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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Anderson and Jeter honored by Big 12 Sportswriters

March 9, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under News.

Ryan Anderson was named to the All-Underrated team by AP writers on Monday. This was his second honor from league writers as he was named to the All-Defense team last season. Lance Jeter picked up his first honor being named to the All-Newcomer team.

Anderson has been the unquestioned leader of the Nebraska team this season. He leads the team in scoring at 11.0 points/game, rebounding at 5.2 per game, 51 steals, and also with 50 made 3-pointers.

Jeter stepped in as the starting point guard this season. He finished the regular season 5th on the team in scoring at 7.5 points/game. He led the team with 3.9 assists/game and also led NU with 950 minutes played.

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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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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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Nebraska snatches defeat from the clutches of victory in 55-53 loss to Baylor

February 11, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

When looking for reasons why they lost 55-53 to Baylor, Nebraska only has to look in the mirror. The Huskers held a 3 point lead with 2:00 minutes left, but failed execution on offense allowed the Bears reclaim the lead and sneak out of Lincoln with a win. NU loses it’s third straight game to drop to 13-11 (1-8). BU improves to 18-5 (5-4) to stay in the upper half of the Big 12.

Nebraska was led in scoring by Myles Holley who came off the bench with a career-high 11 points. Joining Holley in double figures were Brandon Richardson and Eshaunte Jones who each had 10 points and also came off the bench for NU. Baylor was led by LaceDarious Dunn’s 19 points. Also key to the Bear’s win was Ekpe Udoh who finished with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Turning point in the game:

  • With a little over 1 minute remaining in the game, the Huskers holding a 53-52 lead and the ball, Richardson secured an offensive rebound and called timeout to preserve the possession. Out of the timeout, NU looked to run some clock and get a good shot or foul. It didn’t happen. The Big Red looked unorganized and ended up with a long distance 3-point attempt from Lance Jeter that missed badly. From there, Baylor converted a field goal and a free throw to seal the deal.

Encouraging points:

  • You have to like how Myles Holley played on Wednesday night. He brought a lot of energy, had a couple of dunks and also converted a 3-point play late in the game. If he could get his knees healthy, he could refine his game over the next couple of seasons and become a very good role player for the Husker team.
  • The Nebraska bench played well against Baylor. The bench outscored the Bears’ bench 37-7.

Let’s be honest, the outcome of this game felt like a punch in the gut. Nebraska had the game right where they wanted it and looked like they were in position to win. Poor execution on offense simply gave the game away. I’m not sure if the Huskers problems on offense are due to the young and inexperienced roster or Doc Sadler. But I’m guessing it’s a combination of both.

NU played well enough to win this game. They shut down Baylor’s offense, had only 3 turnovers and had a great plan attacking the Bears’ 2-3 zone which led to many open shots. The problem was that they couldn’t hit those shots and finished shooting a dismal 31.6% overall and a miserable 19% from 3’s for the game.

Also disappointing was the lack of production they received from senior starters Ryan Anderson and Sek Henry. Neither Anderson or Henry scored a point and shot a combined 0-6. This is almost unbelievable for the team’s senior leaders to not score and not even get to the free throw line. These 2 have to step it up over the final 8 games of the season.

I mentioned the bench play earlier. Not only did they outscore Baylor’s bench but they outscored Nebraska’s starters 37-16. Are the wrong players starting for the Huskers? It’s easy to make the argument that Brandon Richardson could start and possibly Eshaunte Jones or Quincy Hankins-Cole.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Myles Holley

Up next: at Texas

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Nebraska stifles Oklahoma 63-46 to nab first Big 12 victory

January 31, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

Nebraska jumped to an early lead over Oklahoma on Saturday night to finally grab their first win in conference play. The 63-46 win ends a 5 game losing streak for NU as they improve to 13-8 (1-5 on the season). OU falls to 12-9 (3-4). The game was delayed due to icy weather conditions in Oklahoma that prevented OU from arriving in Lincoln on Friday evening. And though the Sooners won’t use that as an excuse, it’s hard to deny that they looked out of sorts all night.

Brandon Richardson really provided a spark off the bench for Nebraska leading all scorers with 16 points. Also in double figures were Ryan Anderson with 11 points and Jorge Brian Diaz with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Oklahoma was led by Cade Davis’s 13 points.

Turning point in the game:

  • The Huskers put together a 9-0 run lat in the first half after the Sooners had closed the lead to 1 point. NU held a 29-20 lead at the break and didn’t look back as they widened their lead to 15 points by the midway point in the second half.

Encouraging points:

  • Nebraska played aggressively on defense and turned in perhaps their best defensive effort of the season. They forced 15 Oklahoma turnovers and held them to 34.9% shooting. Not only that but they limited Willie Warren, who came in averaging 17.6 ppg, to only 4 points.
  • The Huskers got after the boards and finished with a 34-25 advantage over the Sooners.

Doc Sadler finally got the effort that we’ve come to expect from his teams at NU. The defense made it difficult for OU. The offense hit open and timely shots. Nebraska this year is not going to light the world on fire on offense, but when they can get a defensive effort like they had last night they’ll be in nearly every game and have a chance to win.

Guard play for the Huskers was really good last night. Lance Jeter set the tone early scoring the first 5 points, pushing the ball in transition, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing 4 assists. But Brandon Richardson’s night was great to see. He took it upon himself to step up and be a factor on offense. He knocked down 3s and also took the ball to the hoop. He’s played so consistently this season and is starting to emerge as a leader for this young team.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Brandon Riochardson

Up next: Kansas State.

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Nebraska drops 3rd straight as Iowa State wins 56-53

January 17, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.

The Cyclones came into Lincoln and picked up their first Big 12 Conference road win after losing 16 straight. The Huskers on the other hand are now dealing with a 3 game losing streak in the conference and road games at Missouri and Colorado next up. Nebraska falls to 12-6 (0-3) while Iowa State improves to 12-5 (1-1).

NU was led by Ryan Anderson’s 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Joining Anderson in double figures was Lance Jeter who added 12 points. Marquis Gilstrap led ISU as the only player in double figures with a game high 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Turning point in the game:

  • After closing to 55-53, Nebraska had an opportunity to tie the game. Sek Henry drove the lane, but had the ball poked away by Diante Garrett and into the hands of Gilstrap. Eventually Lucca Staiger was fouled and hit one free throw. Jeter’s desperation 3 missed to close out the game.

Encouraging points:

  • Ryan Anderson played a very good game. The kind of game you expect from a senior. Leading the team in points, rebounds, steals, and assists. There’s not much more he can do on the court for this team.

This is a tough loss for Nebraska. Starting the conference at 0-3 with 2 difficult road games coming next and there is real potential for an 0-5 start. Which would spell trouble for NU’s post season hopes.

The Huskers did not shoot real well on the night, but were still in position to win the game at the end. They limited Craig Brackins to only 6 points. But had a tough time on the boards losing that battle 41-33. NU didn’t shoot poorly, but didn’t really didn’t shoot that well either. They hit 36.5% from the floor and 26.3% on 3s. The real problem for the Huskers is that they tend to settle for 3s a little too much and don’t get enough going to the hoop. Which in turn limits their free throw opportunities and doesn’t put their opponents in any kind of foul trouble.

This is going to be a very tough week of practice for this team as they prepare for their next game. Doc Sadler and the coaching staff wants more toughness, but has to figure out a way to get this team ready and find a way to win on the road. An 0-5 start in the Big 12 could be devastating.

Nebraska Player of the Game: Ryan Anderson

Up next: Nebraska has a week to prepare for their road trip to Columbia to face Missouri.

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