%20--%3e%3csvg%20version='1.1'%20id='Nebraska_N'%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20xmlns:xlink='http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink'%20x='0px'%20y='0px'%20viewBox='0%200%20163%20152'%20style='enable-background:new%200%200%20163%20152;'%20xml:space='preserve'%3e%3cstyle%20type='text/css'%3e%20.st0{fill:%23FFFFFF;}%20%3c/style%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20class='st0'%20d='M159.1,144c-2.3,0-4.1,1.8-4.1,4s1.8,4,4,4s4-1.8,4-4S161.2,144,159.1,144z%20M159,151.2c-1.8,0-3.2-1.4-3.2-3.2%20s1.4-3.2,3.2-3.2c1.7,0,3.2,1.5,3.2,3.2C162.2,149.8,160.8,151.2,159,151.2z'/%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20class='st0'%20d='M157.4,145.6h1.4c0.6,0,0.8,0,1.1,0.2c0.4,0.2,0.6,0.6,0.6,1.1c0,0.4-0.1,0.7-0.3,1c-0.1,0.2-0.3,0.2-0.6,0.4%20h-0.1l1.1,2.1h-0.8l-1-2h-0.6v2h-0.8L157.4,145.6L157.4,145.6z%20M158.6,147.7c0,0,0.3,0,0.4,0c0.4-0.1,0.6-0.3,0.6-0.8%20c0-0.3-0.1-0.5-0.4-0.6c-0.1,0-0.1,0-0.6,0h-0.4v1.4L158.6,147.7L158.6,147.7z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20class='st0'%20d='M147,0H93h-5v5v35v5h5h5v24.8L55.2,2.3L53.7,0H51H5H0v5v35v5h5h5v62H5H0v5v35v5h5h54h5v-5v-35v-5h-5h-5V82.2%20l42.8,67.5l1.5,2.3h2.7h46h5v-5v-35v-5h-5h-5V45h5h5v-5V5V0H147z%20M150,5v35v3h-3h-7v66h7h3v3v35v3h-3h-46h-1.6l-0.9-1.4L52,75.3%20V109h7h3v3v35v3h-3H5H2v-3v-35v-3h3h7V43H5H2v-3V5V2h3h46h1.7l0.9,1.4L100,76.7V43h-7h-3v-3V5V2h3h54h3V5z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20class='st0'%20d='M103,87L103,87L51,5H5v35c0,0,7.8,0,10,0c0,3.3,0,68.7,0,72l0,0c-2.2,0-10,0-10,0v35h54v-35c0,0-7.8,0-10,0l0,0%20c0-2.6,0-47,0-47l52,82h46v-35c0,0-7.8,0-10,0l0,0c0-3.3,0-68.7,0-72c2.2,0,10,0,10,0V5H93v35c0,0,7.8,0,10,0%20C103,42.6,103,87,103,87z'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Live game stats
Live radio broadcast (free)
Buy tickets NOW!!!
Check out the team and coaches on NU Hoops Blog
Live video stream on HuskerVision
Game Date: Feb. 2, 2010
Tipoff Time: 7:05 p.m. CT
Venue: Devaney Center
Capacity: 13,595
Huskers on TV/Radio/Internet
Television: Big 12 Network, ESPN FullCourt. Play-by-play: Mitch Holthus, Color: Rich Zvosec
Radio: IMG Husker Sports Radio Network, Play-by-play: Kent Pavelka, Color: Andy Markowski
Internet Radio/Stats: Free on Huskers.com
Internet Video: ESPN360.com
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Game 22 Notes
2009-10 Record: 13-8, 1-5 Big 12
Head coach: Doc Sadler
Record at Nebraska: 68-48 (4th year)
Record at Division I: 116-66 (6th year)
Career Record: 236-105 (11th year)
Kansas State Wildcats
Game 22 Notes
2009-10 Record: 17-4, 4-3 Big 12
Head coach: Frank Martin
Record at KSU: 60-28 (3rd year)
Career Record: 60-28 (3rd year)
NU's Possible Starting Lineup 2009-10 stats
No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Pts. Rbs.
5 Sek Henry Sr. 6-4 200 7.7 3.6
13 Brandon Ubel Fr. 6-10 220 5.1 1.9
21 Jorge Brian Diaz RFr. 6-11 235 8.3 4.1
34 Lance Jeter Jr. 6-3 225 6.9 4.0*
44 Ryan Anderson Sr. 6-4 195 10.7 5.0
*assists per game
KSU's Possible Starting Lineup 2009-10 stats
No. Name Yr. Ht. Wt. Pts. Rbs.
00 Jacob Pullen Jr. 6-0 200 19.3 3.4*
15 Luis Colon Sr. 6-10 265 2.2 3.8
21 Denis Clemente Sr. 6-1 180 14.6 4.0*
23 Dominique Sutton Jr. 6-5 218 7.6 5.6
24 Curtis Kelly Jr. 6-8 239 11.1 6.3
*assists per game
Huskers Brace for Toughest Part of Schedule
After picking up their first Big 12 Conference win of the season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers make a quick turnaround to start the most daunting part of their schedule beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 2, when they take on No. 10/11 Kansas State at the Devaney Center.
The Huskers and Wildcats will tip off at 7:05 p.m. in a game seen on the Big 12 Network (KLKN-DT2 channel 82 in Lincoln and channel 398 in Grand Island, Hastings, Beatrice; and KXVO in Omaha) and ESPN FullCourt with Mitch Holthus (play by play) and Rich Zvosec (color) calling the action. The game will also be viewed on the Internet at ESPN360.com. The Nebraska radio broadcast can be heard around the state on the on the IMG Husker Sports Radio Network (Kent Pavelka, play by play; Andy Markowski, color), on the Internet at Huskers.com and on Sirius Satellite channel 121.
Nebraska earned its first win in league play Saturday behind a renewed intensity, especially on the defensive end as the Huskers held Oklahoma to a season-low shooting percentage (34.9) and point total (46). That defensive-minded approach by an inexperienced Husker lineup will be needed over the coming three weeks as NU's next five games are against teams currently in the top 25.
The Huskers start what could be the longest consecutive stretch of games against ranked teams in school history against a hard-nosed Wildcat squad that defeated nationally ranked Baylor on the road and then lost by two in overtime to then-No. 2 Kansas last week. In addition to the Wildcats, NU then faces Kansas (currently No. 1 in the nation) on the road this weekend, Baylor (No. 20/24) at home, Texas (No. 9/10) in Austin, KSU in Manhattan and then plays host to Missouri, which is also getting votes.
To earn a fourth consecutive home win over the Wildcats, Nebraska will likely need another strong performance from sophomore guard Brandon Richardson, who has quietly become an offensive leader for the Huskers. The Los Angeles native posted 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting while coming off the bench Saturday and has been the team's leading scorer over the past 12 games (11.0 ppg, 53.6 pct. shooting).
Redshirt freshman center Jorge Brian Diaz, who had 10 points and seven rebounds on Saturday, could also be a spark for the Huskers as they face an athletic KSU frontcourt that has helped the Wildcats outrebound opponents by a 40.0-34.0 margin this year.
Rankings Game
Nebraska will have plenty of chances over the next three weeks to extend a streak of knocking off ranked teams as its next four opponents (five games) enter this week ranked among the national top 25.
}} The Huskers have beaten at least one ranked team in each of the past nine seasons since the 2000-01 campaign. During those nine seasons, Nebraska is 13-39 against ranked teams, including 3-26 against top-15 squads.
}} Assuming each opponent in the next five games is still in the rankings at game time with the Cornhuskers, it will be Nebraska's longest stretch of consecutive games against ranked teams in school history.
}} The Huskers have previously faced four consecutive ranked squads on four separate occasions, but have never faced five straight. Nebraska's best mark in a four-game stretch vs. ranked teams was 2-2 in 1991-92. NU also went 1-3 in 1994-95 and 1996-97, and was 0-4 in 1999-2000.
}} Overall, Nebraska is 5-12 against ranked squads under coach Doc Sadler with one victory last season, a 58-55 home win over No. 16 Texas.
}} The Huskers own a 55-205 all-time record against ranked teams, including a 19-108 mark against teams ranked in the top 10 and an 11-62 mark against top-five squads. The Huskers are 19-60 against ranked teams in the Big 12 era, including 2-28 against top-10 teams and 1-18 against top-five squads.
}} Nebraska has won at least two games against ranked teams in two of the past five seasons, and the three wins in 2007-08 against ranked teams were the most for the Huskers since going 4-1 against ranked squads in 1998-99.
Series history vs. Kansas State
Nebraska and Kansas State are meeting for the 217th time in series history with the Wildcats owning a 123-93 all-time advantage. The Huskers held a lead early in the series, winning 16 of the first 25 matchups in the series that started in 1905-06 with a 50-14 Husker victory in Manhattan. But the Wildcats dominated the matchups starting in the 1950s, earning 22 wins in a 24-game stretch between 1995 and 1964 to take control of the series.
}} During the Big 12 era, Kansas State owns a slim 15-12 series advantage.
}} The Cornhuskers own a 60-33 series advantage over the Wildcats when playing in Lincoln, including a 24-10 advantage at the Devaney Center.
}} In the Big 12 era, Nebraska is 1-1 against nationally ranked Kansas State squads, including 1-0 at home in Lincoln. Overall, the Huskers are 4-24 against ranked KSU teams all-time, with only four of those matchups coming in the past 30 years (KSU leads 3-1 in those games).
}} The teams have split the season series each of the past five seasons. The last season sweep came in 2003-04 when Kansas State won both games.
}} The home team has won each of the last six matchups over the past three seasons, leaving coach Doc Sadler with a 3-3 record against the Wildcats.
}} A win Tuesday by the Huskers would give NU four wins in the last six meetings with KSU, which would tie Nebraska's best six-game mark in the series since winning five of six from 1983 to 1985.
}} Center Aleks Maric set a Husker Devaney Center record with 41 points against Kansas State in 2007. He also set the Big 12 record with 25 free throw attempts while posting the second-highest single-game scoring mark in school history.
Scouting the Kansas State Wildcats
The Kansas State Wildcats enter the midweek matchup with the Huskers with a 17-4 overall record and 4-3 league mark after dropping two of their last three contests. KSU fell at home on Saturday in overtime when then-No. 2 Kansas earned an 81-79 victory in Manhattan. It was K-State's second straight home loss after falling to Oklahoma State, 73-69, a week earlier.
Overall, Kansas State is 11-2 at home and owns a 6-2 record away from Bramlage Coliseum, including a 2-1 record in league play. KSU has defeated Colorado, 87-81, and Baylor, 76-74, on the road and fell at Missouri, 74-68.
In their last contest, the Wildcats got a balanced scoring effort as Jacob Pullen led five 'Cats in double figures. Pullen had 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting and posted five assists in 41 minutes of action. His backcourt mate, Denis Clemente, added 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting in 43 minutes while Jamar Samuels (11 points), Curtis Kelly (10 points) and Wally Judge (10 points) each reached double figures as KSU hit 43.3 percent from the field. The Wildcats had only 13 turnovers in the extra-session game and held a 38-37 advantage on the glass while hitting 15-of-22 shots at the charity stripe.
On the season, Pullen is one of the top 35 scorers in the nation as he has averaged 19.3 points per game despite shooting 41.9 percent. He has also hit 41.8 percent beyond the arc where he has posted 64 3-pointers, as KSU has hit 35.9 percent beyond the arc as a team. Clemente, who is second on the team with 14.6 points per game, is also lethal from long range, hitting 40 treys although his percentage (29.6) has dipped this season. Each of the explosive backcourt tandem is also averaging at least 3.5 assists per game.
The Wildcats are averaging 81.3 points per game on the season as Jamar Samuels (11.8 ppg) and Curtis Kelly (11.1 ppg) also average double figures. Kelly leads the team with 6.3 rebounds per game and, along with Dominique Sutton (5.6 rpg), has helped KSU to a 40.0-34.0 rebounding advantage on the year.
During Big 12 Conference play, KSU has averaged 76.9 points per game with Pullen (17.7 ppg), Clemente (15.6 ppg) and Samuels (11.7 ppg) averaging double figures, although KSU has hit just 42.5 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from long range. K-State has allowed 72.9 points per game in Big 12 action as teams have hit 43.0 percent from the floor and have gotten to the free throw line 22 more times (240 to 218).
The Wildcats are in their third season under coach by Frank Martin (Florida International, 1993). He owns a 60-28 overall record as a head coach, all at KSU.
Recent Meetings - Nebraska and Kansas State
Nebraska and Kansas State have played to a near-even series during the Big 12 era, more often than not with the home team coming out on the winning end. Last season was much of the same with the Huskers dominating K-State in Lincoln and falling in a hard-nosed battle at Manhattan.
}} Last year in Lincoln, Paul Velander hit a career-high six 3-pointers en route to a career-high-tying 20 points and the Nebraska defense forced Kansas State into a season-high 25 turnovers, as the Huskers cruised to a 73-51 victory over the Wildcats in front of 11,091 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
NU shot 50.0 percent on the game, including 58.3 percent in the second half. Velander hit 6-of-10 from behind the arc, while Cookie Miller hit 3-of-3 from 3-point range and the Huskers hit 10-of-18 as a team. Miller finished with 15 points as the only other Husker in double figure, although Steve Harley, Toney McCray, Sek Henry and Ade Dagunduro each had at least eight points in the balanced scoring effort.
As well as the offense played, the defense was even better. NU recorded nine steals and forced 25 Kansas State turnovers, 11 more than the Wildcats' season average and five more than their previous season high. The turnovers were the difference in the game, as Nebraska outscored Kansas State 34-11 in points off turnovers. The Huskers also held K-State to a season-low 51 points.
Nebraska's defense harassed Kansas State early and often in the first half, preventing the Wildcats from operating effectively in their half-court offense. K-State turned the ball over eight times in its first 14 possessions, but in system, the Wildcats hit five of their first seven shots. Overall, Kansas State shot 47.1 percent in the first half, while Nebraska connected on 41.7 percent. NU also hit all eight of its free throws and connected on 4-of-8 attempts from 3-point range.
The Huskers were able to build an 11-point halftime lead thanks to a 21-6 advantage in points off turnovers. The Wildcats turned the ball over 17 times in the first half, after averaging fewer than 14 turnovers per game entering the contest. Seven of the turnovers came courtesy of Husker steals, as Ryan Anderson had five steals in the half.
}} In their most recent meeting, Nebraska tried to battle back from an eight-point deficit midway through the second half but could not quite get over the hump as Kansas State hit its free throws down the stretch to hold on for a 77-72 victory over the Huskers at Bramlage Coliseum last season.
Neither team gained much traction as the score bounced back and forth all night with nine lead changes and 10 ties until KSU forged ahead for good in the final 10 minutes. Nebraska led 50-49 with Paul Velander's driving layup with 10:58 to play before the Wildcats made their move. KSU had three offensive rebounds on a single trip and after coming away without a point, still managed to turn the heat up to force a turnover and get a dunk that started a 9-0 run to give the Wildcats the lead for good.
After Velander's basket, Kansas State forced the Huskers into turnovers on four straight possessions and had three offensive rebounds on their own end as KSU ran to a 58-50 advantage. The turnovers were part of 17 on the night for the Huskers, who were also outrebounded by a 36-25 advantage, including 21-11 on the offensive glass.
Ade Dagunduro, who had been in foul trouble nearly all night, stopped the run with a traditional three-point play, cutting the deficit to 58-53. Velander added another traditional three-point play and Dagunduro and Ryan Anderson added free throws to pull the Huskers within two, 60-58, with 5:43 remaining. The Wildcats responded to push ahead by seven points on Jacob Pullen's 3-pointer with 3:38 left but again the Huskers would not quit. Cookie Miller added four free throws and, following a Wildcat basket, Anderson drained a 3-pointer to get Nebraska back within two, 69-67, with 1:55 to play.
The narrow margin was short-lived as KSU's Daren Kent made a nice move in the paint and put a shot off the glass for a four-point cushion. Pullen then added a pair of charity shots as Kansas State went up by six points with 18 seconds to play. Miller hit his second 3-pointer of the night to make it a one possession game but Fred Brown connected on both of his free throws to put the contest out of reach just seconds later. Miller and Denis Clemente then traded free throws for the final points.
Anderson led the Huskers by tying his season high with 19 points, connecting on 7-of-9 shots from the floor with five boards. Dagunduro finished with 16 points and seven rebounds despite playing only 20 minutes before fouling out with 1:06 to play and Miller added 14 points with seven assists.
Anderson Aims for 1,000-Point Club on Tuesday
Senior guard Ryan Anderson will be playing in his 112th career game on Tuesday night when he aims for a spot in one of the Huskers' elite fraternities. The Seattle native needs just 12 points to join the 1,000-point club at Nebraska.
}} Anderson is aiming to become only the 25th Husker ever to cross the 1,000-point barrier, and the first since Aleks Maric did it his junior year in 2006-07.
}} When Anderson reaches the mark, he will be only the sixth Husker to reach the mark while playing in the Big 12 era including only the fourth to play his whole career after the formation of the conference. The other Huskers to cross the plateau while playing against current Big 12 Conference teams include:
- Aleks Maric (No. 5 all-time, 1,630 points, 2005-08)
- Tyronn Lue (No. 8, 1,577 points, 1996-98)
- Cookie Belcher (No. 9, 1,552 points, 1997-2001)
- Venson Hamilton (No. 11, 1,416, 1996-99)
- Cary Cochran (No. 23, 1,082, 1999-2002)
}} During his career, Anderson has posted 283 points (10.1 ppg) as a freshman, 278 points (8.4 ppg) as a sophomore, 213 points (7.1 ppg) as a junior and has 214 points (10.7 ppg) so far as a senior.
Versatile Anderson in Elite Company
While Ryan Anderson aims to join the 1,000-point club this week, he is already among an elite list with some of his on-court accomplishments over the past three-plus seasons.
}} If Anderson reaches 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 150 3-pointers, he would become one of only a handful of players in the Big 12 era to surpass each of those marks in a career. He will be the first Cornhusker in the era to do it and will be just the third Husker ever, joining Eric Piatkowski and Erick Strickland. The other eight players to play solely in the Big 12 era and reach those three marks are (as of Jan. 29):
• Obi Muonelo (Oklahoma State, 2007-present): 1,206 points, 541 rebounds, 211 3-pointers
• Terrel Harris (Oklahoma State, 2005-09): 1,319 points, 512 rebounds, 153 3-pointers
• Josh Carter (Texas A&M, 2005-09): 1,566 points, 509 rebounds, 299 3-pointers
• Brandon Rush (Kansas, 2006-08): 1,477 points, 602 rebounds, 205 3-pointers
• Richard Roby (Colorado, 2004-08): 2,001 points, 659 rebounds, 214 3-pointers
• Cartier Martin (Kansas State, 2003-07): 1,546 points, 540 rebounds, 178 3-pointers
• Rickey Paulding (Missouri, 2000-04): 1,673 points, 526 rebounds, 191 3-pointers
• Kirk Hinrich (Kansas, 2000-03): 1,753 points, 532 rebounds, 236 3-pointers
Entering the week, Oklahoma's Tony Crocker needs eight boards to join the group as he has 1,246 points, 492 rebounds and 189 3-pointers in his career.
}} Last year Anderson became just the seventh Husker to record at least 100 3-pointers, 100 assists and 100 steals in a career. Among that short list are Eric Piatkowski, Tyronn Lue, Erick Strickland, Cookie Belcher, Cary Cochran and Jaron Boone, along with Anderson. For his career, Anderson now has 158 3-pointers, 155 steals and 205 assists. With his five steals against Iowa State on Jan. 16, Anderson joined Strickland as the only two Huskers ever with at least 150 in each of those three categories.
}} Anderson reached the 500-rebound mark when he posted a team-high eight boards against Iowa State on Jan. 16. The 6-4 Anderson will not reach the NU career top 10 (10th place is 679 boards by Rex Ekwall in 1955-57), but to his credit, Anderson has battled and persevered at the 4 spot each year despite giving up 6-8 inches and 50-80 pounds to most Big 12 opponents and still has moved his way into all-time top 25 rebounders at Nebraska. His 520 rebounds are currently No. 20 on the list, and he needs just seven more to move up one more spot.
}} Anderson crossed the 200-assist plateau with three assists at Colorado this season. He now has 205 assists in his career to rank No. 23 on the Husker all-time list and needs just 10 more to move into the top 20.
}} With at least 40 steals in each of his final three seasons, including 42 and counting this year, Anderson has climbed among the top 10 in Husker history for career steals. His 155 career steals rank sixth currently and he needs just six more to set a personal season high and reach No. 5 on the list.
Richardson Making a Charge
Last year, guard Brandon Richardson missed the first four games of league play becuase of a shoulder injury suffered in the non-conference finale. After he came back, it took him a little while to settle in and start to gain some confidence back on both ends of the court. This season, Richardson has still had health problems with a bad back that forced him to miss a game as well as having the flu and suffering a thigh bruise all during the first week of league play. Despite the roadblocks, he's quietly slid into a comfort zone over the last 12 games that has provided the Huskers a spark at the start of Big 12 Conference action.
}} The talented Richardson has been Nebraska's scoring leader over the last 12 games, including posting a career-best four-game stretch scoring in double figures heading into league play. Overall he has scored double figures seven times in the last 12 games.
}} A 2,000-point scorer in high school, Richardson has averaged 11.0 points per game in the last 12 contests while hitting an impressive 53.6 percent (37-of-69) from the floor.
}} During that 12-game stretch, Richardson has knocked down 16-of-34 3-point attempts (47.1 percent) and 31-of-36 tries (86.1 percent) at the charity stripe. He also has 15 assists while adding nine steals, all while playing just 23.4 minutes of action per game.
}} Richardson set a career high with 18 points to lead Nebraska in a 12-point loss against No. 3 Kansas. Despite missing the previous two days with the flu which caused him to lose about eight pounds, Richardson hit 5-of-6 shots from the floor, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, in 21 minutes off the bench. He also drained all five free throw attempts.
}} Richardson added another strong contest as he helped the Huskers to their first Big 12 Conference win of the season when he had 16 points off the bench in a 63-46 victory over Oklahoma. He hit 6-of-11 shots from the field including 2-of-5 from 3-point range and added three rebounds and two steals in 28 minutes of action.
Board Support
Despite struggling on the glass in league play, Nebraska has won the rebounding advantage 11 times this season, including nine times at home. The Huskers are 10-1 in those contests. Senior Ryan Anderson and redshirt freshman Jorge Brian Diaz have led the way for the Huskers this season, averaging 5.0 and 4.1 rebounds per game, respectively.
}} Anderson has been a mainstay on the backboards for the Huskers the past four years. While he will not break into the career top 10, the 6-4 Seattle native moved past the 500-rebound plateau on Jan. 16 against Iowa State when he had a team-high eight boards. Anderson became the 24th Husker in history to record at least 500 rebounds, and he has moved into the top 20 all-time as he now has 520 rebounds.
}} Anderson posted a career-best and team season-high 14 rebounds to go with 16 points in a win over Oregon State in December. It was his sixth career double-figure rebounding game and his third career double-double.
}} In the regular-season opener, Diaz had 11 rebounds to go with nine points in his first career game. He added a second double-figure rebounding game with 12 boards against Chicago State. At the time, Diaz's season high was the most by a Husker since 2007-08.
}} Along with Diaz and Anderson, sophomore Myles Holley is the only other Husker with a double-figure rebounding game this year. He had 11 boards and seven points against Southern Utah.
}} As a team, Nebraska posted a season-high 41 rebounds against each Chicago State and Jackson State. Overall, the Huskers have recorded at least 35 rebounds in seven games, one more than last year's season total.
}} Nebraska has posted a rebounding advantage in each of its last two games after opening Big 12 play with four straight contests trailing on the glass. NU held a 36-27 advantage on the glass against Oklahoma, when guard Lance Jeter and center Jorge Brian Diaz each led the Huskers with seven rebounds apiece.
Diaz Stacking Up Nicely
Center Jorge Brian Diaz has been fairly consistent this season in the scoring department for a freshman. The 6-11, 235-pounder has averaged 8.3 points per game on the season and has been one of the top shot blockers in the league this season.
}} On the year, Diaz has posted eight double-figure scoring games, and has had four other games with between seven and nine points. He is the leading Husker freshman with 175 points this season, and is currently on pace to challenge for a spot on the Nebraska freshman scoring list. Tenth place is Jamel White with 8.7 points per game in 2006.
}} In conference play, Diaz has hit 50.0 percent (23-of-46) from the field. He knocked down 12 of his first 17 shots from the field (70.4 percent) over two games before going 6-of-20 from the floor over the next three contests. In his last game, Diaz hit 5-of-9 attempts against Oklahoma including a pair of dunks as the Huskers won their first league game of the year.
}} Diaz posted 15 points against No. 3 Kansas with a variety of post moves as well as a number of mid-range jumpers for his best outing against a Big 12 foe this season. It was his highest scoring output since posting a career-best 22 points against TCU at the end of November.
}} Diaz has recorded six blocked shots and had 19 rebounds over the past four games. He matched his season high with three blocks vs. Iowa State and now has eight blocks in six league games to rank ninth (1.3 bpg) in league-only games while ranking eighth (1.5 bpg) in the overall season stats. He is the highest-ranking freshman on each listing.
}} In his best rebounding effort during league play, Diaz had seven rebounds including two offensive boards while helping the Huskers to their first league win with a 63-46 victory over Oklahoma. One of his offensive boards led to a crowd-pleasing putback two-handed dunk.
Standhardinger Showing Flashes
After sitting out the non-conference slate, freshman forward Christian Standhardinger jumped right into the action as conference play got started on Jan. 9 at Texas A&M. The 6-8, 210-pounder quickly made his presence felt as he had a team-high 13 points and seven rebounds vs. the Aggies.
}} Standhardinger made his career debut just over seven minutes into the A&M game and had five points and three rebounds in the opening period. His 3-pointer in the second half gave Nebraska a 42-40 lead and his free throw less than a minute later gave NU its final lead of the game, 43-42.
}} In his second career game, Standhardinger posted eight points on 2-of-7 shooting with two rebounds (both offensive) in 19 minutes off the bench against No. 3 Kansas. He had a more difficult time against Iowa State, scoring only two points on 1-of-7 shooting while adding two rebounds, a steal and an assist.
}} Standhardinger posted his most efficient game yet at Colorado, when he had 14 points in 12 minutes off the bench. Showcasing his slashing European style of play, Standhardinger made nine trips to the free throw line in his limited minutes, converting eight attempts, and hit 3-of-5 shots from the floor. He also added four rebounds, including three offensive boards.
}} With three offensive boards in each of his last two games, Standhardinger now has 12 offensive boards in five games played. He has four more offensive boards than defensive rebounds (12 to 8) on the season.
}} Standhardinger led Nebraska in scoring in each of the two exhibition games, finishing the preseason with 17.5 points per contest while shooting 11-of-18 (61.1 percent) from the floor to raise fan expectations around the state. He nailed 13-of-15 free throw attempts, including 9-of-11 in his first appearance, while adding 7.0 rebounds per game. In Nebraska's final exhibition game, Standhardinger got a spot in the starting lineup where he hit 7-of-11 shots from the field for 18 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes of action.
}} An NCAA amateurism ruling mandated that the freshman forward had to sit out the first 15 games of the season because the club team he played on in his native Germany included a professional. It was the same team that produced fellow Husker Christopher Niemann, who had to sit out all of last season because of the NCAA's ruling at the time. Standhardinger was not allowed to travel with the team, but practiced with the Huskers during the non-conference season.
Jeter Does A little of Everything
Coming into the season, there was some question about who would become Nebraska's floor general as, after last season, two-year starting point guard Cookie Miller decided to transfer and go to school back in his home state of West Virginia. As the non-conference slate has now turned to league play, there is no question who that commander is as point guard Lance Jeter has made his presence felt throughout the program.
}} Jeter leads the team with 84 assists and his 4.0 assists per game are ninth in the Big 12 Conference. He has had at least four assists in nine of the past 12 games.
}} In conference play, the 6-3, 225-pound native of Beaver Falls, Pa., is sixth entering the week with 4.0 assists per game. He posted a career high in each of his first two career Big 12 games with seven assists at Texas A&M and then eight against No. 3 Kansas.
}} He also has shown good decision-making as he owns a 2.33 assist-to-turnover ratio (84 to 36). Entering the week, Jeter rank 45th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio and his assist average placed him 139th in the nation.
}} Jeter has had at least five assists in eight games this season, including six straight between Dec. 23 and Jan. 13. The six straight games with at least five assists is the longest streak by a Husker in the Big 12 era, surpassing the five straight games Charles Richardson Jr. had at least five assists in 2006-07.
}} While Jeter is not looked at as a primary scoring option, he has shown the ability to get to the basket and provide an offensive spark on occasion. He has posted five double-figure scoring games, including 12 points on 6-of-13 shooting against Iowa State on Jan. 13. Prior to that game, Jeter has scored just 13 points in the previous six games combined while going 4-of-27 from the field.
}} Jeter can also be a force on the glass as he has shown the past four games. While he has had just nine assists in the last four contests, he has posted 25 rebounds, setting a career best three times. He posted a then-best six boards against Iowa State and had a team- and career-high seven boards twice, at Missouri and at home against Oklahoma.
Huskers Hitting at Record Pace
Although Nebraska has struggled in the past four games by hitting just 19-of-63 (30.1 percent) beyond the arc, the Cornhuskers are still hitting at a record pace from 3-point range.
}} Nebraska has drained 135-of-344 attempts from 3-point range this season, good for 39.2 percent. That average would be a school record if the season ended today as the current mark stands at 38.9 percent by the 2003-04 squad. That team hit 210-of-540 attempts beyond the arc.
}} NU has hit at least 50 percent from 3-point range in five games this season, including once in Big 12 play when the Huskers drained 11-of-21 (52.4 percent) against No. 3 Kansas.
}} Redshirt freshman Eshaunte Jones is among the Big 12 Conference leaders by hitting 44.4 percent (32-of-72) from 3-point range this season. His 32 treys are a team high and rank seventh in the NU freshman record book.
}} Along with Jones, Ryan Anderson (27), Brandon Richardson (20), Sek Henry (17), Ray Gallegos (12) and Lance Jeter (12) have each recorded double figures for 3-pointers this season. The Huskers have 135 treys this year and are currently on pace to finish with 208 3-pointers, a total which would rank fourth in school single-season history.
Taking Care of the Ball
Coach Doc Sadler's teams at Nebraska have always been noted for their blue-collar work ethic and their attitude toward having a stalwart defense, but over the past couple years another area has become a trademark of a Sadler-led program: ball security.
Last season, the Cornhuskers ranked 18th nationally and first in the Big 12 Conference in turnovers per game, giving up the ball just 11.5 times per contest. NU was one of only two teams (also Texas) to give up less than 12 turnovers per game in 2009 Big 12 Conference play as the Huskers led the league with just 185 turnovers in league action (11.6 tpg).
}} This season, Nebraska is holding on to the ball nearly as well. NU entered the week ranked 32nd nationally in turnovers per game, and is averaging just 11.7 turnovers per contest after posting just nine against Oklahoma on Saturday.
}} Nebraska has been even better in its first six conference games as the Huskers are averaging just 11.3 turnovers per game in Big 12 play. NU is third in turnovers per game in league play.
}} The Huskers have turned the ball over seven or fewer times in four games, and less than 10 times on seven occasions including three of the past five games. Nebraska set this year's season low with four turnovers against Southern Utah, one off the Nebraska all-time single-game record of three (set twice, including once by a Sadler-led club in 2009). NU also had just six turnovers in the non-conference finale.
Defense Taking Shape
Coach Doc Sadler's squads have led the Big 12 Conference in scoring defense each of the past two seasons and ranked among the top 25 defenses in the country at the end of those years. This year has been much of the same despite the fact that the Huskers have just three returning scholarship players available from last year's NIT squad.
}} Entering the week, the Husker defense leads the league in overall scoring defense by allowing 60.2 points per game. Nebraska entered the week ranked 22nd nationally in scoring defense.
}} In conference-only games, the Huskers are allowing 65.3 points per contest to lead the Big 12. Texas A&M is second in league-only contests by allowing 69.1 points per contest while Kansas (69.2 ppg) is the only other team allowing less than 70 points per game in Big 12 play.
}} Earlier in the season, the Huskers had the nation's top-ranked defense as Nebraska entered the Las Vegas Classic on Dec. 22 allowing just 54.1 ppg. The Huskers held the distinction for just one week as they gave up 70 and 88 points, respectively, while splitting games with Tulsa and BYU on a neutral court.
}} The magic mark under Sadler seems to be the 60-point plateau. Nebraska now has a sterling 46-5 record under Sadler when holding teams to 60 or fewer points, including an impressive 40-2 mark at home.
}} The Huskers have allowed more than 70 points to a conference team just 10 times in 41 games (including the conference championship) since the start of the 2008 Big 12 slate. Five of those contests have been at home and five have been on the road.
}} The Huskers held Oklahoma to 46 points in NU's first league win of the season. The total marked the fifth time in coach Doc Sadler's tenure that NU has held a Big 12 opponent to 50 or fewer points, including twice against Oklahoma.
}} Nebraska allowed a season-low 39 points to Chicago State, the 10th fewest points given up by a Nebraska squad since 1947. It was the third time a Sadler-led Nebraska team held an opponent to less than 40 points.
Huskers Finding the Mark
Nebraska coach Doc Sadler has said from Day One that he thought this team "could shoot the ball well," and through the first 21 games this season, they've proven their mentor right despite struggling recently in league play. The Huskers are hitting a solid 45.3 percent from the field midway through the season, including hitting at least 50.0 percent from the field six times.
}} Nebraska's current percentage of 45.3 would be the fifth-highest by a Husker squad during the Big 12 era.
}} Nebraska hit a season-high 55.6 percent against Chicago State and had its best half of the year against Southern Utah when it hit 67.9 percent (19-of-28) after the intermission. At Creighton on Dec. 6, the Huskers hit 50.0 percent (24-of-48) from the floor for its best effort on the road since last season at Texas Tech.
}} Part of the Huskers' offensive effectiveness has come behind solid shooting from beyond the arc, where Nebraska has nailed 135-of-344 from 3-point range (39.2 percent), including draining a season-high 12 treys (on 19 attempts) against Southeastern Louisiana in the non-conference finale.
}} Nebraska ranked 26th nationally in 3-point percentage entering the week after hitting at least 40 percent from beyond the arc in six of the past 11 games.
}} Nebraska's strong shooting from outside was on display as it tied a Devaney Center record and set a team building record by hitting 75.0 percent (9-of-12) from 3-point range against Texas-Pan American on Dec. 2. The Huskers hit seven straight at one point and bettered Nebraska's previous building record of 66.7 percent set three times.
Block Party
Redshirt freshman Jorge Brian Diaz quickly made a name for himself as he posted one of just three Husker 20-point games this season when he had 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting against TCU in his third career game. But it is on the defensive end that he is quickly - and quietly - looking like one of the top freshmen in school history.
Diaz currently leads NU with 31 blocked shots, and his 1.5 blocks per game are eighth in the Big 12 Conference on the season, where he is the top-ranked freshman. Diaz's 31 blocks in 21 games are 13 more than NU's individual high last year (18 by Toney McCray) in 31 games.
}} Diaz already ranks third in the Nebraska freshman record book with his 31 blocks. The only two rookies to ever record more are Venson Hamilton (1996) and John Turek (2002), who hold the Nebraska freshman record with 39 blocks each in their initial season.
}} Diaz has had a career high with three blocked shots in five contests this season including the Huskers' contest against Iowa State at home.
}} As a team, the Huskers own 67 blocked shots this season in 21 games, averaging 3.2 blocks per game. Last year, Nebraska had just 52 blocks in 31 games (1.7 bpg).
Bench Production
The Cornhuskers have spread the scoring around this season with only one player averaging double figures while seven other active Huskers are averaging at least 5.0 points per game. Much of that production has come from the bench, as Nebraska has a deeper roster than many recent seasons.
}} The Husker bench outscored opponents in each of the first eight games and 16 times overall this season.
}} Nebraska posted its top bench production when it got 35 points from the non-starters at Colorado. That was 58.3 percent of its 60 points scored against the Buffs.
}} The Huskers' production of 28 points against Oklahoma in their last game was one of 14 games when the Huskers had at least 25 points off the bench.
}} On the season, Nebraska has gotten 580 points (of 1,404 on the season) from its bench. That's 41.3 percent of the production that has come from outside the starting lineup.
}} The most points by a Husker off the bench this year is 22 by Jorge Brian Diaz, who went 9-of-10 against TCU, while Eshaunte Jones added 21 points, including five 3-pointers, in a loss to BYU. Brandon Richardson also had 18 points off the bench against No. 3 Kansas and 16 points against Oklahoma, while Christian Standhardinger had 14 points in 12 minutes off the bench at Colorado.
Freshman Highlights
Nebraska has had season-ending injuries to two players - Toney McCray and Christopher Niemann - who could have each earned starting roles this year. Add on to that the fact that eight of Nebraska's 13 scholarships are held by freshmen and sophomores, and it's easy to see why one of the least experienced teams in the Big 12 has had to rely on a number of youngsters in the early portion of the season.
Two of those players - redshirt freshmen Jorge Brian Diaz and Eshaunte Jones - have shown promise as they had performances that stack up among the best in NU freshman history.
}} Diaz made his presence felt early and often as the Huskers raced past TCU on Nov. 21 in a 90-77 victory, just one game after he took an elbow to the face and had a pair of front teeth knocked loose and suffered a cut inside his mouth in the opening minute at Saint Louis. The Caguas, Puerto Rico, native set a team season high with 22 points vs. TCU as Nebraska reached the 90-point plateau for the first time since 2006.
}} Against TCU, Diaz connected on 9-of-10 shots from the floor, with only a first-half miss keeping him from the NU record book. The Husker single-game record for most field-goals attempted without a miss is nine set on five occasions, including last year by Ade Dagunduro. Diaz's .900 shooting percentage is the third highest single-game mark by a Big 12 player this season.
}} Diaz became the first freshman since Sek Henry in 2006 to post a 20-point contest for the Huskers. Henry's outburst that season came one day after Ryan Anderson put his name on the list with 29 points, the second-highest total by a Husker freshman ever.
}} Jones followed as he produced 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting in a loss to BYU in the HoopTV Las Vegas Classic. He hit 5-of-7 3-point attempts while adding three rebounds and two assists without a turnover.
}} Overall, Diaz and Jones are the 21st and 22nd freshmen to record a 20-point game for the Huskers since freshmen were reinstated by the NCAA for the 1972-73 season. Joe McCray set the record with the most 20-point games by a Husker freshman when he had 10 contests with at least 20 points in 2004-05. Only six Husker freshmen in history have had multiple 20-point contests.
Taking the Shot
With so many new faces on the squad, it was only a matter of time before one of the youngsters was asked to step up and make a game-changing play. At USC on Nov. 29, it was more than just a game-changing play... it was a game-deciding shot.
}} Redshirt freshman Eshaunte Jones, playing in his ninth career game, had made just two field goals in the first half and had only been off the bench for a total of five minutes in the second period before being called upon with less than a minute to play in a tie game. Jones didn't hesitate as the buried the game-winning shot from the corner, a 3-pointer with 11.7 seconds remaining. The shot was reviewed at length by the officials who determined it was indeed a 3-pointer. From there, the Huskers defended the perimeter well and USC only managed to get off an off-balance desperation shot at the buzzer.
}} Jones finished the USC game with seven points, and his 3-pointer gave the Huskers their first road win of the season, and just the second true road win over a non-conference opponent under fourth-year coach Doc Sadler. It was NU's first road victory over a non-conference BCS team since defeating Tennessee, 62-61, in Knoxville in 2004.
}} Jones also led the Huskers in scoring in both games at the HoopTV Las Vegas Classic just before Christmas. He posted 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, all from 3-point range, to lead the Huskers to a victory over Tulsa, and came back a night later to record a career-best 21 points. He hit 6-of-11 shots from the field with five made baskets from 3-point range (seven attempts).
}} Jones is third in the Big 12 Conference in 3-point percentage as he has connected on 44.4 percent (32-of-72) from beyond the arc this year. His 32 3-pointers are seventh on the NU freshman top 10 list.
50 is the New 60
Nebraska has made it a habit of holding teams to 50 points or less since coach Doc Sadler took over in 2006-07. Since his arrival, the Huskers have held opponents to 50 or fewer points 23 times. In the first 10 years of the Big 12 era before Sadler arrived, Nebraska managed the feat on 26 occasions.
The most times NU has held teams to 50 or fewer points in a season under Sadler is nine times in 2007-08. This season, the Huskers have held seven teams below 50 points. That defensive effort has helped the Huskers allow just 60.2 points per game, an average leads the Big 12 Conference this year and is among the national leaders.
}} Dating to the 2007-08 season, Nebraska has held nine of its last 13 Big 12 Conference opponents in the Devaney Center to 57 or fewer points, including four times under 50 points. Two of those four games holding a Big 12 opponent to less than 50 points came against Oklahoma.
}} Overall, NU held six teams to 57 or fewer points in Big 12 play last year, including Missouri (51), Kansas State (51), at Colorado (53), Texas (55), Colorado (41) and Texas A&M (57). The Huskers have added two to the list this year as Iowa State posted only 56 points and Oklahoma had just 46 points.
}} During Nebraska's three home games between Dec. 10 and Dec. 19, the Huskers held all three teams to 44 or fewer points, including 39 points by Chicago State, 44 by Oregon State and 41 by Jackson State. The 39 points by Chicago State tied for the 10th lowest point total allowed by the Huskers since 1947.
}} The last time a Nebraska squad matched a streak of three straight games holding teams to below 45 points was the 1943 season. In fact, the last time the Cornhuskers even held three straight teams to below 50 points was 1958 as NU won three straight games over Colorado (41 points), No. 4 Kansas (41 points) and No. 1 Kansas State (48) as part of a four-game win streak.
Niemann, McCray Out for Season
After making what looked to be a successful return from a torn ACL suffered in the final week of the regular season last year, 6-10, 265-pound sophomore center Christopher Niemann had a major setback as he tore the same ACL for a second time in the first week of September. After surgery to repair the damage that occurred during a non-basketball conditioning workout, Niemann will be out for all of the 2009-10 campaign.
Niemann is currently making good progress through rehab again, and is on pace to join the team for offseason workouts in late spring. He will have three years remaining on his original eligibility clock to play three seasons with the Huskers.
}} Nebraska coach Doc Sadler announced following Nebraska's game against UMKC on Nov. 24 that sophomore guard Toney McCray would have surgery on his elbow and be out for the remainder of the season. McCray injured the elbow in a pickup game in early September, sustaining a torn ligament. McCray tried to play through the pain as doctors assured him that it would get no worse if he waited until after the season to have surgery. But Sadler said that McCray indicated he had little confidence in his elbow and wasn't able to help the team the way he wanted to, and thought it would be better to have surgery now and be ready for the offseason in the spring of 2010.
McCray had successful surgery on Dec. 7 to repair the UCL in his elbow. He started rehab that week and is doing well, as he is on pace to try to join the team in the spring during offseason workouts.
}} Both Niemann and McCray were looked at as possible starters heading into the start of the season. McCray averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds over three games this year, hitting 53.3 percent (8-of-15) from the field. He played 18.3 minutes per game. Niemann has yet to play a game in a Husker uniform.
Nebraska Receives Rare Waiver
Nebraska petitioned the NCAA with a waiver that was granted in early September, allowing the Huskers to have 14 players on scholarship for the 2009-10 season. The rare allowance given to NU is only for this season and Nebraska will be required to return to 13 scholarships for the 2010-11 season.
While the Huskers were able to receive the waiver, there was one stipulation as it said that one player had to redshirt this season to get the active roster down to 13 scholarship players. Unfortunately with Christopher Niemann's preseason injury, he is out for the year and it was determined that he would count as the one who would count toward that provision.
}} While NU received the extra scholarship, it enters Big 12 play already down to the 13-scholarship limit, including only 11 active scholarship players. Toney McCray and Christopher Niemann are out for the season with injury, while freshman Adrien Coleman transfered out of the program at the end of the first semester.
}} Nebraska has two seniors leaving it with 11 scholarship players eligible to return next season. In the fall, the Huskers signed 6-11, 315-pound Brazilian center Andre Almeida, who is in his second and final season playing for Arizona Western College this season.
New Faces Line Husker Roster
While the Huskers will rely on three returning scholarship players for leadership - seniors Ryan Anderson and Sek Henry, and sophomore Brandon Richardson - most of the eyes will be focused on the faces of several newcomers who dot the inexperienced Nebraska roster.
}} Among the scholarship newcomers who have seen action for the first time in their Husker careers this season are juniors Lance Jeter and Quincy Hankins-Cole, sophomore Myles Holley, redshirt freshman Jorge Brian Diaz and freshmen Ray Gallegos and Brandon Ubel. Freshman Adrien Coleman also played in the first semester before transfering at the holiday break.
}} Freshman Christian Standhardinger, who was forced to sit out the first 15 games of the season because of an NCAA amateurism ruling, became eligible for the league opener at Texas A&M. He is the eighth scholarship Husker to play his first game for Nebraska this season.
}} Including walk-ons Matt Karn and Mike Fox, more than 60 percent (9 of 14 active players; 64.2 percent) of the Huskers who have recorded time during the regular season are playing for the first time in a Nebraska uniform this year. Another Husker - Eshaunte Jones - played only four games last year before an injury forced him to redshirt.
2009-10 Scholarship Breakdown
Seniors: 2 (returnees Sek Henry and Ryan Anderson)
Juniors: 2 (transfers Lance Jeter and Quincy Hankins-Cole)
Sophomores: 4 (returnees Toney McCray, Brandon Richardson and Christopher Niemann*; newcomer Myles Holley)
Redshirt Freshmen: 2 (Eshaunte Jones and Jorge Brian Diaz)
True Freshmen: 3 (Brandon Ubel, Ray Gallegos, Christian Standhardinger)
*sat out last season per NCAA ruling on amateur status; has not played at Nebraska
Youth Movement
While Nebraska entered the season knowing it will have a number of young players in the lineup on any given night, it did not realize it would have two of the youngest players in their respective classes.
}} Freshman Brandon Ubel is the third-youngest player overall in the Big 12 Conference this season. Born on Aug. 29, 1991, only Jaye Crockett of Texas Tech (Oct. 16, 1991) and Tyler Stone of Missouri (Sept. 8, 1991) are younger than Ubel.
}} While Ubel is one of the youngest in the league, another Husker is the youngest for his class. Junior college transfer Quincy Hankins-Cole, who graduated high school when he was 16 and played the past two years at Polk (Fla.) CC, will not turn 20 years old until Feb. 18, 2010. The next youngest junior in the Big 12 is Kansas State's Jacob Pullen, who turned 20 on Nov. 10. In fact, Hankins-Cole is three months younger than redshirt-freshman Jorge Brian Diaz, who turned 20 on Nov. 13.