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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Pre-Game: Missouri vs. Nebraska
February 20, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Missouri Tigers 19-7 (7-4) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-13 (1-10)
February 20 – 5 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
After 5 straight games against ranked opponents, Nebraska finally gets to face an unranked foe. Or do they? Missouri enters today’s game just outside the Top 25 and after beating Texas earlier in the week, could very well be ranked come Monday. The Huskers will be looking to end their 5-game losing streak while the Tigers will attempt to pick up an important conference road win.
Missouri has been strong as of late, winning 3 of their last 4 games including this week’s upset of Texas. The Tigers have been playing good defense this season. They lead the Big 12 Conference in turnovers forced at 20.3 per game. Their “fastest 40 minutes in basketball” style has rattled opponents all season. Mizzou won the first matchup against the Huskers this season 70-53 in Columbia.
MU leading scorers
Kim English 14.9 ppg
Laurence Bowers 10.7 ppg
Marcus Denmon 10.5 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.7 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.6 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.5 ppg
Nebraska came so close to picking up a win this past Wednesday at Kansas State. They finally showed signs that perhaps this team is starting to click. If they can continue where they left off in Manhattan, they’ll have a very good chance at ending their losing streak today.
Doc Sadler will need his team to clean up a few things if they want to beat Missouri. First and most importantly they must take care of the ball. The Tigers will force the Huskers to play out of their comfort zone which can lead to turnovers. NU has been good at limiting their turnovers most of the season, but had 20 turnovers at Kansas State. They cannot afford that many turnovers against Mizzou.
Next, they must find a way to fight through the second half and avoid their usual scoring droughts. Nebraska has held leads against nearly every Big 12 opponent in the second half but their typical dry spells have doomed them.
My pick: Missouri
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Wildcats survive scare from Huskers 91-87
February 18, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
It’s amazing what good shooting can do for you. Nebraska nearly pulled an upset of #7 ranked Kansas State on Wednesday night. In the end though, KSU held on for a 91-87 victory to improve to 21-4 (8-3) while NU falls to 13-13 (1-10).
Nebraska had 4 guys in double figures for the first time in Big 12 play this season. Leading the way was Ryan Anderson with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Also in double figures was Brandon Richardson with 15 points, Lance Jeter with 12 points (and 12 assists), and Eshaunte Jones with 11 points. Scoring leaders for Kansas State were Denis Clemente and Dominique Sutton each with 21 points.
Turning point in the game:
- Nebraska made a great late push to have a chance at the end but the turning point was really the 6 1/2 minute stretch where the Huskers had their typical scoring drought in the second half. NU jumped out of the gates in the 2nd half grabbing an early 9 point win. But then the Wildcats ratcheted up their defense and went on a 15-0 run to grab control of the game.
Encouraging points:
- Nebraska shot the ball so well, I couldn’t recognize this team. They hit 58% from the floor overall and an amazing 14-21 (67%) on 3s. When you shoot like that, you have a chance to win.
- Lance Jeter had his best game as a Husker. He shot the ball well and was looking to make plays for his teammates. He had a career-high 12 assists.
- Glad to see that the Huskers haven’t given up. They played hard and pushed Kansas State.
So close. NU had a chance at the end but couldn’t convert. Unfortunately turnovers and foul trouble did them in. Richardson and Jeter both fouled out late. This was partially due to Doc Sadler’s late game strategy to put KSU on the line. The Wildcats responded hitting their free throws (80% for the game), but losing 2 starters put the Huskers in a tough situation with some inexperienced players on the court for the last shot.
Nebraska’s losing streak now hits 5 games. It’s the second 5-game losing streak of the season, both in conference play. Not good. Hopefully this game will be a springboard for NU, giving them some confidence as they head into their last 5 games. There are some winnable games on the remaining schedule, but they have to play well to get them.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Lance Jeter
Up next: Missouri.
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Pre-Game: Nebraska vs. Kansas State
February 17, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-12 (1-9) vs.
#7 Kansas State Wildcats 20-4 (7-3)
February 17 – 6 p.m. tipoff
TV: Fox Sports Midwest
Tonight’s game features 2 teams going in opposite directions. #7 Kansas State has won 3 straight and is looking to work their way into a #2 seed in the upcoming NCAA tourney. Nebraska has lost 4 straight, all to ranked opponents, and really has no prospects for post-season play.
Wildcat Coach Frank Martin has really pulled his group together this season. They are athletic and get after it on the defensive end. Plus they have 2 experienced guards in Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente who lead this team. KSU started NU’s current losing streak back on Feb. 2 when they hammered the Huskers 76-57 in Lincoln.
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.2 ppg
Jorge Brian Diaz 8.9 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.3 ppg
KSU leading scorers
Jacob Pullen 18.7 ppg
Denis Clemente 15.4 ppg
Jamar Samuels 11.9 ppg
Doc Sadler and his guys have to be glad this is the last ranked opponent they’ll see for a while. The schedule has not been kind to the young Nebraska team.
The Huskers only hope in this game is that the Wildcats take this game for granted and don’t bring their best effort. NU will need to shoot well, take care of the ball and keep KSU off the boards. And even that may not be enough. At this point in the season, with nothing left to really play for except pride, let’s hope that Nebraska gives a good effort and really tries to compete.
My pick: Kansas 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.
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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.
