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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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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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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Pre-Game: Kansas State vs. Nebraska
February 2, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
#11 Kansas State Wildcats 17-4 (4-3) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-8 (1-5)
February 2 – 7 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
#11 Kansas State rolls into Lincoln to face Nebraska on Tuesday night. The Huskers are coming off their first conference win after beating Oklahoma. While NU picked up a win this past Saturday, the Wildcats were beaten by in-state rival Kansas in overtime.
KSU Coach Frank Martin has seen his team put together a strong season despite being a little up and down since their upset of then #1 Texas. They’ve dropped 2 home games (Oklahoma St. and Kansas) but grabbed a win on the road at Baylor. But with a favorable schedule remaining, K-State looks like they are poised for a top 3 finish in the conference.
They are led by their guards Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente, who not only are scorers but are capable of dictating the tempo of the game.
KSU leading scorers
Jacob Pullen 19.3 ppg
Denis Clemente 14.6 ppg
Jamar Samuels 11.7 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.7 ppg
Christian Standhardinger 9.0 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.9 ppg
Nebraska has to feel like they got the monkey off their back after their win over Oklahoma. For Doc Sadler though, the best thing about the win has to be the fact that the team was rewarded for bringing the effort necessary for this team to be successful.
Can the Huskers build on the win and string 2 victories together? NU should have regained some confidence and be ready to put up a very solid effort on their home court. The big question is did they learn enough from the Oklahoma game? I think they’ll give the Wildcats some trouble defensively, but I don’t think the Huskers will be able to generate enough offense. Not only that, but I expect that Pullen and Clemente will be able to handle the defensive pressure and hit big shots to propel KSU to the win.
My pick: Kansas State
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Pre-Game: Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
January 29, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Oklahoma Sooners 12-8 (3-3) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 12-8 (0-5)
January 30 – 12:30 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
Nebraska welcomes Oklahoma to the Bob Devaney Center for a Saturday matchup. The Huskers are suffering through a 5 game losing streak that has them winless in the Big 12. The Sooners come to Lincoln after a home win over Iowa State and trying to make a move to the upper half of the conference.
Jeff Capel’s Sooners are a young team and as such have really struggled playing on the road. They hold a 1-5 record away from Norman but are 10-0 at home. As a talented but inexperienced team, they are streaky. They tend to take ill-advised shots that when falling, they look good. But if they’re not falling they can shoot themselves out of a game.
OU leading scorers
Willie Warren 17.6 ppg
Tommy Mason-Griffin 12.9 ppg
Tony Crocker 12.3 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.7 ppg
Christian Standhardinger 9.3 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.5 ppg
Doc Sadler’s squad is stinging from their recent loss in Colorado where the Huskers didn’t put forth the kind of effort we’ve come to expect from a Sadler coached team. Like the Sooners, inexperience has been a major factor for NU this season – poor shot selection, turnovers and defensive lapses.
This game represents an opportunity to get their first win in conference play. Lose this one and it’s entirely possible that Nebraska’s losing streak could stretch out to 12 games and crush any hopes of postseason play.
Look for the Huskers to put forth a tremendous effort against the Sooners. I think Doc will pull out all the stops to keep NU in the game and have a chance to win it. I’m expecting more minutes for Standhardinger as he looks like Nebraska’s best offensive weapon and an increased defensive intensity from the team. I’m going against my gut and picking the Huskers to win this game. With the Sooners struggles on the road and hopefully a passionate effort from NU I think they’ll put an end to their losing streak.
My pick: Nebraska
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Buffaloes cruise past the Huskers 72-60
January 28, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Colorado defeated Nebraska 72-60 on Wednesday night and left no doubt which team belongs in the Big 12 cellar. CU improves to 11-9 (2-4). Nebraska falls to 12-8 on the season and 0-5 in the conference. The 0-5 start to conference play is the worst Big 12 Conference start for NU since the Big 12 began. It equals the school’s worst conference start in 20 years (1989-90 season).
Christian Standhardinger led the Huskers with 14 points off the bench and basically carried the team down the stretch to make the final score respectable. The Buffaloes were led by freshman Alec Burks’ 21 points while Cory Higgins chipped 11 points and Nate Tomlinson added 10 points.
Turning point in the game:
- Nebraska had an awful start to the game. Missed shots and turnovers. They fell behind by as much as 13 points but had cut the lead to 10 at half. Needing to start the 2nd half strong, they came out weak. Colorado took advantage stretched the lead to 15 points and essentially putting the game on ice.
Encouraging points:
- Not much be encouraged about after this one. Maybe the fact that Standhardinger stepped up late and refused to give up.
It is officially gut-check time for the Nebraska players and Coach Doc Sadler. For the players, they need to get stronger leadership from seniors Ryan Anderson and Sek Henry. They need to quit listening to the excuses that they’re young and start playing harder to make up for that.
For Coach Sadler has to start devising ways to generate offense. This goes against his philosophy of playing tough defense and letting the offense kind of take care of itself. He has to find ways to put this team in position to score. Maybe this means that Standhardinger needs to be the focal point on offense. In my eyes he’s the only player that has shown flashes to score consistently and can get to the free throw line. If that’s not the answer, he must find the answer.
The sad part for Nebraska fans is that the light at the end of the tunnel is looking like an oncoming train. The upcoming schedule leaves doubts as to where this team will find it’s first conference win. They host Oklahoma this weekend then #13 Kansas State, @ #2 Kansas, Baylor, @ #6 Texas, and @ #13 Kansas State.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Christian Standhardinger
Up next: Oklahoma.
