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 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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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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Longhorns destroy Huskers 91-51
February 13, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Nebraska had no business on the same court with Texas on Saturday. The Longhorns rolled the Huskers 91-51. This was the worst conference loss for the Big Red since a 53-point drubbing at Kansas in 2007. Nebraska falls to 13-12 (1-9) while Texas improves to 20-5 (6-4).
NU was led by Ryan Anderson who had 9 points and 7 rebounds. TU was led by Avery Bradley’s 25 points to pace 5 Longhorns in double figures.
Turning point in the game:
- This one was basically over at tipoff. Texas did put together a 19-0 run towards the end of the first half to kill any hope Nebraska had of making a game of it.
Encouraging points:
- None. If anything this was the type of game that makes you want to hit the fast forward button to next season.
Nebraska did nothing good in this game. Defense? Terrible. Offense? Terrible. Shooting? Pitiful. Rebounding? Awful.
This has been a dreadful basketball season for Doc Sadler and the Huskers. Unfortunately there is still 6 regular season games to suffer through. The only thing to watch for at this point is will they somehow sneak a couple of wins and stay out of the Big 12 cellar.
Nebraska Player of the Game: I’m not picking a player of the game because there was no one deserving.
Up next: at Kansas State.
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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
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Familiar story foils Huskers upset bid in 75-64 loss to Jayhawks
February 7, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Nebraska stepped up and went toe to toe with #1 Kansas before losing 75-64 in Lawrence. After racing out of the gates in the second half, the Huskers grabbed a surprising 4 point lead. But then the Jayhawks returned to form and put away the Huskers. With the loss, NU drops to 13-10 (1-7) and KU improves to 22-1 (8-0).
The Big Red benefited from a big game from Jorge Brian Diaz. The redshirt freshman led the way for Nebraska with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Ryan Anderson joined Diaz in double figures with 12 points. Kansas was led by Marcus Morris who finished with a double-double 20 points and 11 rebounds. Sherron Collins also aided the KU effort with 17 points and 6 assists.
Turning point in the game:
- After the Huskers came out strong in the second half building a 4 point lead, the Jayhawks put together a 16-1 run that NU couldn’t recover from. It was an all too familiar site for Nebraska fans watching Kansas put together one of their classic runs to ruin the Big Red’s chances.
Encouraging points:
- The fact that Nebraska bounced back from a poor effort against Kansas State, to go on the road and give Kansas a scare has to be the biggest encouraging sign from this game.
- Jorge Brian Diaz’s game was very good. Doc Sadler has been preaching to his team to work the ball inside and they took it to heart on Saturday. Diaz was able to get the ball in the post in a position to score as he hit 9-17 shots. His strong effort caused problems for Kansas as Cole Aldrich got into foul trouble early. Though Diaz looked pretty tired at the end of the game, his day confirms for me that he can be a cornerstone type of player for Nebraska in the next couple years.
- Another nice sign was the fact that NU didn’t give up at the end. After Kansas had built their lead up to 19 points, Nebraska continued to play hard and cut the lead down to the final 11 point margin.
In the end this game is a building block for the young Huskers. I was very concerned that this game could have turned out to be a blowout of epic proportions. Instead NU stepped up and executed their game plan in a very tough environment. That can only help build some confidence for Nebraska.
The downside of this game was the fact that the Big Red committed 18 turnovers. Without the turnovers, NU could have possibly held the lead at halftime or had a chance to win at the end. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Jorge Brian Diaz
Up next: Baylor.
