The No. 6 Indiana women's basketball team got a key player back Sunday as guard Grace Berger returned to the lineup for the first time since she was injured Nov. 25.
Berger, who is in her super senior season, had 16 points, five assists and two steals in 27 minutes as Indiana beat Northwestern 72-50 in Evanston, Illinois.
She injured her knee in the Las Vegas Invitational tournament against Auburn after starting the first six games of the season. Berger missed eight games total for Indiana (15-1).
"It felt really great, almost like surreal because it feels like it's been forever since I played a game," Berger said. "Definitely a little nervous and really anxious at first. I feel really fortunate that I had a chance to get back out there with a good bit of the season left.
"We initially had kind of a timeline when I first got injured, so I knew I'd be back around this time. It was easy to be positive and work hard every day on myself. While I was out for that six weeks or so, it was great to see some of the younger kids get an opportunity, just see them get that confidence. The depth is something that's going to separate us down the road."
The Hoosiers were led by senior forward Mackenzie Holmes with 24 points and 13 rebounds Sunday.
"Having Grace back helps in all aspects of the game," Holmes said. "Offensively, defensively, as a leader. We all know what Grace means to us as an all-around player."
Indiana's only loss was on the road against Michigan State on Dec. 29.
The Hoosiers next host No. 13 Maryland on Thursday. It will help to have Berger, an all-Big Ten first-team selection last season who averaged 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Berger has been a full-time starter for the Hoosiers since her sophomore season in 2019-20.
"It's such a great blessing to have Grace Berger back in the lineup," Indiana coach Teri Moren said. "She just makes everybody else around her better. Grace is a fantastic player who's going to be a pro."