Archive for 'Husker Basketball Game Recaps'

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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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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Nebraska ends losing streak with 83-79 overtime win over Texas Tech

March 1, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

It took 2 overtime periods, but the Huskers finally picked up their 2nd conference win beating the Red Raiders 83-79 on Saturday night in Lincoln. Despite poor shooting and their typical dry spells, NU pulled out the victory thanks to their free throw shooting and rebounding. The Big Red improved to 14-15 (2-12) and Tech dropped 16-12 (4-10) in losing their 5th straight game.

Sek Henry stepped up late to lead Nebraska to the win and in scoring with a career-high 21 points and 6 assists. Joining Henry in double figures were Brandon Richardson with 15 points, Brandon Ubel with 14 points and Ryan Anderson with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Texas Tech got strong scoring from Nick Okorie who had a season-high 28 points, Brad Reese added 19 points and John Roberson chipped in with 15 points.

Turning point in the game:

  • Henry scored 7 straight points for the Huskers in the second overtime which gave them a lead they wouldn’t surrender. Henry has struggled offensively the entire conference season, but finally answered the bell when his team needed him the most. His effort late was the difference.

Encouraging points:

  • It’s obviously good to see NU put an end to their 7-game losing streak. It’s their 2nd win in the Big 12 and unfortunately at this point I don’t think many people across the state care too much. Hopefully this helps build some confidence for the team and maybe lead to another couple wins.
  • Nebraska finally found a way to get to the free throw line on Saturday. And it was a good thing too as they shot the ball poorly – 34.8% overall from the field. The Huskers hit 26 of 36 free throw attempts (72.2%) but more importantly outscored the Red Raiders by 15 points with free throws.

Doc Sadler and his team has 2 more regular season games left. So there is a possibility they could finish at .500 or above. Considering how the conference season has gone that would be an accomplishment. For Husker basketball fans the rest of this season’s schedule is all about building momentum for next season. If they could finish strong it could give the returning players some added confidence as they head into the off-season.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Sek Henry

Up next: Colorado.

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Cyclones snap losing streak with 78-74 win over Huskers

February 27, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

The Nebraska losing streak is now at seven games with their latest 78-74 loss to Iowa State on Wednesday night. Despite holding a 10-point lead early in the second half, the Huskers endured another scoring drought which effectively handed the game over to the Cyclones. NU now drops to 13-15 (1-12) while ISU improves to 14-14 (3-10).

Christian Standhardinger made his first start for Nebraska and delivered a fine performance with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Joining him in double figures were Lance Jeter with 21 points and Jorge Brian Diaz with 12 points. Iowa State was led by Craig Brackins who was clutch down the stretch scoring 21 points and hauling in 10 rebounds.

Turning point in the game:

  • Yet again the Huskers are cruising along and then they simply cannot score. A 3 1/2 minute scoring drought erased the NU lead. The Cyclones regained momentum and wouldn’t relinquish control of the game from that point on.

Encouraging points:

  • One has to be pleased that Standhardinger played well. If he is going to be a cornerstone for the Nebraska program, he needs to show his scoring ability as this season winds down.

This was another disappointing loss in a season of multiple disappointing losses. This was a game that the Huskers could have won. But for whatever reason they cannot get over the hump. They continue to collapse by the mid-point of the second half. I’m not sure if this is the result of the team’s overall inexperience or lack of talent or maybe both. Whatever it is, Coach Sadler must figure it out by next season. This season is effectively over.

This loss in my mind solidifies Nebraska as the worst team in the Big 12. They do have a couple winnable games left on the schedule, but everything I’ve seen from this season leads me to believe they’ll be lucky to win 1 of their remaining 3 games.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Christian Standhardinger

Up next: Texas Tech.

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Missouri adds to Nebraska misery with 74-59 win

February 22, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

Another conference game, another loss. Nebraska looked like they might give Missouri a run after a brief lead early in the second half but the Tigers responded to dominate the rest of the game and win 74-59. With Saturday’s loss the Huskers extend their losing streak to 6 games and fall to 13-14 (1-11) while Missouri improves to 20-7 (8-4).

NU was led by Ryan Anderson’s 22 points. His hot shooting from behind the arc kept Nebraska in the game in the first half. Missouri was led by Marcus Denmon who had 24 points. Adding to the MU cause was Zaire Taylor with 18 points and Laurence Bowers who had 12 points.

Turning point in the game:

  • The Huskers wilted under the Tigers defensive pressure in the second half struggling to score on every possession. From the point NU took a 39-38 lead in the second half, MU made Nebraska look inept.

Encouraging points:

  • There was not much to be encouraged by in Saturday’s game. I guess Ryan Anderson’s hot 3-point shooting would be it. Everything else was tough to watch.

There’s not much to say about this loss. It pretty much followed the Huskers season storyline. Grab an early lead in the second half, struggle to score the rest of the way and lose.

The only thing to look forward to at this point is if NU can avoid finishing in last place in the Big 12. Doc Sadler’s team has 4 games left. All are against teams in the bottom half of the conference.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Ryan Anderson

Up next: Iowa State.

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Wildcats survive scare from Huskers 91-87

February 18, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

It’s amazing what good shooting can do for you. Nebraska nearly pulled an upset of #7 ranked Kansas State on Wednesday night. In the end though, KSU held on for a 91-87 victory to improve to 21-4 (8-3) while NU falls to 13-13 (1-10).

Nebraska had 4 guys in double figures for the first time in Big 12 play this season. Leading the way was Ryan Anderson with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Also in double figures was Brandon Richardson with 15 points, Lance Jeter with 12 points (and 12 assists), and Eshaunte Jones with 11 points. Scoring leaders for Kansas State were Denis Clemente and Dominique Sutton each with 21 points.

Turning point in the game:

  • Nebraska made a great late push to have a chance at the end but the turning point was really the 6 1/2 minute stretch where the Huskers had their typical scoring drought in the second half. NU jumped out of the gates in the 2nd half grabbing an early 9 point win. But then the Wildcats ratcheted up their defense and went on a 15-0 run to grab control of the game.

Encouraging points:

  • Nebraska shot the ball so well, I couldn’t recognize this team. They hit 58% from the floor overall and an amazing 14-21 (67%) on 3s. When you shoot like that, you have a chance to win.
  • Lance Jeter had his best game as a Husker. He shot the ball well and was looking to make plays for his teammates. He had a career-high 12 assists.
  • Glad to see that the Huskers haven’t given up. They played hard and pushed Kansas State.

So close. NU had a chance at the end but couldn’t convert. Unfortunately turnovers and foul trouble did them in. Richardson and Jeter both fouled out late. This was partially due to Doc Sadler’s late game strategy to put KSU on the line. The Wildcats responded hitting their free throws (80% for the game), but losing 2 starters put the Huskers in a tough situation with some inexperienced players on the court for the last shot.

Nebraska’s losing streak now hits 5 games. It’s the second 5-game losing streak of the season, both in conference play. Not good. Hopefully this game will be a springboard for NU, giving them some confidence as they head into their last 5 games. There are some winnable games on the remaining schedule, but they have to play well to get them.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Lance Jeter

Up next: Missouri.

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Longhorns destroy Huskers 91-51

February 13, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

Nebraska had no business on the same court with Texas on Saturday. The Longhorns rolled the Huskers 91-51. This was the worst conference loss for the Big Red since a 53-point drubbing at Kansas in 2007. Nebraska falls to 13-12 (1-9) while Texas improves to 20-5 (6-4).

NU was led by Ryan Anderson who had 9 points and 7 rebounds. TU was led by Avery Bradley’s 25 points to pace 5 Longhorns in double figures.

Turning point in the game:

  • This one was basically over at tipoff. Texas did put together a 19-0 run towards the end of the first half to kill any hope Nebraska had of making a game of it.

Encouraging points:

  • None. If anything this was the type of game that makes you want to hit the fast forward button to next season.

Nebraska did nothing good in this game. Defense? Terrible. Offense? Terrible. Shooting? Pitiful. Rebounding? Awful.

This has been a dreadful basketball season for Doc Sadler and the Huskers. Unfortunately there is still 6 regular season games to suffer through. The only thing to watch for at this point is will they somehow sneak a couple of wins and stay out of the Big 12 cellar.

Nebraska Player of the Game: I’m not picking a player of the game because there was no one deserving.

Up next: at Kansas State.

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Nebraska snatches defeat from the clutches of victory in 55-53 loss to Baylor

February 11, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

When looking for reasons why they lost 55-53 to Baylor, Nebraska only has to look in the mirror. The Huskers held a 3 point lead with 2:00 minutes left, but failed execution on offense allowed the Bears reclaim the lead and sneak out of Lincoln with a win. NU loses it’s third straight game to drop to 13-11 (1-8). BU improves to 18-5 (5-4) to stay in the upper half of the Big 12.

Nebraska was led in scoring by Myles Holley who came off the bench with a career-high 11 points. Joining Holley in double figures were Brandon Richardson and Eshaunte Jones who each had 10 points and also came off the bench for NU. Baylor was led by LaceDarious Dunn’s 19 points. Also key to the Bear’s win was Ekpe Udoh who finished with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Turning point in the game:

  • With a little over 1 minute remaining in the game, the Huskers holding a 53-52 lead and the ball, Richardson secured an offensive rebound and called timeout to preserve the possession. Out of the timeout, NU looked to run some clock and get a good shot or foul. It didn’t happen. The Big Red looked unorganized and ended up with a long distance 3-point attempt from Lance Jeter that missed badly. From there, Baylor converted a field goal and a free throw to seal the deal.

Encouraging points:

  • You have to like how Myles Holley played on Wednesday night. He brought a lot of energy, had a couple of dunks and also converted a 3-point play late in the game. If he could get his knees healthy, he could refine his game over the next couple of seasons and become a very good role player for the Husker team.
  • The Nebraska bench played well against Baylor. The bench outscored the Bears’ bench 37-7.

Let’s be honest, the outcome of this game felt like a punch in the gut. Nebraska had the game right where they wanted it and looked like they were in position to win. Poor execution on offense simply gave the game away. I’m not sure if the Huskers problems on offense are due to the young and inexperienced roster or Doc Sadler. But I’m guessing it’s a combination of both.

NU played well enough to win this game. They shut down Baylor’s offense, had only 3 turnovers and had a great plan attacking the Bears’ 2-3 zone which led to many open shots. The problem was that they couldn’t hit those shots and finished shooting a dismal 31.6% overall and a miserable 19% from 3’s for the game.

Also disappointing was the lack of production they received from senior starters Ryan Anderson and Sek Henry. Neither Anderson or Henry scored a point and shot a combined 0-6. This is almost unbelievable for the team’s senior leaders to not score and not even get to the free throw line. These 2 have to step it up over the final 8 games of the season.

I mentioned the bench play earlier. Not only did they outscore Baylor’s bench but they outscored Nebraska’s starters 37-16. Are the wrong players starting for the Huskers? It’s easy to make the argument that Brandon Richardson could start and possibly Eshaunte Jones or Quincy Hankins-Cole.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Myles Holley

Up next: at Texas

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