel to Lamar Colo. on Tuesday, March 16 to take on Lamar Community College. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m.

North Platte Community College men’s basketball team will not host Western Nebraska on Saturday due to health concerns within the Cougars program.The Knights will travel to Lamar Colo. on Tuesday, March 16 to take on Lamar Community College. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m.

Men’s Basketball game with Western Nebraska on Saturday has been cancelled

#8 Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-11, 9-10 Big Ten) vs. #1 Maryland Terrapins (21-2, 17-1 Big Ten)

Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, Indiana

Live TV: FS2 (Mike Hall, Meghan McKeown) Live Radio: Husker Sports Network (9:45 a.m.) Matt Coatney (PBP), Jeff Griesch (Analyst) Lincoln (B107.3 FM), Omaha (ESPN 590 AM), Huskers.com, Huskers App, TuneIn

The Nebraska women's basketball team shoots for an upset of Big Ten regular-season champion Maryland in the conference tournament quarterfinals in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Tip-off between the No. 8 seed Huskers (12-11, 9-10 Big Ten) and the top-seeded and No. 7/8 nationally ranked Terrapins (21-2, 17-1 Big Ten) is set for 10 a.m. (CT) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The game will be televised live by FS2 with Mike Hall and Meghan McKeown on the call, while fans can also follow Nebraska with the Husker Sports Network call of Matt Coatney and Jeff Griesch across the radio network stations, the Huskers App and Huskers.com.

Nebraska advanced to the quarterfinals with a 72-61 second-round win over No. 9 seed Minnesota on Wednesday, while Maryland will be opening tournament action after earning a double-bye.

Second-team All-Big Ten guard Sam Haiby led the Huskers with 19 points and eight rebounds against Minnesota. She is the only Big Ten player to rank among the top 12 in the conference in scoring (17.0 ppg, 11th), rebounding (6.8 rpg, 12th) and assists (4.4 apg, 8th). The 5-9 junior from Moorhead, Minn., owns eight 20-point efforts on the year, but was held to just seven points in the only previous meeting with Maryland this season - a 95-73 Husker loss on Feb. 14 in Lincoln.

Haiby needs seven points to become the 35th Husker in history to reach 1,000 career points.

Three-time Big Ten All-Defensive selection Kate Cain leads the Big Ten as one of the best shot-blockers in conference history. The 6-5 Cain ranks No. 6 in Big Ten history and holds the Nebraska record with 349 career blocks. The No. 2 active NCAA Division I player in blocks, Cain earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2021 and is the 10th Husker in history to achieve the combined milestones of 1,000 points and 750 rebounds. Cain opened the tournament with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the win over Minnesota.

Sophomore Isabelle Bourne joined Cain as an honorable-mention All-Big Ten pick in 2021. Bourne ranks sixth in the Big Ten in rebounding (7.9 rpg) and 25th in scoring (13.9 ppg) while adding 2.3 assists and 1.0 block. Bourne notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds against Maryland this season and opened Big Ten Tournament play with 14 points and seven boards versus Minnesota.

• Coach Brenda Frese brings top-seeded Maryland into the Big Ten Tournament after capturing the conference regular-season title. The No. 7/8 Terrapins are 21-2 overall after going 17-1 in the Big Ten. The Terps have won 10 straight games, beginning with a 92-52 win over Michigan State (Jan. 28).        • Maryland's streak included a 95-73 win over Nebraska in Lincoln (Feb. 14).

• First-team All-Big Ten sophomores Ashley Owusu (18.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Diamond Miller (17.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg) lead a Maryland starting five that all averages in double figures.

• Graduate transfer Katie Benzan is a lights-out shooter who has connected on 82-of-159 (.516) of her three-point attempts. The three-time first-team All-Ivy League pick at Harvard is a second-team All-Big Ten choice while leading the nation in three-point field goal percentage this season.

• Mississippi State transfer Chloe Bibby has contributed 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. The 6-1 forward/guard from Warracknabeal, Australia has scored in double digits 17 times this season and ranks second among the Terps with 44 threes (.344). She had 16 points and knocked 4-of-7 threes in the first meeting with Nebraska.

• Redshirt sophomore Mimi Collins has stepped into the starting lineup to average 10.1 points and a team-best 6.4 rebounds on the season. Collins does not shoot many threes but is 9-for-20 (.450) on the season and is a 75.6 percent free throw shooter.

• All five Maryland starters hit at least 75 percent of their free throws, led by Benzan's 93.5 percent (21-23) success rate and 88.5 percent 54-61) shooting by Bibby.

• Reserve point guard Channise Lewis is out with a season-ending knee injury suffered in a win over Michigan State (Jan. 7), but the Terps have seen the recent return of freshman Angel Reese from injury. Reese is averaging 11.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on the season. She is averaging 9.2 points per game since returning to action over the past five games to end the regular season. She averaged 13.3 points and 7.0 boards before suffering a broken foot in a win over Towson (Dec. 3).

• The 2020-21 version of the Terps bring the highest powered offense in the Big Ten into the tournament, averaging 91.3 points per game. As a team, Maryland is shooting 49 percent from the field including a scorching 41.2 percent from three-point range and 79 percent at the free throw line. UMD also controls the boards (+8.0 rebound margin) and a +3.8 team turnover margin and both those numbers have been on the rise since playing the Huskers on Feb. 14.

• Sophomore Faith Masonius has been Maryland's most consistent contributor off the bench, averaging 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds as one of six Terps to play in all 23 games. 

• Maryland's bench was bolstered by midseason graduate transfer Alaysia Styles. A former teammate of Husker MiCole Cayton at California, Styles is averaging 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds since making her debut against Purdue (Jan. 10).

• Freshman Taisiya Kozlova has added 2.3 points and 0.9 rebounds while redshirt freshman Zoe Young completes the Maryland roster.

• Maryland leads the all-time series with Nebraska 13-0, including a 95-73 win over the Huskers in Lincoln (Feb. 14).

• Australians Ruby Porter and Isabelle Bourne led Nebraska in the first meeting with Maryland. Porter scored a career-high 19 points and knocked down a trio of threes, while Bourne produced a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kate Cain pitched in 17 points of her own.

• Ashley Owusu led Maryland with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Diamond Miller contributed 24 points. Mimi Collins added 19 points and seven boards while Chloe Bibby gave the Terps four players in double figures with 16 points and seven rebounds of her own.             • Thursday's game will mark the eighth time in 14 meetings that Maryland will enter the Nebraska game ranked in the top 10. It will be the 12th time the Terps have been in the top-15. 

• Nebraska took No. 13 Maryland to the wire at the Xfinity Center in College Park before falling 77-75 (Feb. 25, 2018). The Huskers trailed by 14 points in the third quarter before rallying to take a 75-74 lead with 48 seconds left. A Hannah Whitish three-pointer from the right wing in the closing seconds caught back iron and caromed off as Maryland survived. 

• One week later, No. 17 Maryland eliminated Nebraska from the Big Ten semifinals with a 66-53 win in Indianapolis (March 3, 2018). 

• Nebraska's first meeting with Maryland came in the 2008 NCAA Tournament second round in College Park - a 76-64 Maryland win. NU is 0-10 against the Terps as Big Ten foes.

#8 Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-11, 9-10 Big Ten) vs. #1 Maryland Terrapins (21-2, 17-1 Big Ten)Thursday, March 11, 2021, 10 a.m. (CT)Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IndianaLive TV: FS2 (Mike Hall, Meghan McKeown) Live Radio: Husker Sports Network (9:45 a.m.) Matt Coatney (PBP), Jeff Griesch (Analyst) Lincoln (B107.3 FM), Omaha (ESPN 590 AM), Huskers.com, Huskers App, TuneInThe Nebraska women's basketball team shoots for an upset of Big Ten regular-season champion Maryland in the conference tournament quarterfinals in Indianapolis on Thursday.Tip-off between the No. 8 seed Huskers (12-11, 9-10 Big Ten) and the top-seeded and No. 7/8 nationally ranked Terrapins (21-2, 17-1 Big Ten) is set for 10 a.m. (CT) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.The game will be televised live by FS2 with Mike Hall and Meghan McKeown on the call, while fans can also follow Nebraska with the Husker Sports Network call of Matt Coatney and Jeff Griesch across the radio network stations, the Huskers App and Huskers.com.Nebraska advanced to the quarterfinals with a 72-61 second-round win over No. 9 seed Minnesota on Wednesday, while Maryland will be opening tournament action after earning a double-bye.Second-team All-Big Ten guard Sam Haiby led the Huskers with 19 points and eight rebounds against Minnesota. She is the only Big Ten player to rank among the top 12 in the conference in scoring (17.0 ppg, 11th), rebounding (6.8 rpg, 12th) and assists (4.4 apg, 8th). The 5-9 junior from Moorhead, Minn., owns eight 20-point efforts on the year, but was held to just seven points in the only previous meeting with Maryland this season - a 95-73 Husker loss on Feb. 14 in Lincoln.Haiby needs seven points to become the 35th Husker in history to reach 1,000 career points.Three-time Big Ten All-Defensive selection Kate Cain leads the Big Ten as one of the best shot-blockers in conference history. The 6-5 Cain ranks No. 6 in Big Ten history and holds the Nebraska record with 349 career blocks. The No. 2 active NCAA Division I player in blocks, Cain earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2021 and is the 10th Husker in history to achieve the combined milestones of 1,000 points and 750 rebounds. Cain opened the tournament with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the win over Minnesota.Sophomore Isabelle Bourne joined Cain as an honorable-mention All-Big Ten pick in 2021. Bourne ranks sixth in the Big Ten in rebounding (7.9 rpg) and 25th in scoring (13.9 ppg) while adding 2.3 assists and 1.0 block. Bourne notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds against Maryland this season and opened Big Ten Tournament play with 14 points and seven boards versus Minnesota.Scouting the Maryland Terrapins• Coach Brenda Frese brings top-seeded Maryland into the Big Ten Tournament after capturing the conference regular-season title. The No. 7/8 Terrapins are 21-2 overall after going 17-1 in the Big Ten. The Terps have won 10 straight games, beginning with a 92-52 win over Michigan State (Jan. 28). • Maryland's streak included a 95-73 win over Nebraska in Lincoln (Feb. 14).• First-team All-Big Ten sophomores Ashley Owusu (18.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Diamond Miller (17.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg) lead a Maryland starting five that all averages in double figures.• Graduate transfer Katie Benzan is a lights-out shooter who has connected on 82-of-159 (.516) of her three-point attempts. The three-time first-team All-Ivy League pick at Harvard is a second-team All-Big Ten choice while leading the nation in three-point field goal percentage this season.• Mississippi State transfer Chloe Bibby has contributed 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. The 6-1 forward/guard from Warracknabeal, Australia has scored in double digits 17 times this season and ranks second among the Terps with 44 threes (.344). She had 16 points and knocked 4-of-7 threes in the first meeting with Nebraska.• Redshirt sophomore Mimi Collins has stepped into the starting lineup to average 10.1 points and a team-best 6.4 rebounds on the season. Collins does not shoot many threes but is 9-for-20 (.450) on the season and is a 75.6 percent free throw shooter.• All five Maryland starters hit at least 75 percent of their free throws, led by Benzan's 93.5 percent (21-23) success rate and 88.5 percent 54-61) shooting by Bibby.• Reserve point guard Channise Lewis is out with a season-ending knee injury suffered in a win over Michigan State (Jan. 7), but the Terps have seen the recent return of freshman Angel Reese from injury. Reese is averaging 11.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on the season. She is averaging 9.2 points per game since returning to action over the past five games to end the regular season. She averaged 13.3 points and 7.0 boards before suffering a broken foot in a win over Towson (Dec. 3).• The 2020-21 version of the Terps bring the highest powered offense in the Big Ten into the tournament, averaging 91.3 points per game. As a team, Maryland is shooting 49 percent from the field including a scorching 41.2 percent from three-point range and 79 percent at the free throw line. UMD also controls the boards (+8.0 rebound margin) and a +3.8 team turnover margin and both those numbers have been on the rise since playing the Huskers on Feb. 14.• Sophomore Faith Masonius has been Maryland's most consistent contributor off the bench, averaging 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds as one of six Terps to play in all 23 games. • Maryland's bench was bolstered by midseason graduate transfer Alaysia Styles. A former teammate of Husker MiCole Cayton at California, Styles is averaging 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds since making her debut against Purdue (Jan. 10).• Freshman Taisiya Kozlova has added 2.3 points and 0.9 rebounds while redshirt freshman Zoe Young completes the Maryland roster.Nebraska vs. Maryland Series History• Maryland leads the all-time series with Nebraska 13-0, including a 95-73 win over the Huskers in Lincoln (Feb. 14).• Australians Ruby Porter and Isabelle Bourne led Nebraska in the first meeting with Maryland. Porter scored a career-high 19 points and knocked down a trio of threes, while Bourne produced a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kate Cain pitched in 17 points of her own.• Ashley Owusu led Maryland with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Diamond Miller contributed 24 points. Mimi Collins added 19 points and seven boards while Chloe Bibby gave the Terps four players in double figures with 16 points and seven rebounds of her own. • Thursday's game will mark the eighth time in 14 meetings that Maryland will enter the Nebraska game ranked in the top 10. It will be the 12th time the Terps have been in the top-15. • Nebraska took No. 13 Maryland to the wire at the Xfinity Center in College Park before falling 77-75 (Feb. 25, 2018). The Huskers trailed by 14 points in the third quarter before rallying to take a 75-74 lead with 48 seconds left. A Hannah Whitish three-pointer from the right wing in the closing seconds caught back iron and caromed off as Maryland survived. • One week later, No. 17 Maryland eliminated Nebraska from the Big Ten semifinals with a 66-53 win in Indianapolis (March 3, 2018). • Nebraska's first meeting with Maryland came in the 2008 NCAA Tournament second round in College Park - a 76-64 Maryland win. NU is 0-10 against the Terps as Big Ten foes.

Huskers Battle Big Ten Champ Terps Thursday

Trey McGowens had 13 points and four assists, while Thorir Thorbarnarson and Kobe Webster had 12 apiece, but Penn State rallied from 14 points down to end the Huskers season with a 72-66 victory on Wednesday evening.

The game was tied at 59 following a pair of Derrick Walker free throws with 3:48 left, but the Nittany Loons ran off seven straight points to take a seven-point lead with 1:20 remaining. NU had held PSU to just one field goal for a seven-minute span before Myles Dread's 3-pointer with 2:48 left made it 63-59.

Nebraska cut the deficit to 66-62 on a McGowen's 3-point play with 1:09 left, but Izaiah Brockington putback with 36 seconds left stretched the margin back out to six, and Penn State closed the game out at the line. Brockington, who finished with 14 points, had two of Penn State's field goals in the final 10 minutes and both game on offensive rebounds.as the Nittany Lions had a 43-27 advantage on the glass.

Jamari Wheeler led four Penn State (11-13) players with 19 points, as the Nittany Lions shot just 36 percent from the field, but went 23-of-29 from the line, including 20-of-24 in the final 20 minutest overcome a 37-23 halftime deficit.

Nebraska (7-20) put together a strong first half, shooting 47 percent, including six 3-pointers in leading by as many as 15 in the first half. NU used a 12-0 spurt, as McGowens and Thorbjarnarson combined for all 12 points as the

Huskers build a 20-8 lead. NU later had another 7-0 run to take its largest lead of the game at 33-18 after a Derrick Walker basket. Walker finished with eight points, seven rebounds and a career-high six assists.

Thorbjarnarson had nine first-half points, including three of the Huskers six first-half 3-pointers.

Penn State clawed back into the game the opening minutes of the second half, scoring the first 10 points as part of a 15-2 run to pull within 39-28 after a Wheeler basket with 14:46 remaining.

Nebraska led 50-47 after a Webster 3-pointer with 11:22 left, but the Nittany Lions, who got into the bonus in the first seven minutes of the half, ran off six straight points at the line to regain the lead at 53-50. Dalano Banton then kept the Huskers in the game with seven straight points for the Big Red, the last being a 3-point play to knot the score at 57 with 6:26 remaining.

*-Nebraska falls to 5-10 all-time in the Big Ten Tournament and falls to 0-3 all-time against Penn State.

*-Nebraska hit nine 3-pointers tonight and finished the season with 228 on the season. It ranks sixth in school history.

*-Nebraska held Penn State to 35.6 percent shooting, the eighth opponent NU held to 40 percent or less since returning from its pause of Feb. 6

*-Thorir Thorbjarnarson finished with a season-high 12 points, topping his previous high of 10 against Minnesota on Feb. 27.

*-Derrick Walker dished out a team-high six assists, doubling his previous best of three against Illinois on Feb. 12.

*-Kobe Webster finished in double figures for the fourth time in five games with 12 points.

*-The 23 first-half points Nebraska allowed was its 2nd-lowest of 2020-21 (21 vs. North Dakota State)

*-Trey McGowens tied his season high with three steals, as Nebraska had eight on the evening

*-Nebraska shot a 81.8 percent from the line, the third straight game NU shot 75 percent or better to end the season

*-Penn State tied or set NU opponent bests in both free throws made (23) and attempted. Illinois went 22-of-29 on Feb. 25.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsTrey McGowens had 13 points and four assists, while Thorir Thorbarnarson and Kobe Webster had 12 apiece, but Penn State rallied from 14 points down to end the Huskers season with a 72-66 victory on Wednesday evening.The game was tied at 59 following a pair of Derrick Walker free throws with 3:48 left, but the Nittany Loons ran off seven straight points to take a seven-point lead with 1:20 remaining. NU had held PSU to just one field goal for a seven-minute span before Myles Dread's 3-pointer with 2:48 left made it 63-59.Nebraska cut the deficit to 66-62 on a McGowen's 3-point play with 1:09 left, but Izaiah Brockington putback with 36 seconds left stretched the margin back out to six, and Penn State closed the game out at the line. Brockington, who finished with 14 points, had two of Penn State's field goals in the final 10 minutes and both game on offensive rebounds.as the Nittany Lions had a 43-27 advantage on the glass.Jamari Wheeler led four Penn State (11-13) players with 19 points, as the Nittany Lions shot just 36 percent from the field, but went 23-of-29 from the line, including 20-of-24 in the final 20 minutest overcome a 37-23 halftime deficit.Nebraska (7-20) put together a strong first half, shooting 47 percent, including six 3-pointers in leading by as many as 15 in the first half. NU used a 12-0 spurt, as McGowens and Thorbjarnarson combined for all 12 points as theHuskers build a 20-8 lead. NU later had another 7-0 run to take its largest lead of the game at 33-18 after a Derrick Walker basket. Walker finished with eight points, seven rebounds and a career-high six assists.Thorbjarnarson had nine first-half points, including three of the Huskers six first-half 3-pointers.Penn State clawed back into the game the opening minutes of the second half, scoring the first 10 points as part of a 15-2 run to pull within 39-28 after a Wheeler basket with 14:46 remaining.Nebraska led 50-47 after a Webster 3-pointer with 11:22 left, but the Nittany Lions, who got into the bonus in the first seven minutes of the half, ran off six straight points at the line to regain the lead at 53-50. Dalano Banton then kept the Huskers in the game with seven straight points for the Big Red, the last being a 3-point play to knot the score at 57 with 6:26 remaining.Nebraska Postgame Notes vs. Penn State*-Nebraska falls to 5-10 all-time in the Big Ten Tournament and falls to 0-3 all-time against Penn State.*-Nebraska hit nine 3-pointers tonight and finished the season with 228 on the season. It ranks sixth in school history.*-Nebraska held Penn State to 35.6 percent shooting, the eighth opponent NU held to 40 percent or less since returning from its pause of Feb. 6*-Thorir Thorbjarnarson finished with a season-high 12 points, topping his previous high of 10 against Minnesota on Feb. 27.*-Derrick Walker dished out a team-high six assists, doubling his previous best of three against Illinois on Feb. 12.*-Kobe Webster finished in double figures for the fourth time in five games with 12 points.*-The 23 first-half points Nebraska allowed was its 2nd-lowest of 2020-21 (21 vs. North Dakota State)*-Trey McGowens tied his season high with three steals, as Nebraska had eight on the evening*-Nebraska shot a 81.8 percent from the line, the third straight game NU shot 75 percent or better to end the season*-Penn State tied or set NU opponent bests in both free throws made (23) and attempted. Illinois went 22-of-29 on Feb. 25.

Huskers Fall Short in Big Ten Tourney Opener

The North Platte sports scene is growing in leaps and bounds and with a facility like the D&amp;N Event center its no wonder why.&nbsp; News came down Thursday that a huge youth event was planning to come to town according to this press release:&nbsp;

Youth sports is leading the path back to normality for North Platte, especially during the winter months. North Platte had been given the opportunity to host an RMN Event, the biggest wrestling series in the world.

RMN Events of Colorado and Director Ed Gutierrez and staff, will host the Warfare – Battle Ready at the D&amp;N Event Center on Friday through Sunday, March 26 - 28th. This tournament will have competition from youth wrestlers’ K - 12, who participate in the Folkstyle, Freestyle divisions and the popular 7U, 9U, 11U &amp; 13U divisions. This event could bring an estimated of 800 – 1,000 K-12 school aged athletes from 20+ states to North Platte.

Samantha Geisler, Sports and Events Marketing Specialist for the North Platte Area Sports Commission said “we have a large following of youth wrestlers in our area, and many that drive to Colorado to participate in the RMN Events. It makes sense for North Platte to be a centralized hub for the sport in our region.” Tad Haneborg, owner of the D&amp;N Events Center adds “We’re hoping to make this a series of 2 or 3 events per year for North Platte, which will be a huge boost to our economy.”

A partnership with Rocky Mountain National (RMN) Events will showcase the next wave of wrestling stars for our area and will open up many opportunities for families to experience North Platte, its attractions, shopping and more. The North Platte Area Sports Commission estimates that this 2-day event will bring an economic impact of $460,000 - $848,000 to the community through lodging, retail, food, and beverage purchases. The Sports Commission developed this estimate by using the Event Impact Calculator developed by Destinations International provided by membership in the national organization Sports ETA: Sports Events and Tourism Association.

Schedule of Events and Weigh-Ins:

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;FASTPASS Weigh-Ins

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;Weigh-Ins 6&amp;U | All Rookie Divisions

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;Weigh-Ins 8&amp;U Boys | 9U Girls | 10&amp;U Boys

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;Weigh-Ins 12&amp;U Boys &amp; Girls | 15U Boys &amp; Girls

Saturday, March 27, 2021 Session 1: 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES

7:30 a.m.&nbsp;Doors Open 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES

7:30 - 8:45 a.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES Folkstyle

9:00 a.m.&nbsp;Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES Folkstyle 1:30pm (Subject to change) Clear House Session 2: 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U 2:00pm&nbsp;Doors Open

2:00 - 2:45 p.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U Folkstyle

3:00pm&nbsp;Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U Folkstyle

Session 1: 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U

7:30 a.m.&nbsp;Doors Open 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U

7:30 - 8:45 a.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U Freestyle

9:00 a.m. Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U Freestyle 1:30pm (Subject to change) Clear House Session 2: 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U 2:00pm&nbsp;Doors Open

2:00 - 2:45 p.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U Freestyle

3:00pm&nbsp;Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U Freestyle

This event will follow all current health guidelines. Temperature screenings will be given at the entrance along with a mask mandate in the facility at all times, except for athletes during competition. RMN Events encourages attendees to purchase tickets online to minimize contact. General Admission is $15, kids 4 and under are free. Brackets and Streaming will also be provided during the tournament at&nbsp;Arena.Flowrestling.org.

For more details on the tournament, go to: RMNEvents.com/Warfare.

This event is sponsored in part by the North Platte Area Sports Commission, a division of the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau.

The North Platte sports scene is growing in leaps and bounds and with a facility like the D&amp;N Event center its no wonder why.&nbsp; News came down Thursday that a huge youth event was planning to come to town according to this press release:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615471486483.jpeg" alt="RMN Warfare Banner IMage.jpg" />
 <figcaption>RMN Warfare Banner IMage.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Youth sports is leading the path back to normality for North Platte, especially during the winter months. North Platte had been given the opportunity to host an RMN Event, the biggest wrestling series in the world.RMN Events of Colorado and Director Ed Gutierrez and staff, will host the Warfare – Battle Ready at the D&amp;N Event Center on Friday through Sunday, March 26 - 28th. This tournament will have competition from youth wrestlers’ K - 12, who participate in the Folkstyle, Freestyle divisions and the popular 7U, 9U, 11U &amp; 13U divisions. This event could bring an estimated of 800 – 1,000 K-12 school aged athletes from 20+ states to North Platte.Samantha Geisler, Sports and Events Marketing Specialist for the North Platte Area Sports Commission said “we have a large following of youth wrestlers in our area, and many that drive to Colorado to participate in the RMN Events. It makes sense for North Platte to be a centralized hub for the sport in our region.” Tad Haneborg, owner of the D&amp;N Events Center adds “We’re hoping to make this a series of 2 or 3 events per year for North Platte, which will be a huge boost to our economy.”A partnership with Rocky Mountain National (RMN) Events will showcase the next wave of wrestling stars for our area and will open up many opportunities for families to experience North Platte, its attractions, shopping and more. The North Platte Area Sports Commission estimates that this 2-day event will bring an economic impact of $460,000 - $848,000 to the community through lodging, retail, food, and beverage purchases. The Sports Commission developed this estimate by using the Event Impact Calculator developed by Destinations International provided by membership in the national organization Sports ETA: Sports Events and Tourism Association.Schedule of Events and Weigh-Ins:Friday, March 26, 20211:00 - 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;FASTPASS Weigh-Ins4:00 - 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;Weigh-Ins 6&amp;U | All Rookie Divisions4:30 - 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;Weigh-Ins 8&amp;U Boys | 9U Girls | 10&amp;U Boys5:00 - 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;Weigh-Ins 12&amp;U Boys &amp; Girls | 15U Boys &amp; GirlsSaturday, March 27, 2021 Session 1: 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES7:30 a.m.&nbsp;Doors Open 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES7:30 - 8:45 a.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES Folkstyle9:00 a.m.&nbsp;Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, &amp; ALL ROOKIES Folkstyle 1:30pm (Subject to change) Clear House Session 2: 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U 2:00pm&nbsp;Doors Open2:00 - 2:45 p.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U Folkstyle3:00pm&nbsp;Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U FolkstyleSunday, March 28, 2021Session 1: 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U7:30 a.m.&nbsp;Doors Open 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U7:30 - 8:45 a.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U Freestyle9:00 a.m. Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, &amp; 15U Freestyle 1:30pm (Subject to change) Clear House Session 2: 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U 2:00pm&nbsp;Doors Open2:00 - 2:45 p.m.&nbsp;Open Mat | Bracket Changes 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U Freestyle3:00pm&nbsp;Open Ceremonies / Wrestling Begins 7U, 9U, 11U, 13U, &amp; 18U FreestyleThis event will follow all current health guidelines. Temperature screenings will be given at the entrance along with a mask mandate in the facility at all times, except for athletes during competition. RMN Events encourages attendees to purchase tickets online to minimize contact. General Admission is $15, kids 4 and under are free. Brackets and Streaming will also be provided during the tournament at&nbsp;Arena.Flowrestling.org.For more details on the tournament, go to: RMNEvents.com/Warfare.This event is sponsored in part by the North Platte Area Sports Commission, a division of the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau.

North Platte bringing in national youth wrestling event

Inconsistencies cost the North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team its home game against Northeastern Junior College Wednesday night.

The final scores were: 19-25, 20-25 and 20-25.

“We have to find a way to be more consistent and execute during games, especially when playing teams like NJC,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “I thought there were times we played well and then times where we just dug holes that are hard to get out of. We just made too many errors.”

Peyton Negley, of North Platte, led with 10 kills. Alysen Daniels, of Mullen had nine. Ruby Valle, of Weldona, Colo., notched 12 digs, and Erica Hopping, of Sutherland, added 27 assists.

They will head to La Junta, Colo. this weekend for two games on Saturday. The Knights face Otero Junior College at 11 a.m. then go up against Dodge City Community College at 1 p.m. Both times are Central.

Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information SpecialistInconsistencies cost the North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball Team its home game against Northeastern Junior College Wednesday night.The final scores were: 19-25, 20-25 and 20-25.“We have to find a way to be more consistent and execute during games, especially when playing teams like NJC,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “I thought there were times we played well and then times where we just dug holes that are hard to get out of. We just made too many errors.”Peyton Negley, of North Platte, led with 10 kills. Alysen Daniels, of Mullen had nine. Ruby Valle, of Weldona, Colo., notched 12 digs, and Erica Hopping, of Sutherland, added 27 assists.The Knights are now 10-10 on the season.They will head to La Junta, Colo. this weekend for two games on Saturday. The Knights face Otero Junior College at 11 a.m. then go up against Dodge City Community College at 1 p.m. Both times are Central.

NPCC Volleyball falls to NJC

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Sam Haiby had 19 points and eight rebounds, Kate Cain added 16 points and six rebounds, and Nebraska used a 22-10 second quarter to break away from short-handed Minnesota 72-61 on Wednesday in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament.

Nebraska (12-11) advances to play top-seeded and No. 7 Maryland on Thursday. The defending champion Terrapins won the regular-season matchup 95-73 on Feb. 14 to give coach Brenda Frese her 500th win with the program.

Isabelle Bourne had 14 points and seven boards for Nebraska. Freshman Ruby Porter was helped off the floor with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter and did not return. Haiby needs only seven points to become the 35th Husker to reach 1,000 career points.

The No. 8 seed Huskers avenged two regular-season losses to Minnesota - a 76-71 defeat at home on Jan 19 and 73-63 on Feb. 24.

Gadiva Hubbard and Katie Borowicz, an early enrollee from Roseau High School, scored 12 points apiece for Minnesota (8-13). Klarke Sconiers added 11 points and Laura Bagwell-Katalinich 10.

Minnesota was without its top three leading scorers - Jasmine Powell (14.5), Sara Scalia (14.5) and Kadi Sissoko (12.6) - due to injuries. Powell missed her third straight game because of an ankle injury, Sissoko hit her head on the court on March 5 and Scalia suffered an undisclosed injury during practice on Tuesday.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Sam Haiby had 19 points and eight rebounds, Kate Cain added 16 points and six rebounds, and Nebraska used a 22-10 second quarter to break away from short-handed Minnesota 72-61 on Wednesday in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament.Nebraska (12-11) advances to play top-seeded and No. 7 Maryland on Thursday. The defending champion Terrapins won the regular-season matchup 95-73 on Feb. 14 to give coach Brenda Frese her 500th win with the program.Isabelle Bourne had 14 points and seven boards for Nebraska. Freshman Ruby Porter was helped off the floor with 2:42 remaining in the third quarter and did not return. Haiby needs only seven points to become the 35th Husker to reach 1,000 career points.The No. 8 seed Huskers avenged two regular-season losses to Minnesota - a 76-71 defeat at home on Jan 19 and 73-63 on Feb. 24.Gadiva Hubbard and Katie Borowicz, an early enrollee from Roseau High School, scored 12 points apiece for Minnesota (8-13). Klarke Sconiers added 11 points and Laura Bagwell-Katalinich 10.Minnesota was without its top three leading scorers - Jasmine Powell (14.5), Sara Scalia (14.5) and Kadi Sissoko (12.6) - due to injuries. Powell missed her third straight game because of an ankle injury, Sissoko hit her head on the court on March 5 and Scalia suffered an undisclosed injury during practice on Tuesday.

Nebraska beats short-handed Minnesota in Big Ten's 2nd round

Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public Information

North Platte, Neb. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team earned their fourth victory of the season defeating the Plainsmen of Northeastern Junior College on Tuesday night at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium, 81-79.

Knights opened the scoring as German Plotnikov found a cutting Trevon Dennis in the paint for an open layup. The Plainsmen responded and took their first lead on their next possession, 3-2. The Knights went on a short 8-2 run over the next four minutes to retake the lead with 14:19 remaining in the half, 10-5.

Plainsmen and Knights traded baskets for the next four minutes, as the Knights clung to a one-point lead as the clock moved inside ten minutes, 16-15. The Knights offense again erupted for a 9-0 run to push their lead to ten on a deep corner three by Nolan Sughroue, 25-15.

The Plainsmen went on a short 5-0 run of their own to cut the deficit to five with 6:56 to play in the first half, 25-20. Knights responded pushing their lead back to nine as Plotnikov collected an offensive rebound and laid it in with 5:41 remaining, 29-20.

Plainsmen made another run at the Knights lead cutting the deficit to three as the clock moved inside two minutes to play. The Knights closed out the half outscoring the Plainsmen 7-4 in the closing minutes to lead 44-38 at the break.

In the second half, the Plainsmen tied the game at 53-53 just six minutes into the half. Knights responded over the next 2:30 with a 6-0 run to push their lead back to six, 59-53. Plainsmen halted the Knights momentum and cut the deficit back one just forty-one seconds later, 59-58.

Dennis answered for the Knights shaking his defender and connecting on a step back jumper with 11:30 to play. Knights pushed their lead to eleven with 4:25 to play as Javarrick Bulter connected on two free throw opportunities to give the home team their largest lead of the game, 76-65.

Inside the final minute, a Plainsmen 14-3 run knotted the game back up with just eleven seconds to play in regulation. The Knights had control of the basketball and quick timeout allowed them draw up one final play.

Plotnikov received the inbound, drove to the basket and laid it off the glass to give the Knights the advantage with just 2.3 seconds remaining, 81-79. The Plainsmen had to travel the length of the court for a possible game winning shot, but it was off the mark giving the Knights the victory.

Knights finished the night shooting 27-of-56 (48.2 percent) from the floor, 6-of-10 (60 percent) from behind the arc and 21-of-30 (70 percent) from the free throw line.

The Knights had four starters in double digits including Plotnikov (30), Dennis (15), Butler (12) and Jason Eubank (11).

Knights (4-9) will return to the road on Tuesday, March 16 to take on Lamar Community College. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m. inside the Lamar Community College Wellness Center.

Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public InformationNorth Platte, Neb. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team earned their fourth victory of the season defeating the Plainsmen of Northeastern Junior College on Tuesday night at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium, 81-79.Knights opened the scoring as German Plotnikov found a cutting Trevon Dennis in the paint for an open layup. The Plainsmen responded and took their first lead on their next possession, 3-2. The Knights went on a short 8-2 run over the next four minutes to retake the lead with 14:19 remaining in the half, 10-5.Plainsmen and Knights traded baskets for the next four minutes, as the Knights clung to a one-point lead as the clock moved inside ten minutes, 16-15. The Knights offense again erupted for a 9-0 run to push their lead to ten on a deep corner three by Nolan Sughroue, 25-15.The Plainsmen went on a short 5-0 run of their own to cut the deficit to five with 6:56 to play in the first half, 25-20. Knights responded pushing their lead back to nine as Plotnikov collected an offensive rebound and laid it in with 5:41 remaining, 29-20.Plainsmen made another run at the Knights lead cutting the deficit to three as the clock moved inside two minutes to play. The Knights closed out the half outscoring the Plainsmen 7-4 in the closing minutes to lead 44-38 at the break.In the second half, the Plainsmen tied the game at 53-53 just six minutes into the half. Knights responded over the next 2:30 with a 6-0 run to push their lead back to six, 59-53. Plainsmen halted the Knights momentum and cut the deficit back one just forty-one seconds later, 59-58.Dennis answered for the Knights shaking his defender and connecting on a step back jumper with 11:30 to play. Knights pushed their lead to eleven with 4:25 to play as Javarrick Bulter connected on two free throw opportunities to give the home team their largest lead of the game, 76-65.Inside the final minute, a Plainsmen 14-3 run knotted the game back up with just eleven seconds to play in regulation. The Knights had control of the basketball and quick timeout allowed them draw up one final play.Plotnikov received the inbound, drove to the basket and laid it off the glass to give the Knights the advantage with just 2.3 seconds remaining, 81-79. The Plainsmen had to travel the length of the court for a possible game winning shot, but it was off the mark giving the Knights the victory.Knights finished the night shooting 27-of-56 (48.2 percent) from the floor, 6-of-10 (60 percent) from behind the arc and 21-of-30 (70 percent) from the free throw line.The Knights had four starters in double digits including Plotnikov (30), Dennis (15), Butler (12) and Jason Eubank (11).Knights (4-9) will return to the road on Tuesday, March 16 to take on Lamar Community College. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m. inside the Lamar Community College Wellness Center.

Knights hold off Plainsmen in final seconds

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College women’s basketball defeated Northeastern Junior College, 64-58, on Tuesday night for their second straight win. The victory over the Plainswomen marks the first time this season that the Knights have won back-to-back games.

“This was a big time win for our program,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We withstood their run and showed a lot of heart to earn the victory tonight.”

The Knights had their eleven-point halftime lead trimmed down to two inside two minutes to play in the third quarter, 39-37. The Knights responded as Janay Brauer drove the lane and laid it off the glass to stretch the lead back to four with 1:20 to play.

Knights and Plainswomen exchanged free throw opportunities in the closing minute, but the home team clung to a four-point lead after three quarters, 43-29.

The excitement rolled into the fourth as the Knights stretched their lead back to five on a jumper by Kanesha Hall with 8:06 to play, 48-43. The Plainswomen retook the lead on an 8-0 run as the clock moved inside eight minutes. Kayla Pope responded for the Knights by drawing two defenders as she drove the lane and passed it off to Diamond Moore-Heath for the easy layup to cut the deficit to one with 4:48 to play, 51-50.

The Plainswomen pushed their lead back to four with four minutes to play in the quarter. Brauer hyped up the home crowd as she found herself open in the corner to cut the deficit back to one with 3:37 to play, 56-55.

In the closing minutes and trailing by two, Brauer gave the Knights the lead back as she again found herself open and connected on her shot from beyond the arc, 59-58. The Knights shutdown the Plainswomen over the final 1:30 and sealed the victory at the free throw line.

In the opening quarter, the Knights stormed out to a 12-6 advantage in the opening 5:30 of action. The Plainswomen cut the deficit back to four on their next offensive possession, but the Knights pushed their lead to seven on a corner three by Jada Ballard with 3:15 to play in the first quarter, 15-8.

Jordyn Moon stretched the Knights lead to nine as the clock moved inside two minutes after she connected on two free throw opportunities, 17-8. The Plainswomen responded over the final 1:20 and cut the deficit to four at the end of the first quarter.

Knights opened the second quarter on 7-0 run, capped off by a Brauer layup with 7:30 remaining. The Plainswomen cut the lead to seven before Kayla Pope halted the run with a step back jumper with 6:17 to play in the second quarter, 26-15. Pope connected on a three on the Knights next offensive possession to push the deficit back to double digits, 29-17.

Knights traded buckets with the Plainswomen over the final five minutes of the quarter and took an eleven-point lead into the break, 32-23.

Moore-Heath added another double-double to her impressive freshman campaign collecting 16 rebounds to go along with her 11 points. Pope and Brauer rounded out the Knights double digit scorers with 19 and 11 points, respectively.

Knights (5-9) will have a week off before hitting the road to take on Lamar Community College on Tuesday, March 16. Lamar won the previous meeting on February 24, 72-66. Tip is set for 6:00 p.m. at the Lamar Community College Wellness Center in Lamar, Colo.

Story by Daniel Stinman&nbsp;Area Director of Marketing and Public InformationNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College women’s basketball defeated Northeastern Junior College, 64-58, on Tuesday night for their second straight win. The victory over the Plainswomen marks the first time this season that the Knights have won back-to-back games.“This was a big time win for our program,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We withstood their run and showed a lot of heart to earn the victory tonight.”The Knights had their eleven-point halftime lead trimmed down to two inside two minutes to play in the third quarter, 39-37. The Knights responded as Janay Brauer drove the lane and laid it off the glass to stretch the lead back to four with 1:20 to play.Knights and Plainswomen exchanged free throw opportunities in the closing minute, but the home team clung to a four-point lead after three quarters, 43-29.The excitement rolled into the fourth as the Knights stretched their lead back to five on a jumper by Kanesha Hall with 8:06 to play, 48-43. The Plainswomen retook the lead on an 8-0 run as the clock moved inside eight minutes. Kayla Pope responded for the Knights by drawing two defenders as she drove the lane and passed it off to Diamond Moore-Heath for the easy layup to cut the deficit to one with 4:48 to play, 51-50.The Plainswomen pushed their lead back to four with four minutes to play in the quarter. Brauer hyped up the home crowd as she found herself open in the corner to cut the deficit back to one with 3:37 to play, 56-55.In the closing minutes and trailing by two, Brauer gave the Knights the lead back as she again found herself open and connected on her shot from beyond the arc, 59-58. The Knights shutdown the Plainswomen over the final 1:30 and sealed the victory at the free throw line.In the opening quarter, the Knights stormed out to a 12-6 advantage in the opening 5:30 of action. The Plainswomen cut the deficit back to four on their next offensive possession, but the Knights pushed their lead to seven on a corner three by Jada Ballard with 3:15 to play in the first quarter, 15-8.Jordyn Moon stretched the Knights lead to nine as the clock moved inside two minutes after she connected on two free throw opportunities, 17-8. The Plainswomen responded over the final 1:20 and cut the deficit to four at the end of the first quarter.Knights opened the second quarter on 7-0 run, capped off by a Brauer layup with 7:30 remaining. The Plainswomen cut the lead to seven before Kayla Pope halted the run with a step back jumper with 6:17 to play in the second quarter, 26-15. Pope connected on a three on the Knights next offensive possession to push the deficit back to double digits, 29-17.Knights traded buckets with the Plainswomen over the final five minutes of the quarter and took an eleven-point lead into the break, 32-23.Moore-Heath added another double-double to her impressive freshman campaign collecting 16 rebounds to go along with her 11 points. Pope and Brauer rounded out the Knights double digit scorers with 19 and 11 points, respectively.Knights (5-9) will have a week off before hitting the road to take on Lamar Community College on Tuesday, March 16. Lamar won the previous meeting on February 24, 72-66. Tip is set for 6:00 p.m. at the Lamar Community College Wellness Center in Lamar, Colo.

Knights close out Plainswomen to earn second straight victory

Nebraska Volleyball continues to be known as one of the top programs in the nation. It paid off this week as Lexi Sun snagged the Big 10 player of the week:&nbsp; Player of the Week Lexi Sun, Nebraska OH – Sr. – Encinitas, Calif. – Santa Fe Christian • Averaged 5.17 kills per set on a .315 hitting percentage in two wins at Illinois • Matched her season high with 17 kills on .342 hitting with six digs, three blocks and one ace against the Illini on Friday night • Added 14 kills, three digs and two blocks on Saturday night • Earns her first career Player of the Week award • Last Nebraska Player of the Week: Madi Kubik (Oct. 21, 2019)

Nebraska Volleyball continues to be known as one of the top programs in the nation. It paid off this week as Lexi Sun snagged the Big 10 player of the week:&nbsp; Player of the Week Lexi Sun, Nebraska OH – Sr. – Encinitas, Calif. – Santa Fe Christian • Averaged 5.17 kills per set on a .315 hitting percentage in two wins at Illinois • Matched her season high with 17 kills on .342 hitting with six digs, three blocks and one ace against the Illini on Friday night • Added 14 kills, three digs and two blocks on Saturday night • Earns her first career Player of the Week award • Last Nebraska Player of the Week: Madi Kubik (Oct. 21, 2019)

Husker Volleyball Lexi Sun Big 10 player of the week

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1001404429&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/scott-martin-talks-st-pattys-day-beatdown-2021" title="Scott Martin talks St. Pattys day beatdown 2021" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Scott Martin talks St. Pattys day beatdown 2021</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: Scott Martin talks St. Pattys day beatdown

No. 14 seed Nebraska (7-19, 3-16) vs. No. 11 seed Penn State (10-13, 7-12)

Big Ten Tourney First Round, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Nebraska and Penn State are set to do battle in the first round of the Big Ten tourney. The teams split the regular season series at one win apiece. The teams last played on Feb. 23, when the Nittany Lions shot 40 percent from the field and went 16 for 19 from the free throw line en route to a three-point victory.

LEADING THE WAY: The Cornhuskers are led by Dalano Banton and Trey McGowens. Banton is averaging 9.7 points, six rebounds and four assists while McGowens is putting up 10.7 points per game. The Nittany Lions have been anchored by juniors Myreon Jones and Izaiah Brockington, who are averaging 15.5 and 12.7 points, respectively.DOMINANT DALANO: Banton has connected on 25.6 percent of the 78 3-pointers he's attempted and has made 2 of 9 over his last three games. He's also converted 65.5 percent of his foul shots this season.

SLIPPING AT 75: Nebraska is 0-14 when it allows at least 75 points and 7-5 when it holds opponents to less than 75.

ACCOUNTING FOR ASSISTS: The Cornhuskers have recently converted baskets via assists more often than the Nittany Lions. Penn State has an assist on 40 of 73 field goals (54.8 percent) over its past three matchups while Nebraska has assists on 54 of 76 field goals (71.1 percent) during its past three games.

DID YOU KNOW: Penn State has made nine 3-pointers per game as a team this year, which is second-best among Big Ten teams.

No. 14 seed Nebraska (7-19, 3-16) vs. No. 11 seed Penn State (10-13, 7-12)Big Ten Tourney First Round, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis; Wednesday, 9 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Nebraska and Penn State are set to do battle in the first round of the Big Ten tourney. The teams split the regular season series at one win apiece. The teams last played on Feb. 23, when the Nittany Lions shot 40 percent from the field and went 16 for 19 from the free throw line en route to a three-point victory.LEADING THE WAY: The Cornhuskers are led by Dalano Banton and Trey McGowens. Banton is averaging 9.7 points, six rebounds and four assists while McGowens is putting up 10.7 points per game. The Nittany Lions have been anchored by juniors Myreon Jones and Izaiah Brockington, who are averaging 15.5 and 12.7 points, respectively.DOMINANT DALANO: Banton has connected on 25.6 percent of the 78 3-pointers he's attempted and has made 2 of 9 over his last three games. He's also converted 65.5 percent of his foul shots this season.SLIPPING AT 75: Nebraska is 0-14 when it allows at least 75 points and 7-5 when it holds opponents to less than 75.ACCOUNTING FOR ASSISTS: The Cornhuskers have recently converted baskets via assists more often than the Nittany Lions. Penn State has an assist on 40 of 73 field goals (54.8 percent) over its past three matchups while Nebraska has assists on 54 of 76 field goals (71.1 percent) during its past three games.DID YOU KNOW: Penn State has made nine 3-pointers per game as a team this year, which is second-best among Big Ten teams.

Nebraska faces Penn State in Big Ten tourney

Story by Eric Olson Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Creighton announced Monday it has lifted Greg McDermott's suspension for making racially insensitive remarks to his players after a game last week.

McDermott created a firestorm for twice using the term "plantation" as part of an analogy urging team unity. The university suspended McDermott indefinitely on Thursday after he had coached in a Wednesday loss at Villanova.

Assistant coach Alan Huss was in charge of the 17th-ranked Bluejays for their 93-73 home win over Butler on Saturday. McDermott will be with team for the Big East Tournament this week and the NCAA Tournament that begins next week.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to return to all team activities and rejoin our incredible student athletes, coaches and staff," McDermott said in a Twitter post Monday night. "I fully understand and recognize that this does not mark the end, but rather the beginning of my work in learning, growing and earning back the trust of those that I have hurt. I am committed to doing better."

Athletic director Bruce Rasmussen said he and university President the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson had discussions the past week with players and their parents, former players and recruits as well as other stakeholders.

"I also witnessed the courage of our student-athletes when they used their voices to share their true feelings about last week's remarks," Rasmussen said, referring to a video shown at CHI Health Center before the Butler game. "Let me be clear: Coach McDermott's use of the 'plantation' analogy was egregious and has absolutely no place in our society. His remarks have caused significant hurt to many on our campus and in our community."

Noting McDermott's public apologies and difficult discussions with his players and others, Rasmussen said the coach has shown a willingness to learn from the mistake.

"I believe his apology, his commitment to grow from this, to learn, and to regain the trust of his student-athletes and others impacted by his words," Rasmussen said. "From our conversations, he understands that forgiveness must be earned, and he is willing to work for it. His actions during his career reveal an individual committed to his team and his community."

McDermott will participate with other campus leaders beginning next month in the school's Racial Equity Institute. The program is designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms.

"We will use this as an opportunity to grow and invest in being better," Rasmussen said. "We must."

The 56-year-old McDermott was disciplined for his choice of words while talking to his team following a loss at Xavier on Feb. 27.

"I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can't have anybody leave the plantation," McDermott told the players, using a term evocative of slavery and the antebellum South.

The remarks were revealed publicly last Tuesday when McDermott apologized in a Twitter post. He apologized again Wednesday after the loss at Villanova. Rasmussen announced McDermott had been indefinitely suspended the next night, with McDermott tweeting that he merited the suspension.

Five Black Creighton players explained in a short pregame video Saturday why they were hurt by McDermott's words. Star guard Marcus Zegarowski, who didn't speak in the video, said after the game that McDermott made a mistake but that he loves and supports all of his players.

The Bluejays have won at least 20 games nine times and played in the NCAA Tournament five times in McDermott's 10 seasons at Creighton.

Story by Eric Olson Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Creighton announced Monday it has lifted Greg McDermott's suspension for making racially insensitive remarks to his players after a game last week.McDermott created a firestorm for twice using the term "plantation" as part of an analogy urging team unity. The university suspended McDermott indefinitely on Thursday after he had coached in a Wednesday loss at Villanova.Assistant coach Alan Huss was in charge of the 17th-ranked Bluejays for their 93-73 home win over Butler on Saturday. McDermott will be with team for the Big East Tournament this week and the NCAA Tournament that begins next week."I am grateful for the opportunity to return to all team activities and rejoin our incredible student athletes, coaches and staff," McDermott said in a Twitter post Monday night. "I fully understand and recognize that this does not mark the end, but rather the beginning of my work in learning, growing and earning back the trust of those that I have hurt. I am committed to doing better."Athletic director Bruce Rasmussen said he and university President the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson had discussions the past week with players and their parents, former players and recruits as well as other stakeholders."I also witnessed the courage of our student-athletes when they used their voices to share their true feelings about last week's remarks," Rasmussen said, referring to a video shown at CHI Health Center before the Butler game. "Let me be clear: Coach McDermott's use of the 'plantation' analogy was egregious and has absolutely no place in our society. His remarks have caused significant hurt to many on our campus and in our community."Noting McDermott's public apologies and difficult discussions with his players and others, Rasmussen said the coach has shown a willingness to learn from the mistake."I believe his apology, his commitment to grow from this, to learn, and to regain the trust of his student-athletes and others impacted by his words," Rasmussen said. "From our conversations, he understands that forgiveness must be earned, and he is willing to work for it. His actions during his career reveal an individual committed to his team and his community."McDermott will participate with other campus leaders beginning next month in the school's Racial Equity Institute. The program is designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms."We will use this as an opportunity to grow and invest in being better," Rasmussen said. "We must."The 56-year-old McDermott was disciplined for his choice of words while talking to his team following a loss at Xavier on Feb. 27."I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can't have anybody leave the plantation," McDermott told the players, using a term evocative of slavery and the antebellum South.The remarks were revealed publicly last Tuesday when McDermott apologized in a Twitter post. He apologized again Wednesday after the loss at Villanova. Rasmussen announced McDermott had been indefinitely suspended the next night, with McDermott tweeting that he merited the suspension.Five Black Creighton players explained in a short pregame video Saturday why they were hurt by McDermott's words. Star guard Marcus Zegarowski, who didn't speak in the video, said after the game that McDermott made a mistake but that he loves and supports all of his players.The Bluejays have won at least 20 games nine times and played in the NCAA Tournament five times in McDermott's 10 seasons at Creighton.