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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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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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings – 03-01-10
March 1, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Uncategorized.
Kansas finally loses a conference game at the hands of Oklahoma State. But despite that upset there is very little movement in this week’s rankings.
Week of March 1
1. Kansas (Last Week: 1, 27-2, 13-1) The Jayhawks may have dropped their first conference game, but they are still the class of the Big 12. Next up: Kansas State and @ Missouri.
2. Kansas State (2, 24-4, 11-3) KSU keeps rolling along thanks to a 7-game winning streak. They’re nipping at the heels of Kansas Next up: @ Kansas and Iowa State.
3. Baylor (4, 22-6, 9-5) A strong week which featured a win over Texas A&M moves the Bears up spot. Next up: @ Texas Tech and Texas.
4. Texas A&M (3, 20-8, 9-5) The Aggies split with Baylor and Texas last week. Next up: Oklahoma State and @ Oklahoma.
5. Missouri (5, 21-8, 9-5) The Tigers drop a game to Kansas State as they head into the final week of the regular season. Next up: @ Iowa State and Kansas.
6. Texas (6, 22-7, 8-6) The ‘Horns are glad February is over as they struggled to a 4-4 record for the month. Next up: Oklahoma and @ Baylor.
7. Oklahoma State (7, 20-8, 8-6) The Pokes lose on the road to Texas but bounce back to upset Kansas in Stillwater. They’ve likely secured themselves an at large bid to the NCAA tourney Next up: @ Texas A&M and Nebraska.
8. Colorado (9, 13-15, 4-10) The Buffs are hoping to finish strong with 2 winnable games remaining. Next up: @ Nebraska and Texas Tech.
9. Texas Tech (8, 16-12, 4-10) Tech is struggling with a 5-game losing streak. They’ll need a strong finish to hold to their hopes for an NIT bid. Next up: Baylor and @ Colorado.
10. Oklahoma (10, 13-15, 4-10) The Sooners look like they’ve written this season off as their losing streak stands at 6 games. Next up: @ Texas and Texas A&M.
11. Iowa State (11, 14-15, 3-11) ISU goes 1-1 last week as they desperately try to finish with a winning record for the first time since Greg McDermott took over the program. Unfortunately it doesn’t look likely. Next up: Missouri and @ Kansas State.
12. Nebraska (12, 14-15, 2-12) The Big Red finally ends their losing streak but it may be too late to climb out of last place in the Big 12. Next up: Colorado and @ Kansas State.
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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings – 02-22-10
February 22, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Uncategorized.
Only slight movement in the rankings this week. The Big 12 looks like a lock for 7 teams making the NCAA tournament. These last 2 weeks of conference play will sort out the seeding for the Big 12 tournament.
Week of Feb. 22
1. Kansas (Last Week: 1, 26-1, 12-0) KU continues to cruise right along. They’ll have a test in Stillwater, but they should stay undefeated in conference play this week. Next up: Oklahoma and @ Oklahoma State.
2. Kansas State (2, 22-4, 9-3) The Wildcats push their winning streak to 5 games. Next up: @ Texas Tech and Missouri.
3. Texas A&M (3, 19-7, 8-4) A&M will find out what it’s made of this week. Next up: @ Baylor and Texas.
4. Baylor (4, 20-6, 7-5) The Bears look like a solid NCAA tourney team, but can position for a better seed with every win down the stretch. Next up: Texas A&M and @ Oklahoma.
5. Missouri (6, 20-7, 8-4) Mizzou should push into the Top 25 with their recent victories. Next up: Colorado and @ Kansas State.
6. Texas (5, 20-5, 6-4) The Longhorns have lost 6 of their last 10 games. It won’t be any easier this week. Next up: Oklahoma State and @ Texas A&M.
7. Oklahoma State (7, 19-7, 7-5) This week will be huge for the Cowboys NCAA tourney chances. Next up: @ Texas and Kansas.
8. Texas Tech (18, 16-10, 4-8) The Red Raider’s bubble may have burst with their recent 3-game losing streak. Next up: Kansas State and @ Nebraska.
9. Colorado (11, 12-14, 3-9) CU is looking to end their 3-year stretch of finishing last in the Big 12. Next up: @ Missouri and Iowa State.
10. Oklahoma (9, 13-13, 4-8) OU is suffering through a 4-game losing streak with a very tough schedule remaining. Next up: @ Kansas and Baylor.
11. Iowa State (10, 13-14, 2-10) The Cyclones have lost 6 straight. This week offers their best chance to grab a win. Next up: Nebraska and @ Colorado.
12. Nebraska (12, 13-14, 1-11) The Huskers finally catch a break and will not have to face a ranked team down the stretch. Next up: @Iowa State and Texas Tech.
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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings – 02-15-10
February 15, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Power Rankings, News.
I missed putting out ranking last week, so each team’s previous ranking reflects 2 weeks ago.
The upper half of the Big 12 is starting to separate from the bottom half. With 6 games remaining, there are some intriguing situations developing. Will Kansas lose a game? Will the Big 12 get 8 teams into the NCAA tourney? Will Nebraska win another game?
Week of Feb. 15
1. Kansas (Last Week: 1, 24-1, 10-0) The Jayhawks hold a 3-game advantage over the rest of the conference. The question isn’t really whether they’ll win the Big 12, but will they go undefeated? Next up: @ Texas A&M and Colorado.
2. Kansas State (3, 20-4, 7-3) The Wildcats are riding a 3-game winning streak. Next up: Nebraska and @ Oklahoma.
3. Texas A&M (7, 18-6, 7-3) The Aggies have surged up the rankings with a 4-game winning streak. Next up: Kansas and @ Iowa State.
4. Baylor (4, 19-5, 6-4) Baylor is looking to be a very dangerous team down the stretch. Next up: Texas Tech and @ Oklahoma State.
5. Texas (2, 20-5, 6-4) Texas is trying to get its swagger back after a rough stretch. Next up: @ Missouri and @ Texas Tech.
6. Missouri (5, 18-7, 6-4) The Tigers suffer a tough loss on the road to Baylor. Next up: Texas and @ Nebraska.
7. Oklahoma State (6, 17-7, 5-5) The Cowboys stop a 3-game losing streak by rolling Oklahoma. Next up: @ Iowa State and Baylor.
8. Texas Tech (10, 16-8, 4-6) Tech can still work their way into a NCAA tourney bid with a strong finish. Next up: @ Baylor and Texas.
9. Oklahoma (8, 13-11, 4-6) The Sooners have struggled on the road going 0-5. Next up: @ Colorado and Kansas State.
10. Iowa State (9, 13-12, 2-8) ISU has 3 home games coming up, can they get a win? Next up: Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.
11. Colorado (11, 11-13, 2-8) The Buffs have lost 4 straight. Next up: Oklahoma and @ Kansas.
12. Nebraska (12, 13-12, 1-9) Nebraska has lost 4 straight to ranked opponents and face a 5th on Wednesday. Next up: @ Kansas State and Missouri.
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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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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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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
