Blog Entry
Nebraska stifles Oklahoma 63-46 to nab first Big 12 victory
January 31, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Nebraska jumped to an early lead over Oklahoma on Saturday night to finally grab their first win in conference play. The 63-46 win ends a 5 game losing streak for NU as they improve to 13-8 (1-5 on the season). OU falls to 12-9 (3-4). The game was delayed due to icy weather conditions in Oklahoma that prevented OU from arriving in Lincoln on Friday evening. And though the Sooners won’t use that as an excuse, it’s hard to deny that they looked out of sorts all night.
Brandon Richardson really provided a spark off the bench for Nebraska leading all scorers with 16 points. Also in double figures were Ryan Anderson with 11 points and Jorge Brian Diaz with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Oklahoma was led by Cade Davis’s 13 points.
Turning point in the game:
- The Huskers put together a 9-0 run lat in the first half after the Sooners had closed the lead to 1 point. NU held a 29-20 lead at the break and didn’t look back as they widened their lead to 15 points by the midway point in the second half.
Encouraging points:
- Nebraska played aggressively on defense and turned in perhaps their best defensive effort of the season. They forced 15 Oklahoma turnovers and held them to 34.9% shooting. Not only that but they limited Willie Warren, who came in averaging 17.6 ppg, to only 4 points.
- The Huskers got after the boards and finished with a 34-25 advantage over the Sooners.
Doc Sadler finally got the effort that we’ve come to expect from his teams at NU. The defense made it difficult for OU. The offense hit open and timely shots. Nebraska this year is not going to light the world on fire on offense, but when they can get a defensive effort like they had last night they’ll be in nearly every game and have a chance to win.
Guard play for the Huskers was really good last night. Lance Jeter set the tone early scoring the first 5 points, pushing the ball in transition, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing 4 assists. But Brandon Richardson’s night was great to see. He took it upon himself to step up and be a factor on offense. He knocked down 3s and also took the ball to the hoop. He’s played so consistently this season and is starting to emerge as a leader for this young team.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Brandon Riochardson
Up next: Kansas State.
