The Iowa women’s basketball team beat Nebraska last night in Lincoln to advance to the quarterfinal round of the W-N-I-T. Last night’s final score was 71-to-67. Iowa never trailed in the game. Hawkeye coach Lisa Bluder says defense was key as the Hawks jumped out to an early lead, and then held off a Nebraska rally at the end. Senior Jamie Cavey was plagued with foul trouble, played just 17 minutes and took just two shot in the entire game, but others stepped up, including some of the freshmen. “It makes you feel a little bit better about your future,” Bluder says. Bluder singled out the play of freshman Stacy Schlapkohl of Durant, who scored 12 points and was six-for-eight from the field. Assistant coach Jan Jensen agrees. “We’re happy to keep playing,” Jensen says. “It’s really exciting for next season to see what the young kids did tonight. They held under pressure.” The Hawkeyes will host their next game Thursday night against Arkansas State. Tip time is seven o’clock in the U-S Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. Bluder says the team’s excited. “We’re the only team to cheer for in town right now,” Bluder says. Carver Hawkeye is not available Thursday due to set up for a weekend gymnastics tournament. Iowa’s record is now 22 and 9 on the season.