Cosper And Monk Score Big

LINCOLN, Neb. – Four players recorded career-bests and the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team mounted a furious rally but a first half deficit was too much to overcome on the road as the Razorbacks fell at Nebraska, 80-69.

Arkansas (2-1) got big performances from Devin Cosper and Kiara Williams in the first half but took an 11-point deficit into the locker room at the half. Cosper dropped in 12 points including 10 points in the first quarter while Williams had seven rebounds in the first 20 minutes, tying her career-high.

Malica Monk finished with a career-best 22 points and Cosper added 21 points hitting five 3-pointers in the game. Williams and freshman Taylah Thomas each had 11 rebounds for the Razorbacks.

Nebraska grabbed a five-point lead at the end of the first quarter but opened the second frame with a 9-0 run forcing Arkansas to play catch-up the remainder of the period.

The significant height difference inside gave Nebraska a rebounding advantage but Arkansas’ tenacity kept the boards close in the first half.

Arkansas won the third quarter, 22-17, behind several driving layups from Monk who went 4-for-4 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line. Monk scored 10 in the frame and Arkansas outrebounded the Huskers 14-12.

Arkansas put together a 5-2 run to open the fourth quarter behind a 3-pointer from Cosper and a driving layup from sophomore Jailyn Mason. The run closed the gap to three points, 60-57, and forced a Nebraska timeout with 8:20 to play.

The Razorbacks cut the lead to one point twice before another 3-pointer from Cosper gave Arkansas a 67-65 lead, its first advantage of the contest. The score was tied twice down the stretch but timely baskets and good shooting from the line allowed the Huskers to get the win.

Notes:
• Graduate student Devin Cosper had 12 points in the first half, including 10 points in the first quarter.
• Sophomore Kiara Williams tied her career-best in the first half with seven rebounds in the first 20 minutes.
• Devin Cosper (21) and Malica Monk (22) scored career-bests for points.
• Taylah Thomas and Kiara Williams had career-bests 11 rebounds each.
• Arkansas had a season-best eight blocks and 12 steals.

Up Next:
The Razorbacks are in the midst of a four-game stretch away from Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas travels to Oral Roberts on Monday in a game that is televised by CST with a 7 p.m. tip. The team takes on UTEP and New Mexico State in Thanksgiving Tournament action in El Paso, Texas, Nov. 24-25

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