Lincoln – The Illinois defense held Nebraska to its lowest offensive output of the season, as the Fighting Illini escaped the Devaney Center with a 62-52 women’s basketball win over the Huskers on Thursday night.

Nebraska slipped to 12-6 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten, while Illinois improved to 10-7 and 3-2 in the conference.

Nebraska trailed 27-20 at the half after shooting just 24 percent (6-25) in the opening period. The Huskers were just 2-of-10 from three-point range and turned the ball over 16 times, while being outrebounded 23-22.

The Huskers were able to hang in against the Fighting Illini by holding Illinois to just 11-of-36 shooting (30.6 percent), including 3-of-13 from long range. Nebraska also outscored Illinois 6-2 at the line, while Illini starters Adrienne GodBold and Alexis Smith both committed three first-half fouls.

Illinois jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first two minutes, but after GodBold was whistled for her second foul, Nebraska answered with a 14-0 run to take a 14-9 lead. The Illini settled down to regain the lead behind eight first-half points from GodBold and six points and eight boards from Karisma Penn.

Hooper led all scorers with 10 first-half points, while Cady added six points and five boards. But Lindsey Moore and Hailie Sample were the only other Huskers to find the scoring column with just two points apiece.

The Huskers return to Big Ten road action when they take on Minnesota Sunday in Minneapolis. Tip-off between Nebraska and the Golden Gophers at Williams Arena is set for 5 p.m. with live national television coverage by the Big Ten Network.