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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