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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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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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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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
