Huskers Travel to CU for Big 12 Finale

Game 30: at Colorado
Game Date: March 5, 2011
Tipoff Time:  8:05 p.m. (Central)
Venue: Coors Events Center
Capacity: 11,064

Nebraska Cornhuskers
Game: 30
2010-11 Record: 19-10, 7-8 Big 12
Head coach: Doc Sadler
  Record at Nebraska: 88-68 (5th year)
  Record at Division I: 136-86 (7th year)
  Career Record: 256-125 (13th year)

Colorado Buffaloes
Game: 31
2010-11 Record: 18-12, 7-8 Big 12
Head coach: Tad Boyle
  Record at Colorado: 18-12 (1st year)
  Career Record: 74-77 (5th year)

Huskers Ends Big 12 Era at Colorado
The Nebraska men's basketball team looks for its 20th win of the season, as the Huskers travel to Boulder, Colo., on Saturday for a crucial matchup with the Colorado Buffaloes.

Tipoff at a sold out Coors Event Center is slated for 8:05 p.m. (central) and will only be available on the 32-station IMG Husker Sports Radio Network with Kent Pavelka and Matt Davison on the call, including KFAB 1110 AM in Omaha, KLIN 1400 AM in Lincoln and KRVN 880 in Lexington and available on the Internet at Huskers.com.

While Saturday's non-televised tilt is the final regular season Big 12 game for both Nebraska and Colorado, it has postseason implications for the Huskers and Buffaloes. Both teams are tied with Baylor for sixth place with a 7-8 Big 12 mark entering the final weekend of the season.

For Nebraska (19-10, 7-8 Big 12), a win over the Buffaloes would not only give the Huskers their 20th victory of the season and a .500 conference mark, but would guarantee an upper division finish in the Big 12.  In addition, wins by both Nebraska and Kansas (at Missouri) would mean that NU would tie for fifth - the program's best regular-season league finish since 1998-99.

The Huskers are coming off a strong performance on Tuesday night, downing No. 22 Missouri 69-58 at the Devaney Center. Nebraska shot 53 percent and had four players in double figures, led by Lance Jeter's 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. NU shot 67 percent in the second half and out-rebounded the Tigers, 35-24.

Jeter has played at a high level down the stretch, averaging 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists in Nebraska's last two games.

He is currently averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game in Big 12 play and could become only the third player in Big 12 history - joining Jamaal Tinsley (2000) and Kirk Hinrich (2002) to average more than five rebounds and five assists per game in league play.

With the league's tiebreakers, Nebraska would be seeded between sixth and eighth for next week's Phillips 66 Big 12 Basketball Championship. A win would put NU sixth or seventh, while Nebraska will be the eighth seed with a loss to the Buffaloes.

Colorado (18-12, 7-8 Big 12) is in a similar situation to Nebraska, as the Buffaloes can be seeded anywhere between fifth and eighth depending on Saturday's outcomes around the Big 12. Colorado looks to rebound after a 95-90 loss at Iowa State on Wednesday. Alec Burks had 24 points and nine rebounds to pace four Buffaloes in double figures. Burks leads the Big 12 in scoring at 19.8 points per game and is averaging 20.5 points and a league-high 8.0 rebounds per game in conference play.

Look at Colorado
Colorado comes into the regular season finale with an 18-12 record following a 95-90 loss at Iowa State on Wednesday. The Buffaloes are 7-8 in the league, but have home wins over Texas and Missouri and swept Kansas State.  Colorado is 14-2 at home and a win on Saturday would tie a school record for most home wins in a season. Before taking the Colorado job in April, Tad Boyle spent the last four seasons coaching at Northern Colorado, leading the Bears to a 25-8 record in his final season at the school. Colorado returned all five starters from a team that went 15-16 last season under Jeff Bzdelik.

The Buffaloes are one of the league's top offensive teams, ranking third in the Big 12 and 12th nationally with 79.7 points per game, including 85 or more points in four of the last six games. CU is third in the league in shooting percentage (47.0) and hits 37 percent from 3-point range. The Buffaloes are especially  efficient at the foul line, taking a league-high 697 attempts from the free throw line while also pacing the league and ranking fifth nationally with .779 percentage from the charity stripe.

Colorado feature two of the top players in the Big 12 in guards Alec Burks and Cory Higgins. Burks, a potential first-round draft pick, leads the Big 12 in scoring at 19.8 points per game. In Big 12 action, he has been even better, ranking second in the league in scoring (20.5 ppg) while topping the league with 8.0 rebounds per game. He had 33 points and 10 rebounds in Colorado's win over No. 5 Texas on Saturday.  Higgins, a preseason first-team All-Big 12 performer, is also in the top 10 in the league in scoring at 15.8 points per game to rank eighth in that category, while ranking second on the team in both assists (74) and steals (31).

Colorado also has one of the Big 12's top sixth men in senior Levi Knutson, who averages 12.1 points per game. The guard leads the Big 12 in 3-point shooting percentage (.484). Another player who provides a major lift off the bench is freshman Andre Roberson, who leads CU in rebounding (7.4 per game),  blocked shots (31) and steals (43) while adding 6.1 points per game.

Nebraska-Colorado Series
Nebraska leads the all-time series, 77-70, following the win in Lincoln earlier this season. The series dates back to the 1902-03 season, making Colorado the Huskers' second-oldest Big 12 rival in basketball (NU's series with Kansas dates back to 1900), but the 147 meetings are the second-fewest among Nebraska's old Big Eight foes.

• Nebraska has won 17 of 30 games between the two schools since the Big 12 was formed, and Nebraska Coach Doc Sadler is 5-4 against Colorado during his first five seasons at Nebraska.
• Colorado leads the series, 41-25 in Boulder, but is just 16-15 all-time against Nebraska at the Coors Events Center.
• The Huskers last win in Boulder came in a 55-53 win on Feb. 4, 2009, as the 2008-09 season was the last time the Huskers swept Colorado in the regular-season series.

First Meeting vs. Colorado
Toney McCray tied his career high with 18 points, and Nebraska played one of its best second halves of the season, stopping Colorado's seven-game win streak in a 79-67 win on Jan. 18. McCray scored five of his points in a 13-2 run, as the Huskers broke open a tight battle into an 11-point lead. The junior hit 8-of-14 shots from the floor and grabbed eight rebounds in helping to hand Colorado its first Big 12 loss. Nebraska, which placed four players in double figures, shot 64 percent in the second half and 56 percent on the night.  Jorge Brian Diaz hit 7-of-8 shots for 14 points while Lance Jeter totaled 10 points, a season-high nine assists and added six rebounds. Drake Beranek was the fourth Husker in double figures, chipping in 10 points off the bench. Alec Burks led all scorers with 22 points, but was just 7-of-17 from the floor for Colorado.

Last Time Out
Behind a 16-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist effort from Lance Jeter, the Nebraska men's basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a 69-58 win over No. 22 Missouri Tuesday night.

The Huskers put four players in double figures en route to picking up their third win against a ranked opponent.  Jorge Brian Diaz joined Jeter in double figures with 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Toney McCray added 13 points, including a trio of 3-pointers. Nebraska also got a big lift off the bench from Brandon Ubel, who had 11 points and matched his career high with nine rebounds.

Nebraska took control of the game midway through the second half with an 11-0 run, turning a 40-all tie into a 51-40 cushion, as Jeter and Drake Beranek combined for eight points in the spurt. Beranek gave Nebraska a lead it would not relinquish with a layup with 12:17 to make it 42-40 before Jeter hit a 3-pointer to give NU a five-point lead. Beranek eventually stretched the lead to 11 with 10:34 remaining on a 3-pointer.

After NU built a 15-point lead, Missouri pulled to within 10 points on two occasions, the last at 63-53 after a Marcus Denmon 3-pointer, but hit just two field goals in the final four minutes against Nebraska's defense.

Noting the Missouri game

• Nebraska picked up its 19th win of the season, matching the Huskers' highest regular-season win total since the 1997-98 season.
• Nebraska has held 16 opponents under 60 points this season and is 15-1 in those contests.
• Nebraska won its 17th home game tonight, which ties a school record set in 1982-83 (17-1) and 2007-08 (17-3). Nebraska finished the regular season with a 17-2 home mark.
• Nebraska improved to 3-3 against ranked teams this season, only the third time in the Big 12 era NU has topped three ranked teams this season (also 2007-08; 1998-99)
• Nebraska's six Big 12 home wins matches the team's highest total in the Big 12 era.
• With the win over Missouri, Doc Sadler moved into a tie for fourth on Nebraska's all-time wins list with 89.
• Nebraska shot 53.2 percent against Missouri, the 12th time the Huskers have shot over 50 percent in a game this season. The Huskers, who opened the game by hitting four of their first 17 shots, shot 70 percent the rest of the game.
• Lance Jeter finished with a team-high 16 points, the sixth time he has had at least 15 points in a game this season. Jeter also had six assists and seven rebounds against the Tigers.
• Jorge Brian Diaz reached double figures for the 16th time this season with 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting. He has been in double figures in four of NU's last five games.
• With the blocked shots, Andre Almeida now has 10 games with multiple blocked shots this season.
• Brandon Ubel tied a career high with nine rebounds (also against Davidson) while his 11 points were his highest total in Big 12 play this season.
• Nebraska held Missouri to just four foul shots, the third time NU has held an opponent to five free throws or less in a game this season.

A Win at Colorado Would...

• Give Nebraska a 20-10 record, matching the program's best record after 30 games in the Big 12 era (also 1997-98). The last time NU had a better record after 30 games was in 1990-91 when the Huskers were 24-6.
• Help Nebraska reach the 20-win mark for the 13th time in school history and second time in Doc Sadler's five seasons at Nebraska.
• Mark the sixth time in school history - and the first time since 1992-93 that Nebraska had reached 20 wins before the conference tournament.
• Put the Huskers' Big 12 record at 8-8, its second .500 finish in three years after Nebraska went 10 years without finishing at least .500 in league play.
• Guarantee that NU finishes at least sixth in the Big 12 standings for the second time since 2000 (2005-06). Wins by Nebraska and Kansas on Saturday would put the Huskers in a tie for fifth, its best finish in the Big 12 since 1998-99.
• Give Nebraska a sweep of Colorado for the second time in three years and the fifth time in the Big 12 era (1997-98; 1998-99; 2004-05; 2008-09).
• Improve Nebraska's record to 8-7 against teams in the top 100 of the RPI this season.
• Give Nebraska Coach Doc Sadler his 90th win at Nebraska, moving past Barry Collier for sole possession of fourth place on Nebraska's career wins list.

Huskers Enjoying Strong Season
Nebraska enters the final weekend of the regular season in contention for a postseason bid with a 19-10 record and a chance to finish .500 in a conference which is rated as the third-toughest in America in the RPI. The Huskers easily topped last year's win total of 15 and are seeking their 13th 20-win season in program history. A win on Saturday would help Nebraska make a bid for its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998.

• Nebraska's 19-10 mark is the Huskers' best after 29 games in 13 seasons, and matches the program's best-ever record in the Big 12 era after 29 games.
• Nebraska has three wins over ranked teams, only the third time in the last 15 seasons the Huskers have knocked off three ranked teams in a season (also 1998-99 and 2007-08).
• Nebraska picked up its first win over a team ranked in the top three in 17 seasons when the Huskers stunned No. 3 Texas, 70-67 on Feb. 19.
• The Huskers have three wins over teams rated in the top 30 in the NCAA's latest RPI (No. 9 Texas, No. 28 Missouri and No. 29 Texas A&M)
• Nebraska matched a school record with 17 home wins, going 17-2 at the Devaney Center this season.
• Of the Huskers' 10 losses this season, six are teams currently in the top 35 in the NCAA's latest RPI rankings (2 vs. Kansas and K-State, 1 each vs. Vanderbilt and Missouri).
• The Huskers swept the two Oklahoma schools for the first time since 2005-06 and only the second time in the Big 12 era.
• Nebraska ran off 11 straight wins earlier this year, the longest win streak in 18 years.
• Nebraska's performance was recognized on Jan. 10, when the Huskers received four points in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. It was the first time since Jan. 16, 2006, that Nebraska had received any points in the coaches poll. NU received votes in both the AP and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll on Jan. 30, the first time that has happened in Doc Sadler's five seasons.

Down to the Wire
One of the keys to Nebraska's success this season has been the ability to get into close contests. Nebraska has played 11 games decided by five points or less. That is a change from last year, where Nebraska played just 10 games decided by 10 points or less.

• Eight of the Huskers' 15 games in conference action have been decided by five points or less and NU is 3-5 in those games.
• Nebraska has been within five points with 2:30 left 12 times this season, including eight times in conference play. NU has a 5-7 mark in those games following Saturday's overtime loss at Iowa State.
• In seven of NU's 10 losses (Vanderbilt, Davidson, Kansas, Texas Tech and Baylor), Nebraska was within five points with 2:30 remaining. In addition, Nebraska used a late run at Missouri, cutting a nine-point deficit with 2:30 left to four points with 31 seconds left.
• Nebraska has had four one-point games this season, going 2-2 in those contests.

A Defense that Would Make the Blackshirts Proud
As is typical with Doc Sadler-coached teams, the Huskers' forte is on the defensive end. Nebraska is in the top 15 nationally in both opponent field goal percentage (.385) and points per game (60.0) entering Saturday's game at Colorado. The Huskers lead the Big 12 in scoring defense and are second to Texas in field goal percentage defense.

Nebraska's defense is on pace to be one of the best in school history, as the Huskers' 60.0 points per game allowed is the lowest since the 1981-82 campaign (55.3 ppg). In fact, only five Husker teams have allowed less than 60 points per game, and just one since 1952.

The Huskers have held 16 opponents under 60 points and only five opponents have scored more than 70 points this season.  That fact is made more impressive when you consider that Nebraska has played five opponents currently among the nation's top 25 in scoring offense (Kansas-2x, Missouri-2x, Colorado, South Dakota and Vanderbilt).

In Nebraska's 10 losses, the Huskers have allowed an average of 71.4 points per game, while allowing just 54.0 points per game in its 16 wins.

• Nebraska has allowed only three teams to eclipse its season scoring average in the first 29 contests.
• Nebraska has held seven teams (Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Vanderbilt, Hofstra, Eastern Washington, Grambling State, Kansas and Texas A&M) to season lows in points.
• Nebraska held 10 straight opponents to under 60 points earlier this season, the longest stretch by a Nebraska team since a 21-game stretch covering the 1948-49 and 1949-50 seasons.
• Nebraska's defense has been stingy at home, allowing just 56.2 points per game in 19 home contests.
• The Huskers held four straight foes to under 50 points - the first time that has happened at NU since 1949.
• Nebraska opponents have been held to 25 percent shooting three times this season, including 21.1 percent by Eastern Washington on Dec. 18.
• Nebraska's defensive excellence has been established under Sadler, as the Huskers led the conference in defense twice in his first four years at NU (2007-08, 2008-09).

More than Just Defense

• Nebraska's .470 field goal percentage is on pace to be the Huskers' best shooting since the 2000-01 squad that shot .487 and ranked 11th nationally in field goal percentage. That is Nebraska's best field goal percentage in the Big 12 era. The Huskers are currently second in the Big 12 in shooting percentage, and 30th nationally.
• While Nebraska typically relies on its defense and is 11th in the league in scoring offense, the Huskers' current scoring average of 67.8 points per game is on pace to be the highest in Doc Sadler's five seasons (current high is 67.1 in 2007-08) and the most since averaging 70.7 points per game in 2003-04.
• Nebraska is also in the top half of the league in rebounding margin (+4.0, sixth) and turnovers (13.4, sixth), while Nebraska tops the league in defensive rebounding percentage.

Jeter Keys Husker Offense
While the Huskers' offensive strength is their balance, the leader of Nebraska's attack is senior point guard Lance Jeter, who has started every game over the last two years since arriving from Polk (Fla.) Community College.

Jeter, who began his collegiate career as a wide receiver at the University of Cincinnati, has made his mark in two years at Nebraska.  He ranks 14th on Nebraska's career assist list with 258 career assists, which is the most ever by a two-year player at Nebraska.

Last season, the 6-foot-3, 222-pounder was named to the Big 12's All-Newcomer team by the media after averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 assists per game, and he may be one of the league's most improved players this season.

Jeter leads Nebraska in scoring (11.5 ppg), assists (4.5) and steals (1.8), and is shooting at a 48 percent clip after hitting just 41 percent from the floor last season. He is second in the league with a 2.3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and is fourth in the Big 12 in steals and assist. He is the only player in the Big 12 averaging at least 10 points, four assists and four rebounds per game.

He has upped his play in Big 12 action, averaging 12.9 points,  5.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds, putting him among the Big 12's best in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2-to-1. second), assists (second), steals (1.7 apg, third) and scoring (17th).

Jeter can join an exclusive list on Saturday if he has at least six rebounds and four assists against the Buffaloes. He would become only the third player in Big 12 history to average more than five rebounds and five assists per game, joining Iowa State's Jamaal Tinsley (1999-2000) and Kansas' Kirk Hinrich (2001-02).

More importantly than his numbers, his leadership has been influential in helping the Huskers when they needed him the most.

• In Nebraska's four games against ranked opponents this season, he is averaging 10.7 points, 6.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game while posting an impressive 3.0-to-1 assist to turnover ratio.
• He propelled the Huskers to a 11-point win over No. 22 Missouri on Tuesday night with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
• Jeter has the best offensive performance of his career at Iowa State, totaling a career-high 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. In that game, he hit a career-high five 3-pointers, including a game-tying shot with 3.4 seconds left to send the game to overtime. It was the most points by any Husker since the 2007-08 campaign.
• Jeter was held to seven points against Oklahoma, but grabbed a then-career-high eight rebounds in helping Nebraska snap a 13-game conference road losing streak and pick up its first win in Norman since 1999.
• Jeter led NU with 16 points, including 7-of-8 from the foul line, against Oklahoma State to snap a three-game losing streak.
• Against No. 2 Kansas, Jeter turned in one of his finest efforts, totaling a season-high 10 assists and 10 points for his first double-double of the season. His 10 assists were the most by any player against KU in five seasons.
• In the win over No. 13 Texas A&M, he scored eight of his 10 points in the second half, including six points and three rebounds in a 10-1 second half run that gave Nebraska the lead for good. He finished with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. He also helped Nebraska commit only one second-half turnover (offensive foul on a ball screen) and shoot 50 percent after halftime against the Aggies.
• He nearly led Nebraska on a comeback against Texas Tech, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the second half, as Nebraska erased an eight-point deficit before falling by one in the final seconds to the Red Raiders.
• Jeter keyed the win over Colorado on Jan. 18, dishing out a season high nine assists while adding 10 points and six rebounds in helping NU snap the Buffaloes seven-game win streak. His nine assists against CU was the most-ever against the Buffaloes in Big 12 action.
• Against Iowa State, he totaled 10 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. His steal and drive in the final six seconds put him on the free throw line, where he sank the go-ahead free throw with 0.4 seconds left in NU's one-point win.
• Against USC, he may have enjoyed his best game as a Husker in leading Nebraska from a 20-point first-half deficit. He totaled 13 points, a career-high eight rebounds and had five assists without a turnover.
• He nearly broke the school record for steals against Alcorn State, recording a career-high seven steals and added 16 points and six assists in the win. His seven thefts were one shy of Nebraska's single-game mark.
• Jeter holds the rare distinction of being one of only two athletes in Beaver Falls (Pa.) High School history to have his jersey retired, joining NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath.

Richardson Finding His Touch
Junior guard Brandon Richardson has become one of the Huskers' most reliable scorers in recent weeks. The Los Angeles, Calif., native is averaging 8.5 points per game over the last 11 contests, hitting 45 percent from the floor in that span. Prior to that stretch, Richardson was averaging just 5.4 points per game and was in double figures just twice in Nebraska's first 18 games.

One of the keys for Richardson's increased production is being more aggressive on the offensive end. Richardson has gotten to the free throw line 40 times in that stretch while just shooting 24 times in Nebraska's first 18 games. Richardson has made the most of his opportunities at the line, connecting at an 85 percent clip during that stretch, including a run of 25 straight free throws from Jan. 18 to Feb. 12. He is now second in Big 12 action, hitting 87.8 percent from the foul line. Richardson is Nebraska's best foul shooter in late-game situations, hitting 91 percent from the line (19-of-21) in the final five minutes of games. Richardson is one of only four players in school history to shoot over 80 percent in their career and the first in over two decades.

Richardson starred in Nebraska's win over Texas, leading the Huskers with 15 points, including a pair of free throws with 42 seconds left to break a 67-all tie. The fourth-year junior, who has been hampered by injuries earlier this season, enjoyed his breakout performance at Texas Tech on Jan. 22. In that game, he hit 5-of-6 shots from the floor and all eight free throws, including three foul shots with 11 seconds left to put NU up by a point. He also had a team-high 16 points in the loss at No. 2 Kansas on Feb. 5. Richardson had just four points against Missouri, but had five assists without a turnover and two steals in 26 minutes to help the Huskers knock off the No. 23 Tigers.

Diaz Becoming Consistent Inside Force
Jorge Brian Diaz has quietly put together a solid sophomore campaign for the Huskers. The 6-foot-11 center is second on the team in scoring (10.6 ppg) and rebounding (4.3 rpg) while hitting 55 percent from the floor. He is now seventh in the Big 12 in blocked shots with 1.2 blocks per game.

• He has been playing some of his best basketball in recent weeks, averaging 13.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game over Nebraska's last five contests.
• Diaz enjoyed a solid effort in the win over No. 22 Missouri on March 1, totaling 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
• Diaz posted his second double-double of the year at Iowa State, scoring a season-high 18 points on 9-of-14 shooting, grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking a pair of shots in the overtime loss.
• He has been in double figures 16 times this season, bettering his total of 14 in NU's 33 games last season.
• Diaz turned in a solid effort in the win over No. 3 Texas on Feb. 19 with 11 points and five rebounds.
• He put together one of his best games of the season at Oklahoma on Feb. 16, scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting and adding four rebounds and three blocked shots in NU's one-point win.
• Diaz turned in an emotional performance in the Huskers' win over No. 13 Texas A&M on Jan. 29, scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds and blocking a pair of shots. The performance was more notable, as he played after the death of his aunt the day before the game and flew back to Puerto Rico immediately following the game.
• He was instrumental during the Huskers' 11-game win streak earlier this season, averaging 11.5 points per game while shooting 61 percent in that stretch.
• He recorded his first double-double against TCU with 13 points and career highs in both rebounds (12) and blocks (three).

As a redshirt freshman, Diaz put together one of the best rookie seasons in program history in 2009-10. The 6-foot-11 center from Caguas, Puerto Rico, appeared in all 33 contests, averaging 8.8 points on a team-high 52.2 percent shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game. He not only set a school freshman mark with 41 blocked shots, but also finished on NU's freshman top-10 list in field goals made (133, fourth), rebounds (133, seventh), points (291, eighth) and points per game (8.82, 10th).

McCray Emerges Into Scoring Threat
After losing nearly his entire sophomore season following Tommy John surgery on his left (non-shooting) elbow, Toney McCray has become one of the Huskers' top scoring threats in 2010-11. He has played in all 29 contests, averaging 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He is third on the team in scoring, assists and steals while knocking down a team-high 43 percent from 3-point range.

The Missouri City, Texas, product shifted to the forward spot in mid-December, where his length and athleticism has helped provide matchup problems. McCray's emergence began against TCU on Dec. 11, when he came off the bench to record his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. McCray had 12 of his 15 points in the second half against the Horned Frogs, including six points in a 13-0 run to break open a one-point game. He set a career high in rebounds, grabbing 11 caroms in a rout of Eastern Washington on Dec. 18.

He moved into the starting lineup in the final week heading into conference play and is averaging 10.8 points per game on 44 percent shooting over his last 19 contests. Prior to that, he averaged just 5.4 points in Nebraska's first 12 games. 

• Over the last eight contests dating back to Feb. 5, he has been effective on the offensive end, averaging 12.6 points, including 45 percent from 3-point range.
• Ranks second on the team in Big 12 play at 11.6 points per game, while shooting 46 percent and a team-high 44 percent from 3-point range. He is seventh in the Big 12 in 3-point percentage in league play.
• McCray has been in double figures in nine of 15 Big 12 games this year after reaching double figures in conference play just once before this season.
• Put together the best offensive performance of his career at Baylor on Feb. 9 with a career-high 23 points and seven rebounds.
• Helped Nebraska knock off No. 22 Missouri with 13 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, and three steals.
• Scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half at Oklahoma, including a basket with 45 seconds left to give Nebraska a 56-53 lead.
• Sparked Nebraska's upset of No. 3 Texas with 14 points and six rebounds, while his defense limited Jordan Hamilton to just 3-of-16 shooting.
• Scored a then-career high 18 points and eight rebounds in a win over Colorado on Jan. 18, while his block of Alec Burks in the second half of the CU game was the No. 5 play on SportsCenter that evening.
• Totaled 14 points and a two steals in the overtime loss at Iowa State on Feb. 26.
• Led Nebraska with a then-season high 17 points in a loss at No. 15 Missouri on Jan. 12.

Walker Is Unsung Cog in Lineup
One of the unsung players on the Husker roster is junior college transfer Caleb Walker, who has been a starter on the wing for most of the season. The Hutchinson, Kan., native is averaging 6.3 points on 48 percent shooting and a team-high 4.7 rebounds while usually facing the opponent's top perimeter threat. Walker was a two-sport athlete at Butler CC as a freshman in 2008-09, helping the school to an NJCAA national title on the gridiron before focusing solely on basketball as a sophomore.

Walker has been consistent in Big 12 play, averaging 6.8 points on 51 percent shooting and 4.9 rebounds, as he joins Lance Jeter as the only Husker to start all 15 conference games. He is also shooting 40 percent (12-of-30) from 3-point range in Big 12 action.

• He has reached double figures in points eight times this season, highlighted by a 13-point, eight rebound effort against Iowa State on Jan. 8. In that game, he hit 5-of-9 from the field and added a pair of 3-pointers and two blocked shots.
• One of his best efforts of the year came at Oklahoma on Feb. 16, when he had 10 points, including eight in the first half to keep the Huskers in the game early on, and grabbed six rebounds in a 59-58 win.
• Walker put together a solid effort against Oklahoma State on Feb. 12, totaling eight points and a game-high seven rebounds, while holding Jean-Paul Olukemi to just 2-of-9 shooting.
• Walker had 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, in Nebraska's loss to No. 15 Missouri on Jan. 12.
• Against Jackson State, he hit 6-of-7 shots and added five rebounds and five assists, while he had 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, in NU's win against USC.
• He grabbed 10 rebounds against Creighton before pulling a season high 12 rebounds against Alcorn State, becoming the first Husker in three seasons to grab 10 or more rebounds in consecutive games.
• Walker reached double figures in rebounding for the third time this year when he pulled down 10 rebounds in the loss to No. 3 Kansas.
• He turned in a solid performance against Texas A&M, totaling nine points, five rebounds, three steals and three assists, while limiting Khris Middleton to just 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting.