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Nebraska scores upset win in Big 12 Tournament 75-60 over Missouri
March 10, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Tournament Game Recap, News.
This is why they play the games. Nebraska joined Colorado today as the only teams to win a game as a #12 seed in Big 12 Tournament history. The Huskers surprised the Tigers early with hot shooting on their way to winning 75-60. NU improves to 15-17 while MU drops to 22-10 and will have to wait patiently to learn their seed in the NCAA tournament.
The Huskers were led by Brandon Richardson’s career-high 19 points. Joining Richardson in double figures were Ryan Anderson with 16 points, Jorge Brian Diaz with 10 points, and Lance Jeter’s 10 points. The Tigers were led by Laurence Bowers, who was the sole Mizzou player in double figures, with 11 points.
Turning point in the game:
- As Missouri had cut the Nebraska lead to 61-51 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Brandon Richardson answered by knocking down a 3 pointer and drawing a foul. Converting the free throw and pushing the lead to 65-51 seemed to take the wind out of the Tigers sails and the Huskers were able to close out the game.
Encouraging points:
- NU shot the ball really well today. They hit 55.8% from the floor, 57.1% on 3-pointers, and 86.4% from the foul line. Apparently they like the rims at the Sprint Center. Too bad we couldn’t have played more conference games there!
- Nebraska limited Missouri second chances by outrebounding the Tigers 33-21.
Missouri certainly added to their problems by having a terrible day shooting the ball hitting a woeful 33.9% from the floor. With that said though, the Huskers defense looked about as good as it has for most of the season. They contested shots and forced the Tigers to work the ball.
Interestingly, Christian Standhardinger did not play in the game. Unless he was suspended, I have a feeling that Doc Sadler is going to go with the guys that play the best defense. And since the offense was hitting shots, there was little need to insert Standhardinger for an offensive spark.
This was a big win for Doc Sadler and the team. Sadler improved his record in the Big 12 tourney to 2-3 and his record against Mike Anderson to 6-4 during his tenure at Nebraska. It’s been a tough season but this game can go a long way to build confidence and momentum for the players as they prepare for their 2nd round matchup with Texas A&M.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Brandon Richardson
Up next: Texas A&M in the second round of the Big 12 tournament.
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Big 12 Tournament Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. Missouri
March 10, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Tournament Pre-game, News.
#12 Nebraska Cornhuskers 14-17 (2-14) vs.
#5 Missouri Tigers 22-9 (10-6)
March 10 – 2:00 p.m. tipoff
TV: ESPN2/Big 12 Network
Nebraska will face Missouri in the second game of the Big 12 Tournament at the Sprint Center in Kansas City on Wednesday afternoon. The Huskers enter the game as the #12 seed and the Tigers are the #5 seed. Mizzou swept the regular season series with the Big Red winning 70-53 at home and winning 74-59 in Lincoln. Working against NU is the fact that the #12 seed has won only once in the history of the Big 12 Tournament.
Missouri comes into the tournament with what could have been a 3-game losing streak if not for a last second shot by Zaire Taylor to beat Iowa State in OT about a week ago. Mike Anderson’s Tigers may not be playing their best ball right now, but they figure to have huge support from their fans as they’ll be happy to fill the Sprint Center and cheer them on. Missouri is the defending tournament champion.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 11.0 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.7 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.6 ppg
MU leading scorers
Kim English 14.1 ppg
Marcus Denmon 11.0 ppg
Laurence Bowers 10.1 ppg
Nebraska is on a 2-game losing streak that could have been 10-game losing streak if not for an OT win over Texas Tech a few games ago. This has been a miserable conference season for Doc Sadler and his team. Despite the theory that it might be difficult for Missouri to sweep Nebraska, it certainly looks on paper like this will be the final game of the season for NU. But that’s precisely why they play the games!
The Huskers held their own with Missouri in both losses until about the mid-point of the second halves when their typical scoring droughts took hold. If not for those difficulties scoring they may have stolen one of those games. Of course, that doesn’t mean much unless you’re a Nebraska fan looking for some shreds of hope.
For NU to have a chance today they must handle Missouri’s pressure defense, shoot the ball from 3 well, and play their best game defensively. In both losses, the Tiger bench has scorched the Huskers. They must do a better job limiting open shots and second chance opportunities. In all, it’s too much to ask from this Nebraska team. They may be able to push Mizzou but in the end the Tigers have too much talent and should come away with the win.
My pick: Missouri
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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings – 03-09-10
March 9, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Power Rankings, News.
These are my final standings now that the regular season has concluded. What a year for the Big 12! Some great teams and great talent helped make it the best conference in college basketball, in my humble opinion. Likely 7 teams will make the NCAA tourney. I can’t wait to see how the conference fares in post season play.
Week of March 8
1. Kansas (Last Week: 1, 29-2, 15-1) KU rolled through the conference this season en route to their 6th straight conference title.
2. Baylor (3, 24-6, 11-5) The Bears were another team that turned heads with their play. Coach Scott Drew was able to meld an experienced backcourt with abundant athleticism for a 2nd place finish.
3. Kansas State (2, 24-6, 11-5) The Wildcats surprised many by having a breakout season. Great coaching job turned in by Frank Martin.
4. Texas A&M (4, 22-8, 11-5) Despite losing team leader Derrick Roland early in the season, the Aggies came together for a strong season.
5. Missouri (5, 22-9, 10-6) Mizzou put together a very good season despite dealing with some inexperience.
6. Texas (6, 23-8, 9-7) The Longhorns limped to the finish but will be ready to wipe the slate clean for a post-season run.
7. Oklahoma State (7, 21-9, 9-7) The Cowboys came into the season with the youngest team in the conference but with conference Player of the Year James Anderson, this team always has a chance.
8. Colorado (8, 15-15, 6-10) The turnaround is in full swing in Boulder. Picked to finish last by many, Coach Bzdelik should be praised for what his team was able to do this year.
9. Iowa State (11, 15-16, 4-12) Another disappointing season for ISU but they finished strong and could be dangerous in the Big 12 tournament.
10. Texas Tech (9, 16-14, 4-12) The Red Raiders have struggled down the stretch losing 7 straight games.
11. Oklahoma (10, 13-17, 4-12) OU might be the biggest disappointment in the conference this year. Riding an 8-game losing streak, this team looks like they packed it up a few weeks ago.
12. Nebraska (12, 14-15, 2-12) The Huskers were physically over-matched all conference season, but had opportunities to pick up wins. Unfortunately they finish with their worst conference record since the Big 12 began.
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Anderson and Jeter honored by Big 12 Sportswriters
March 9, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under News.
Ryan Anderson was named to the All-Underrated team by AP writers on Monday. This was his second honor from league writers as he was named to the All-Defense team last season. Lance Jeter picked up his first honor being named to the All-Newcomer team.
Anderson has been the unquestioned leader of the Nebraska team this season. He leads the team in scoring at 11.0 points/game, rebounding at 5.2 per game, 51 steals, and also with 50 made 3-pointers.
Jeter stepped in as the starting point guard this season. He finished the regular season 5th on the team in scoring at 7.5 points/game. He led the team with 3.9 assists/game and also led NU with 950 minutes played.
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Cowboys easily defeat Huskers 74-55
March 8, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Nebraska got handled last Saturday afternoon 74-55 by Oklahoma State. This dropped NU to 14-17 (2-14) while OSU improved 21-9 (9-7) to further bolster their position as an at-large tournament team. This has been a brutal Big 12 regular season for the Huskers and this game followed the script to the letter as another lengthy scoring drought allowed the Cowboys to build a 19-point first half lead. The game was decided by halftime.
The Big Red were led by Brandon Richardson’s 16 points and Christian Standhardinger’s 14 points in the loss. The ‘Pokes were paced by James Anderson who finished with 25 points. Joining Anderson in double figures were Obi Muonelo with 13 points and Nick Sidorakis with 12 points.
Turning point in the game:
- Again a lengthy scoring drought did Nebraska in. A 6 minute stretch where the Huskers couldn’t score is about all you need to know about this game. You just can’t win if you can’t score.
Encouraging points:
- It’s tough to find any encouraging moments in this game. NU was manhandled yet again.
Ryan Anderson was unable to play in this game due to a sore ankle. Hopefully he can shake that off and play in the Big 12 tournament. The Huskers need all the help they can get.
This game capped a very frustrating Big 12 season for Nebraska. They finish with a 2-14 record in the conference, the worst mark since 1962-63 when NU finished 1-13 in the Big Eight.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Brandon Richardson
Up next: Missouri in the Big 12 tournament.
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Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State
March 6, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 14-16 (2-13) vs.
Oklahoma State Cowboys 20-9 (8-7)
March 6 – 12:30 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
The regular season comes to an end today as Nebraska travels to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are a solid at-large bid for the NCAA tournament but will look to strengthen their resume today and into the Big 12 tournament. For the Huskers, they have nothing left to play for although they will find out today who their opponent will be in the Big 12 tourney.
Travis Ford has led OSU to a second consecutive 20 win season. This is the youngest team in the Big 12 but they have a great equalizer in Senior James Anderson. Anderson is the conference’s leading scorer and is the team’s unquestioned leader. He is fully capable of taking his team on his back and carrying them.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 11.0 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.8 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.5 ppg
OSU leading scorers
James Anderson 22.8 ppg
Obi Muonelo 13.4 ppg
Keiton Page 10.5 ppg
Doc Sadler put his team through some tough early morning practices since their humiliating loss at home to Colorado. Will it have any effect on today’s game? Don’t hold your breath.
Nebraska has physically looked outmatched in nearly every conference game this season. And their play has done nothing to cover up their deficiencies. NU will finish in last place in the conference regardless of today’s outcome. The only unknown is who they will face in Big 12 tournament next week. Their possible opponents are Baylor, Texas A&M, Missouri or Texas. None of which sound like a favorable matchup for the Huskers.
The best to hope for today is that the Big Red can play well and gain some measure of respect as their season winds down.
My pick: Oklahoma State
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Colorado crushes Nebraska in 81-68 win
March 4, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Colorado came out firing on Nebraska’s Senior Night en route to to an 81-68 win that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. The Buffaloes never trailed and held a 20-point lead on two occasions in the 2nd half. This was also their first conference win in 36 games. NU cements their position in last place in the Big 12 falling to 14-16 (2-13). CU improves to 14-15 (5-10).
Nebraska was led by Jorge Brian Diaz who notched 15 points in the losing effort. Also in double figures for the Big Red were Lance Jeter with 14 points, and Ryan Anderson and Christian Standhardinger each with 10 points. Colorado was led in scoring by reserve Casey Crawford’s 20 points. Right behind him were Cory Higgins and Alec Burks with 19 points each, and Marcus Relphorde with 12 points.
Turning point in the game:
- Unfortunately the first 5 minutes of the game decided this one. Colorado came out with the hot hand and grabbed a 9 point lead. Nebraska tried to fight back and reduced the lead to 1 point but CU came right back and distanced themselves from NU.
Encouraging points:
- There was really nothing encouraging about this home loss on Senior Night. Maybe the fact that the season is almost over is encouraging.
It’s sad to see seniors Ryan Anderson, Sek Henry, and Ben Nelson go out on such a sour note in their last home game. I was very surprised that the Huskers didn’t bring a better effort on Tuesday night.
From my view in front of the tv, Nebraska’s defense failed them. Yes the offense is still pathetic and tough to watch but the defense gave up way too many easy 3-point shots to Colorado. And once the Buffs got on a roll, they seemed to make every shot they threw up. It was their night and sadly it looks like the future for CU is brighter than it is for NU.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Jorge Brian Diaz
Up next: Oklahoma State.
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Pre-Game: Colorado vs. Nebraska
March 2, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Colorado Buffaloes 13-15 (4-10) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 14-15 (2-12)
March 2 – 7 p.m. tipoff
TV: Fox Sports Midwest
Nebraska will host Colorado for Senior Night in Lincoln on Tuesday. The Huskers will look to build on their recent win over Texas Tech and send seniors Ryan Anderson, Sek Henry, and Ben Nelson out on a winning note. The Buffaloes will be looking to finish strong to get to .500 on the season and their best conference record since ‘05-’06.
Coach Jeff Bzdelik’s CU squad has improved steadily this season. They’ve beaten the Big 12 bottom feeders and even scored an early upset of Baylor. Definitely some positive signs for a program that has struggled since Bzdelik took over. One thing that has given them trouble are road games. They are 1-10 on the road this season with the lone road win coming at Division II Chaminade.
CU leading scorers
Cory Higgins 18.6 ppg
Alec Burks 16.5 ppg
Marcus Relphorde 10.8 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 11.0 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.6 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.5 ppg
Doc Sadler’s troops should come into this game energized as they’ll want to play well for the seniors. Hopefully they’ll also be able to build on some of things that made them successful in their win over Texas Tech this past weekend.
The Huskers will need to get some scoring from Anderson and Henry. Hopefully those 2 can step up when NU usually goes on their dry spells and get some clutch baskets. Aside from that Nebraska will need to defend Higgins and Burks well. If they can limit that duo’s scoring opportunities, they should have an excellent chance to get the win.
My pick: Nebraska
