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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Big 12 Tournament Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. Texas A&M
March 11, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Big 12 Tournament Pre-game, News.
#12 Nebraska Cornhuskers 15-17 (2-14) vs.
#4 Texas A&M Aggies 22-8 (11-5)
March 11 – 2:00 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
Nebraska faces off with Texas A&M in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament today. The Huskers enter the game with an upset win over Missouri yesterday. The Aggies come into the game with the benefit of having a first-round bye and winners of 3 straight games leading up to the tournament. The big question today is what team will show up for the Big Red?
A&M Coach Mark Turgeon turned in one of the better performances in the Big 12 this year rallying his team despite the season-ending injury to starter Derrick Roland. The Aggies could have felt sorry for themselves but instead found a new resolve and kept improving throughout the course of the conference schedule and are a solid NCAA tournament team. TAMU won the first matchup 64-53 between these 2 teams in what was the first conference game for both.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 11.2 ppg
Brandon Richardson 9.1 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.7 ppg
TAMU leading scorers
Donald Sloan 17.9 ppg
Bryan Davis 10.0 ppg
B.J. Holmes 9.2 ppg
For Nebraska fans, yesterday’s win was very enjoyable. It has been such a difficult season as Doc Sadler and this team just has not put it together on both ends of the court. Now, will NU give an encore performance or will the team that got blown out at home on Senior Day just over a week ago show up?
From what I’ve seen, I think we’ll see the team closer to yesterday’s winners show up. The victory over Missouri gives this team some much needed confidence. Of course, they shot ball extremely well and that will make even the worst of teams tough to beat. I don’t think we’ll see as good of a shooting display again, but I think they’ll defend harder or as hard as they have all season knowing that if they can keep the game close they’ll have a chance to win it.
In my eyes, the Big Red matches up pretty well with A&M. They played them tough in their matchup earlier this season in College Station despite having 8 players playing without Big 12 conference experience.
Here are the 3 keys I’ll be watching for today:
- Nebraska has to defend well. There can be no uncontested shots. And absolutely no open 3-pointers.
- The Huskers need to shoot well. They won’t match yesterday’s 55.8%, but they have to hit 45% or better to keep the game close. The closer they get to the 50% shooting mark, their chances to win dramatically increase.
- How involved will Jorge Brian Diaz be? Yesterday’s offense was effective because he was involved early and often in the offensive sets. That needs to continue. Diaz must also stay out of foul trouble to help out with low post defense and keeping Bryan Davis off the glass. Without a good showing by him, the Huskers chances nosedive.
One other thing to consider: Christian Standhardinger did not play in the Missouri win. If he’s called upon today, he’ll have as much energy as Texas A&M. He could be a key contributor if needed today.
As much as I’d like to pick Nebraska to win today, the odds are just too great. The Huskers have such little margin for error. Nearly everything has to go according to plan for them to win. With that said, that doesn’t mean they can’t win. If yesterday’s game taught us anything, this is why they play the conference tournament games.
My pick: Texas A&M
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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
