Archive for 'Big 12 Tournament Game Recap'
Texas A&M sends Nebraska home with 70-64 win
March 12, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Tournament Game Recap, News.
The Huskers pushed the Aggies Thursday afternoon at the Big 12 Tournament, but big shots by Texas A&M down the stretch sunk Nebraska. NU’s season appears to be over finishing at 15-18 while TAMU improved to 23-8 and will continue on to a semifinal matchup with Kansas.
The Big Red struggled at times but showed great heart fighting their way back in the second half. Though they never led in the game they made the Aggies earn it. Nebraska was led by Ryan Anderson’s 16 points. Joining him in double figures were Jorge Brian Diaz with 14 points and Sek Henry with 13 points. Texas A&M were led by Donald Sloan who knocked several big shots late in the game with 23 pooints, Khris Middleton with 17 points and B.J. Holmes with 11 points.
Turning point in the game:
- The Huskers used a 2-3 zone for much of the 2nd half with much success. The Aggies had a tough time hitting shots and went scoreless for about 5 minutes. During that stretch Nebraska cut the A&M’s 13-point lead down to 2. From there Texas A&M received big shots from Sloan and Middleton to keep NU at arms length.
Encouraging points:
- I was happy to see no quit in the Nebraska team. Through the entire season they seemed to collapse when opponents went on runs and the game would get away from them. In Thursday’s game they simply stayed with their game plan and worked through those stretches. It showed great character from the players to fight their way back into the game in the 2nd half and give themselves a chance to win it.
- Doc Sadler’s use of the 2-3 zone is unusual but the success they had with it could be a preview of a new wrinkle he may use again next season.
Nebraska did many of the things they needed to do yesterday to have a chance in the game. They shot well (50% from the floor), they outrebounded A&M, and they kept Diaz involved in the offense throughout. It’s too bad that this is likely the end of the season because they started to look like a team that was beginning to figure out how they needed to play to have a chance to win.
Sadler was asked about whether the Huskers would pursue a spot in the CBI and CIT tournaments in post-game interview. Judging from his responses I think it’s very doubtful that they will do that. So with the season over, Nebraska and Sadler head into a very important off-season for the future of the program and the coach.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Ryan Anderson
Up next: Off-season unless Nebraska decides to play in the CBI or CIT tournaments.
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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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Cold shooting dooms Huskers in loss to the Bears
March 11, 2009 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Tournament Game Recap, News.
Nebraska came to the Big 12 tournament but left their shooting touch in Lincoln and lost to Baylor 65-49. The Huskers shot a miserable 31.5% from the floor and 20.8% from behind the arc thanks to a 2-3 zone employed by the Bears. The poor shooting also contributed to Baylor dominating the glass 43-18. NU’s NCAA tourney hopes are over as their record falls to 18-12 overall.
Ade Dagunduro led the team with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Steve Harley added 10 points. Harley and Dagunduro combined to hit 54% of their shots and score 31 of the Big Red’s 49 points.
Turning point in the game:
- Nebraska was down by 3 at half, but Baylor came out and outscored NU 16-6 over the first 11 minutes of the second half. The Huskers’ inability to knock down shots against the BU zone allowed Baylor to cruise the rest of the way for the first round win.
Encouraging points:
- Fortunately for the Huskers, this is not the final game of the season. The Big Red figure to land a berth in the NIT and will know on Sunday who they’ll face.
- Ade Dagunduro had another good game and may be working his way into an opportunity to play professionally after the season is over.
This was obviously a tough matchup for Nebraska as they had just beaten Baylor 66-62 only 4 days ago. Kudos to BU coach Scott Drew who made the necessary adjustments from that game to guide his team to the win.
The loss puts the 20 win marker in jeopardy for Doc Sadler’s troops. He’ll need to rally the team and get them prepared to play in the NIT. One area he may want to focus on is repairing his players’ confidence in their shooting (especially Paul Velander). Another performance like today’s will lead to a season-ending loss in the NIT.
Up next: the Huskers will wait to hear the seeds for the NIT to see if they’ll be home or on the road.
