Once again, we arrive at Nebraska’s turn after two great games to start the day. Oklahoma State threatened Texas before the Longhorns won, and you could argue Colorado might have won against Oklahoma if not for a few untimely misses from the free-throw line.
With Kansas on the docket, I’d consider it a moral victory if the Cornhuskers could emulate the performances of Colorado and OSU. Kansas is the only team Nebraska hasn’t been able to keep with, and the crowd will be partial to Kansas more than any other team in this tournament. the Jayhawks just have too much talent for Nebraska to cover on the court, they’ve proven their ability to shut down Maric, and they have the height advantage awarded to each of Nebraska’s opponents.
Don’t expect Maric to lay an egg again in this one. He’s too hot right now, and Doc Sadler has surely addressed the issues that haunted him in their last meeting with Kansas. I wouldn’t think fresh legs will play a factor, either, as tough as Nebraska’s practices are, and I have the sneaky suspicion Sadler played Cookie Miller as little as possible against Missouri to keep his right shoulder fresh for Kansas. Because frankly, Sek Henry’s occasionally spastic play is going to kill Sadler someday. I’m still trying to popularize nicknaming him and Ade “The Jitterbugs” for their nervous play.
I will do live updates throughout the game.
Pre-game: In all fairness, Herbie Husker has some mad dance moves. I’m beginning to think mascot technique is under-rated.
14:05: Kansas’ lead is only 7-5. They’re playing about as bad as they could, and both teams are playing sloppy. Ade has all Nebraska points, which blows my mind. I thought he’d have been subbed out minutes ago. The Huskers are playing scrappy ball doing well in the defensive paint.
12:49: Darrel Arthur loses his shoe, the second shoe lost today in the Sprint Center. Also, Aleks Maric is wearing pink socks. What gives?
11:07: Harley briefly tied the game at eight with a three, but Sherron Collins answered from the arc next trip down the court. I can’t put this into words adequately if you didn’t see it, but Miller may have turned in the play of his career, defensively schooling Collins AND Arthur successively. I would equate his play on Arthur to him rising to the big man’s level and completely stuffing a pass. Embarrassment ensued.
7:37: Sadler said they need to play perfect to win. They’re far from that, but Nebraska’s up 16-14. Ade has 10 points, which is beyond perfect, and Maric hasn’t scored, which is unthinkable. Nebraska’s making some solid defensive plays (see: Paul Velander) and get some lucky rolls (see: everyone) but mostly, they’re outhustling Kansas. And running the shot clock down to slow the game.
3:20: No words. Nebraska’s up 23-18, they just got a turnover and a frustration foul called on Russell Robinson. Ade is having the game of his life, and the Huskers continue to play well, all things considered. If they could enter halftime with a lead, that in itself would be one of those “steps” Sadler’s always looking to achieve.
Let’s consider things for a moment. Nebraska and Kansas haven’t played during Nebraska’s hot streak. Should we have expected a blowout? The answer is probably yes, and it still could be one eventually. But is this totally unexpected? Alright, the answer is probably still yes. Whatever.
Halftime: Nebraska enters the half with a 27-22 lead. Chalmers stuffed Jay-R Strowbridge on a three to end the half, but all things considered, the Huskers couldn’t be in better shape. Up by five on Kansas? This with Maric largely uninvolved on offense and Ryan Anderson spending a good amount of time on the bench. Everything about Nebraska is smart. Decisions are good, lineup changes are good. Give Henry credit for playing solid ball with Collins pressuring.
For halftime entertainment, I’ll take a quick look around at the new Sprint Center in Kansas City, where the tournament is being held. The architecture of the building is outstanding - the end product is a collaboration of three sports venue architecture firms in KC - with the circular exterior covered in silver panels that catch the sun well. Inside, the space is very efficient. The hardwood is set two stories below ground level, making it look smaller from the outside than it is. Seating is steep, four tiers high on the sidelines and two tiers on the baselines. In fieldhouse fashion, an open area near the top of the west side lets sunlight in through the silver windows. I personally love the interior. It beats the Bob Devaney Sports Center, and I’ve never been a fan of the open end in the Qwest Center.
Back to the game, my warm-from-the-printer stats tell me Nebraska has fifteen points off turnovers. Kansas: zero. KU has a higher shooting percentage, but the Huskers have 8 more shots. Also, Kansas’ 22 points in a half ties their season-low. Maric has two points, Anderson zero. KU starters have as many points (11) as their bench. I imagine that will change in the second half.
17:37: And we’re back. Kansas ties and takes the lead 30-29, bringing the crowd back into the game.
14:30: KU had calmed down and Nebraska has straightened out. Jayhawks lead 34-31, but they’re getting far too many offensive rebounds for Nebraska to stay competitive.
11:49: Nebraska’s keeping close. Henry had a monster jam that came out of nowhere, and Anderson nailed a three to close to four. Problem is - as Sadler made sure Anderson knew - he wasn’t open at all on that ill-advised shot, and was lucky to have it go in. They still need to create open shots to win. Maric, who has been on the bench, is returning to the game and Anderson heads to the bench.
7:37: If Nebraska is going to come back, Ade might have made the play. He’s drawn two fouls on Arthur, who now has four. Maric can’t buy a basket down low and has about 40 traveling calls, so if they’re going to do anything, now is the time. The Huskers have desperately been running set plays to get Velander open for a three, but the Jayhawks are all over him. The score is 47-38, Nebraska ball.
7:23: Timely. They get Velander open for a three. Not only does he make it, he gets fouled and makes the free throw. 47-42, and Velander heads to the bench, his play a success.
6:42: I buy what seems to be the strategy. Kansas is in the bonus on fouls, and Ade’s been fouled the last three times he’s touched the ball. He makes one of two in this attempt to draw within six, but that’s something Nebraska needs to go back to.
6:24: Unfortunately for Nebraska, they are also in the bonus, and Maric picked up his fourth.
3:25: The lead is at seven, and Nebraska has distanced itself from “smart basketball.” Sloppy mistakes and poor shot selection are sinking the Huskers, who are running out of time. KU is missing shots and giving NU the opportunity, but no one is taking the lead.
1:19: Ade takes out Collins on a breakaway and Collins doesn’t like it. He gets a technical, as does Nebraska’s bench.
37.6: With Nebraska down 10, let me air my single greatest frustration for cheerleaders. Even when a loss is imminent, cheerleaders are still smiling. Aren’t they supposed to be the consummate team supporters? You wouldn’t think they’d be so chipper. I want to see them all crying and heartbroken after a loss.
On that note, I watched them all gaze admirably at the videoboard during a timeout, watching the Kansas cheerleaders do their routine. It was all too perfect, and a little hilarious.
6.8: Kansas and Nebraska have both came to terms with the end result - except Henry, who steals the ball and goes for a dunk amidst a chorus of boos. Hey, might as well play while you have the opportunity.
End Game: Nebraska gave a good-faith effort in a 64-54 loss. They didn’t play perfect, and they didn’t win, but they didn’t get blown out, either. They played in a hostile environment and were aggressive. It wasn’t enough, but maybe it earned them a little respect, not that they shouldn’t have any already.
Well, Nebraska’s turn in an incredible first day of conference tourney games has finally come. For those of you who haven’t heard, the games thus far in the Big 12 Conference have been great. Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech in a close one, but the big ticket was Colorado versus Baylor. The Buffaloes became the first 12-seed to win a game in Big 12 Tourney history, and they did it in two overtimes. That game is probably a microcosm of what will happen in this tournament – all the teams are too close to separate them clearly.
That said, I got the luxury of listening to the CU-Baylor game while trolling the Kansas City streets trying to find parking. They’re blood-suckers out there.
Before the game starts I’ll comment on the unluck bestowed on Nebraska via seed. As the seven seed, they get to face Missouri in their home state and, if they win, Kansas – an our from KU’s campus. Red will be in short supply in the stands. Don’t forget that over the course of the conference season, Kansas is the only team the Huskers have failed to prove they can keep up with.
Still, pick your poison. No path through the Big 12 is going to be easy. Nebraska’s will need to find an answer to Missouri’s size, but I would be surprised to see them struggle the way they did in their last meeting with the Tigers. Nebraska appears to be a completely different team than they were a month ago. They’re not going to hit a scoring drought like the one they suffered at home against MU.
I will continuously update this blog throughout and after the game.
14:19 in 1st: Apparently they’re committed to having Leo Lyons score. He took five of MU’s first six shots. Only came away with two points, though. A couple threes forced a Nebraska timeout 10-6, with Sek Henry and Ade Dagunduro on the bench after playing like meatheads and making ill-advised decisions offensively.
7:54: Nebraska is on a 10-0 run and up 18-12, but you wouldn’t expect it from the way they’re playing. Then again, Missouri’s not any better. Both teams are trading mistakes, and they just showed Mike Anderson on the big screen with the face of a man watching something foul occurring. Nebraska’s knocking down open shots and pushing the tempo, leading to my favorite moment thus far: Aleks Maric pulling down a rebound, turning and, with a serious face, bringing the ball up the court full-speed (it didn’t last but three steps).
2:28: Nebraska looks pretty pathetic right now. They’re down 25-20 and look frazzled on both ends. Missouri’s working them over to get easy baskets and pushing the Huskers offense to the final seconds on the shot clock. Also of note is arena security, all of whom are wearing red blazers, and most of whom have gray hair. Which one of them is Tom Osborne?
Halftime: Maric, who had been sitting out, came in at the 2:28 mark and restored the order quickly. That terrible stretch by the Huskers is just more proof of how valuable and vital Maric is to their success. Cookie Miller had an excellent layup in transition against a taller foe, something he’s struggled to finish off all season. Best moment came at the buzzer, when Miller chucked it downcourt to Harley, who hit a jumper from the free-throw line to give the Huskers a 30-28 lead at half. All in all, the first half was pretty poorly played, but Nebraska’s finish has to bring some momentum into the locker room. They need to shore up their perimeter defense and Maric needs to look for guys on the perimeter, though Mizzou seems to be focusing on eliminating the kick-out. Nebraska’s getting into the paint with ease, but they’re not getting as many open perimeter shots as they’re used to (0-for-7 from the arc), and the big guy can fix that.
Start of 2nd: It just came to my attention that Missouri outrebounded Nebraska 17-6 in the first half? I almost don’t believe it. On a lighter note, I brushed arms with Kansas State coach Frank Martin in the tunnel. Chills ensued. To paraphrase a friend, his track record and demeanor suggests he’s an NCAA violation in the making.
17:20: There is an advantage to being as big and slow as Maric. When there’s contact, he almost always gets the charge due to never being in motion.
15:07: Missouri gets their first field goal of the half. Credit the basket to Demarre Carroll, who ended his streak of surprisingly terrible misses.
6:54: Missouri’s putting together a threatening run. Earlier, when they pulled within four, Harley bailed the Huskers out with a three, but now the Tigers are back within four. On a personal note, Missouri has the crappiest mascot I’ve ever seen. The fabric of the Tiger outfit is towel, and looks better suited to be the abused plush friend of a toddler.
3:45: Nebraska’s hustle is doing them favors, but their free throw shooting is slowly digging a grave. Sek Henry failed to capitalize on a stupid Mizzou foul and missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Nebraska’s performance against the press is going to be huge in these final minutes. A turnover or two could change the game.
2:29: Miller’s back in the game after Jay-R Strowbridge throws the ball away, which should help against the press.
2:06: Nebraska gets a five-second violation called after an MU basket, giving the Tigers a chance to take the lead.
1:29: Matt Lawrence gets taken out of the game, for some unknown reason. This game’s living up to previous contests.
0:33: Lawrence returns, but Carroll shoots and misses a three. Henry goes to the line and missed the front end AGAIN. Nebraska still holding a three-point lead, but Missouri has the ball and the shot clock is off.
End Game: Henry hit two free throws when it mattered, and Mizzou couldn’t find the basket. I now leave the earshot of a drunk old Missouri man who is thoroughly displeased with most aspects of the game. 59-56 Nebraska, Kansas up next tomorrow. If they turn in the same kind of performance, expect an ugly loss.
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