Nebraska freshman forward Jessica Shepard scored 29 points, including 18 in the second half, and pulled down 19 rebounds to lead the Huskers to a 73-57 win against Illinois on Sunday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebraska (10-5) won its first Big Ten Conference game in four tries, while Illinois dropped to 0-4 in the league.
Shepard was 11-of-18 from the field and 7-of-14 on free throws.
Senior point guard Rachel Theriot added 17 points. Natalie Romeo had 10, including two second-half three-pointers.
Nebraska led for good after a field goal by Shepard inside for a 10-9 lead in the first quarter.