But a big part of the Huskers’ success this season will be determined by how well they can play defense against teams like USC, Iowa and Indiana, so holding a team to 38 points, including 18 in the second half, felt just as good as all three of those. -pointers.

“I think the best feeling is keeping a team under 40 points. I think that’s great,” Hake said. “I don’t think our defense is what we wanted, but it’s great to hold a team under 40 points. And of course it’s a great feeling to see the ball in the basket.”

It was No. 25 Nebraska’s fourth win by a 20-point margin and follows its first loss of the season against Creighton last week.

Less than a minute into the second half, Hake had already tied her career-high with four three-pointers. Then she made another in the fourth quarter, finishing 5-for-9 on 3-pointers.

Six players made 3-pointers for the Huskers, finishing 12 for 29 from beyond the arc. Kansas City made just one such basket on 14 attempts.

Alberte Rimdall added 15 points with three 3-pointers. Britt Prince had 13 points and two assists. Alexis Markowski scored another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

NU was very active on defense with deflections and 13 steals.

Roos’ 19 offensive rebounds in the game were disappointing for Nebraska’s players, and an emphasis in the improved second half.

“(Markowski) was pretty adamant with our group and wanted to hold this team to less than 35 points,” coach Amy Williams said.

Nebraska led 47-20 at halftime after making seven of its first 12 shots from beyond the arc. The Huskers also kept getting steals from midfield and making layups. NU was 16 points behind turnovers in the first half.

In the first quarter, Prince scored three straight baskets on a baseline drive, another drive and a steal for a layup.

And while Hake hit two quick 3-pointers, Prince and Hake combined for each of the Huskers’ first 12 points.

Sophomore guard Emani Bennett led Kansas City (2-5) with 11 points. Kansas City shot just 13 for 60 from the field.

Freshman forward Amiah Hargrove gave Nebraska a fifth player in double figures with 10 points. She also had seven rebounds during 19 minutes of playing time. Her minutes have increased due to the season-ending injury to starting forward Natalie Potts.

“It was hard for all of us to see (Natalie) go down,” Hargrove said. “Part of our response is coming together and knowing that some of us need to step up, especially in the front room. I think I’ll come in and try to contribute as much as I can along with the rest of us bigs. And just do everything for Natalie. We dedicate the season to her, so we play for a bigger purpose than just the wins and losses.”

Williams said it will take time to adjust to not having Potts, but the players are working to make that happen.

“I’m excited about the fact that everyone on this team is motivated to stand up for her and for this team,” Williams said. “We’ve seen a lot of people watching one-on-one film with our staff and taking extra shots.”