Archive for 'Husker Basketball Pre-game'
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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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
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Pre-Game: Texas Tech vs. Nebraska
February 27, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Texas Tech Red Raiders 16-11 (4-9) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-15 (1-12)
February 27 – 3 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
Nebraska welcomes Texas Tech to Lincoln today as they hope to end their current 7-game losing skid. The Huskers season is basically over while the Red Raiders are still hoping to play their way into an NIT bid.
Texas Tech has hit a rough stretch themselves losing 4 straight games. Coach Pat Knight has also seen his team struggle on the road in conference play going 1-5. The Red Raiders have not beaten the Huskers since Doc Sadler arrived in Lincoln.
TTU leading scorers
John Roberson 14.7 ppg
Mike Singletary 14.7 ppg
David Tairu 10.4 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 11.0 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.7 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.2 ppg
This has been a disastrous conference season for the Big Red. With 3 games remaining on the schedule they look likely to set a school mark for their worst conference record since their 3-14 record in the ‘02-’03 season. Unless they can win out, they’ll likely finish last in the conference for the first time since the Big 12 began.
I expect a close game between Nebraska and Texas Tech today. If the Huskers can avoid or limit their routine second half scoring drought they could come away with the win. But until they prove they can do it, I can’t pick NU for a win.
My pick: Texas Tech
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Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. Iowa State
February 24, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-14 (1-11) vs.
Iowa State Cyclones 13-14 (2-10)
February 24 – 6:30 p.m. tipoff
TV: Fox Sports Midwest
Something has to give tonight. A 6-game losing streak will be broken. The question is whose losing streak will come to an end? Both Nebraska have struggled mightily in the Big 12 this season and are battling to stay out of the conference cellar.
Iowa State has had a tough time this year. They had fairly high expectations coming in, but injuries and a player leaving have left them hurting. Coach Greg McDermott has yet to finish with a winning record in his 3 previous seasons at ISU. And it doesn’t look likely that they’ll get above .500 this year either.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 11.1 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.6 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.5 ppg
ISU leading scorers
Craig Brackins 16.5 ppg
Marquis Gilstrap 14.4 ppg
Diante Garrett 8.8 ppg
Coach Doc Sadler has suspended Eshaunte Jones and Quincy Hankins-Cole for tonight’s game due to some academic issues. So the Huskers bench will be a little shorter than usual.
Nonetheless this game is a big one for both teams. Niether one wants to be the worst team in the Big 12, but lose this one and that’s pretty much how you’ll be labeled. Nebraska has to play hard despite the tough atmosphere that awaits them in Ames. A big focus for NU will be to limit opportunities for Brackins and Gilstrap. They can’t afford to give up offensive rebounds that lead to extra attempts.
This is going to be a very competitive game. The Cyclones won a close one in Lincoln back in early January, so the Huskers will want some payback. I think we’ll see a very focused Husker team that finally puts together a strong second half and gets a much needed win.
My pick: Nebraska
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Pre-Game: Missouri vs. Nebraska
February 20, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Missouri Tigers 19-7 (7-4) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-13 (1-10)
February 20 – 5 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
After 5 straight games against ranked opponents, Nebraska finally gets to face an unranked foe. Or do they? Missouri enters today’s game just outside the Top 25 and after beating Texas earlier in the week, could very well be ranked come Monday. The Huskers will be looking to end their 5-game losing streak while the Tigers will attempt to pick up an important conference road win.
Missouri has been strong as of late, winning 3 of their last 4 games including this week’s upset of Texas. The Tigers have been playing good defense this season. They lead the Big 12 Conference in turnovers forced at 20.3 per game. Their “fastest 40 minutes in basketball” style has rattled opponents all season. Mizzou won the first matchup against the Huskers this season 70-53 in Columbia.
MU leading scorers
Kim English 14.9 ppg
Laurence Bowers 10.7 ppg
Marcus Denmon 10.5 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.7 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.6 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.5 ppg
Nebraska came so close to picking up a win this past Wednesday at Kansas State. They finally showed signs that perhaps this team is starting to click. If they can continue where they left off in Manhattan, they’ll have a very good chance at ending their losing streak today.
Doc Sadler will need his team to clean up a few things if they want to beat Missouri. First and most importantly they must take care of the ball. The Tigers will force the Huskers to play out of their comfort zone which can lead to turnovers. NU has been good at limiting their turnovers most of the season, but had 20 turnovers at Kansas State. They cannot afford that many turnovers against Mizzou.
Next, they must find a way to fight through the second half and avoid their usual scoring droughts. Nebraska has held leads against nearly every Big 12 opponent in the second half but their typical dry spells have doomed them.
My pick: Missouri
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Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. Kansas State
February 17, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-12 (1-9) vs.
#7 Kansas State Wildcats 20-4 (7-3)
February 17 – 6 p.m. tipoff
TV: Fox Sports Midwest
Tonight’s game features 2 teams going in opposite directions. #7 Kansas State has won 3 straight and is looking to work their way into a #2 seed in the upcoming NCAA tourney. Nebraska has lost 4 straight, all to ranked opponents, and really has no prospects for post-season play.
Wildcat Coach Frank Martin has really pulled his group together this season. They are athletic and get after it on the defensive end. Plus they have 2 experienced guards in Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente who lead this team. KSU started NU’s current losing streak back on Feb. 2 when they hammered the Huskers 76-57 in Lincoln.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.2 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.9 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.3 ppg
KSU leading scorers
Jacob Pullen 18.7 ppg
Denis Clemente 15.4 ppg
Jamar Samuels 11.9 ppg
Doc Sadler and his guys have to be glad this is the last ranked opponent they’ll see for a while. The schedule has not been kind to the young Nebraska team.
The Huskers only hope in this game is that the Wildcats take this game for granted and don’t bring their best effort. NU will need to shoot well, take care of the ball and keep KSU off the boards. And even that may not be enough. At this point in the season, with nothing left to really play for except pride, let’s hope that Nebraska gives a good effort and really tries to compete.
My pick: Kansas State
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Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. #14 Texas
February 13, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-11 (1-8) vs.
#14 Texas Longhorns 19-5 (5-4)
February 13 – 3 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
Nebraska takes to the road to face its fourth straight ranked opponent in the #14 Texas Longhorns today. Both teams are struggling. The Huskers are on a 3-game losing skid while the Longhorns are on a 2-game losing streak.
Texas climbed as high as #1 in the country prior to hitting a rough stretch. Over the past couple of weeks TU has gone 2-5 and dropped to #14 in the rankings. Coach Rick Barnes has a team stuffed with talent but has found it difficult to find the right combination on the court.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.3 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.9 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.5 ppg
TU leading scorers
Damion James 18.0 ppg
Avery Bradley 12.1 ppg
Dexter Pittman 11.1 ppg
It goes without saying that this will be a tough game for the Huskers. They’ve been playing better over their last 2 games although it hasn’t shown up on the scoreboard. Doc Sadler’s squad will need to put forth a tremendous effort today to have a chance against the more talented Longhorns.
Nebraska has to keep the pace of this game down similar to what they did to Baylor. If the score gets in the 70’s, NU’s chances go way down. If the score is in the low to mid 60’s they’ll have a chance. Along with keeping the tempo of the game down, they must also limit turnovers and shoot the ball well. They need to knock down open shots and convert free throws. Lastly, they have to find a way to keep Texas off the offensive glass. This won’t be easy and they will surely be out-rebounded, but if they can keep that margin close their odds of winning improve.
I’d like to think that Nebraska might be able to steal a win against a struggling Texas team today. But in the end, playing on the Longhorns home court is too much of an advantage for TU.
My pick: Texas
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Pre-Game: Baylor vs. Nebraska
February 10, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Baylor Bears 17-5 (4-4) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-10 (1-7)
February 10 – 8 p.m. tipoff
TV: ESPN2
Nebraska returns home to face their 3rd straight ranked opponent in the Baylor Bears. The Bears are currently ranked 24th in the AP poll. The Huskers and the Bears are both coming off road losses last Saturday. NU lost by 11 at Kansas while BU lost by 7 at Texas A&M.
Baylor has had some difficulties on the road in the Big 12 this season. They have a 1-3 road record in conference play. The lone win came in overtime over then #6 Texas in Austin. The Bears have also struggled at the Devaney Center going 1-4 in Lincoln since the start of the Big 12.
Coach Scott Drew has his program on the rise with an influx of talent that has led to 2 consecutive 20-win seasons and likely a 3rd this season. They’ve benefited this season from strong guard play, a 2-3 defense that has stymied many opponents and excellent rebounding.
BU leading scorers
LaceDarius Dunn 18.7 ppg
Tweety Carter 16.7 ppg
Ekpe Udoh 14.1 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.7 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 9.0 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.4 ppg
The question for Nebraska is can they build on their performance at Kansas? The Huskers came close in Lawrence but the offense dried up again in the later half of the 2nd half. But the defensive effort was improved and kept them in reach of the Jayhawks. That game could be the confidence booster this team needs.
Unfortunately the problem for Nebraska is that Baylor brings their 2-3 zone which NU doesn’t get to see that often. To have a chance, they’ll have to shoot well from behind the 3-point line. Look for Eshaunte Jones with his outside shooting ability to play a major role in this game. Although the Huskers are one of the top outside shooting teams in the Big 12, they can’t get too trigger happy and ignore getting the ball inside.
The Bears are strong inside and have very good size, but Nebraska could do some damage if they can somehow get Udoh or Josh Lomers into foul trouble. Obviously this is no easy task.
I think this game could be very close with both defenses making it difficult to put up points. Unfortunately, I think Baylor’s athleticism and 2-3 zone will cause too many dry spells for the Huskers offense leading to NU’s 3rd straight loss.
My pick: Baylor
