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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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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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: 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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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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Missouri adds to Nebraska misery with 74-59 win
February 22, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Another conference game, another loss. Nebraska looked like they might give Missouri a run after a brief lead early in the second half but the Tigers responded to dominate the rest of the game and win 74-59. With Saturday’s loss the Huskers extend their losing streak to 6 games and fall to 13-14 (1-11) while Missouri improves to 20-7 (8-4).
NU was led by Ryan Anderson’s 22 points. His hot shooting from behind the arc kept Nebraska in the game in the first half. Missouri was led by Marcus Denmon who had 24 points. Adding to the MU cause was Zaire Taylor with 18 points and Laurence Bowers who had 12 points.
Turning point in the game:
- The Huskers wilted under the Tigers defensive pressure in the second half struggling to score on every possession. From the point NU took a 39-38 lead in the second half, MU made Nebraska look inept.
Encouraging points:
- There was not much to be encouraged by in Saturday’s game. I guess Ryan Anderson’s hot 3-point shooting would be it. Everything else was tough to watch.
There’s not much to say about this loss. It pretty much followed the Huskers season storyline. Grab an early lead in the second half, struggle to score the rest of the way and lose.
The only thing to look forward to at this point is if NU can avoid finishing in last place in the Big 12. Doc Sadler’s team has 4 games left. All are against teams in the bottom half of the conference.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Ryan Anderson
Up next: Iowa State.
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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.
