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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Cowboys easily defeat Huskers 74-55
March 8, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Game Recaps, News.
Nebraska got handled last Saturday afternoon 74-55 by Oklahoma State. This dropped NU to 14-17 (2-14) while OSU improved 21-9 (9-7) to further bolster their position as an at-large tournament team. This has been a brutal Big 12 regular season for the Huskers and this game followed the script to the letter as another lengthy scoring drought allowed the Cowboys to build a 19-point first half lead. The game was decided by halftime.
The Big Red were led by Brandon Richardson’s 16 points and Christian Standhardinger’s 14 points in the loss. The ‘Pokes were paced by James Anderson who finished with 25 points. Joining Anderson in double figures were Obi Muonelo with 13 points and Nick Sidorakis with 12 points.
Turning point in the game:
- Again a lengthy scoring drought did Nebraska in. A 6 minute stretch where the Huskers couldn’t score is about all you need to know about this game. You just can’t win if you can’t score.
Encouraging points:
- It’s tough to find any encouraging moments in this game. NU was manhandled yet again.
Ryan Anderson was unable to play in this game due to a sore ankle. Hopefully he can shake that off and play in the Big 12 tournament. The Huskers need all the help they can get.
This game capped a very frustrating Big 12 season for Nebraska. They finish with a 2-14 record in the conference, the worst mark since 1962-63 when NU finished 1-13 in the Big Eight.
Nebraska Player of the Game: Brandon Richardson
Up next: Missouri in the Big 12 tournament.
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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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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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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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Pre-Game: Kansas State vs. Nebraska
February 2, 2010 by Bret Nellor, under Husker Basketball Pre-game, News.
#11 Kansas State Wildcats 17-4 (4-3) vs.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 13-8 (1-5)
February 2 – 7 p.m. tipoff
TV: Big 12 Network
#11 Kansas State rolls into Lincoln to face Nebraska on Tuesday night. The Huskers are coming off their first conference win after beating Oklahoma. While NU picked up a win this past Saturday, the Wildcats were beaten by in-state rival Kansas in overtime.
KSU Coach Frank Martin has seen his team put together a strong season despite being a little up and down since their upset of then #1 Texas. They’ve dropped 2 home games (Oklahoma St. and Kansas) but grabbed a win on the road at Baylor. But with a favorable schedule remaining, K-State looks like they are poised for a top 3 finish in the conference.
They are led by their guards Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente, who not only are scorers but are capable of dictating the tempo of the game.
KSU leading scorers
Jacob Pullen 19.3 ppg
Denis Clemente 14.6 ppg
Jamar Samuels 11.7 ppg
NU leading scorers
Ryan Anderson 10.7 ppg
Christian Standhardinger 9.0 ppg
Brandon Richardson 8.9 ppg
Nebraska has to feel like they got the monkey off their back after their win over Oklahoma. For Doc Sadler though, the best thing about the win has to be the fact that the team was rewarded for bringing the effort necessary for this team to be successful.
Can the Huskers build on the win and string 2 victories together? NU should have regained some confidence and be ready to put up a very solid effort on their home court. The big question is did they learn enough from the Oklahoma game? I think they’ll give the Wildcats some trouble defensively, but I don’t think the Huskers will be able to generate enough offense. Not only that, but I expect that Pullen and Clemente will be able to handle the defensive pressure and hit big shots to propel KSU to the win.
My pick: Kansas State
