Men's Hoops: Saint Louis 69, Huskers 55

by Husker Mike on Nov 18, 2009 10:19 PM CST in Nebraska Husker Basketball

Husker fans who tuned into tonight's Nebraska/Saint Louis game to see what Brian Diaz looked like will have to wait until another game to get that impression. Diaz took a hard shot to the mouth in the opening minute and broke a tooth. He didn't return until late in the second half, and only played a few minutes. He came in cold and shot a couple of awkward hooks that missed badly, and headed back to the bench.

All told, it was an ugly night. Nebraska started cold and the Billikens jumped out to an early "double the score" lead on the Huskers. The Huskers fought back and pulled to within one at 28-27 at halftime. Ryan Anderson scored to open the second half, putting the Huskers into the lead and apparently annoying the Billikens, who went on a 14-2 run to take command of the game.

Not a lot of positives to take from tonight's game; without Brian Diaz, the Huskers don't look much bigger than last season and seem to really miss a guy like Paul Velander. Doc Sadler hasn't been too happy with the defense in his Twitter comments, so there's a lot of work to be done. I'm interested in seeing a little more out of Lance Jeter down the line; he caught my eye a couple of times in the limited time I had to watch tonight.

This looks like a rebuilding part of the season early on; things could get interesting when Christian Standhardinger becomes eligible in January.

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thanks for posting Mike

I’ve been meaning to do a Husker basketball primer…. of course, I’ve been meaning to rebuild my laptop for a week too.

We’re (CN) trying to gauge how much basketball coverage y’all would like to see. At the same time, we’re looking for help for basketball coverage as well. Trust me, you don’t want me writing a lot about basketball. One of my best plays in high school was to be put in the first shot of a two-shot free throw and taken out the second. It was that lack of coordination thing.

So… if you’re interested in assisting, let us know. Same goes for other Husker sports. We’re always looking for more contributors.

Go Big Red Nebraska!
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by Jon Johnston on Nov 18, 2009 11:12 PM CST reply actions

How about none?

I’m sure I’m in the minority, but I’d be ok with no basketball coverage at all. Volleyball, Baseball…hell bowling, track, and golf. But basketball?

It’d be a really tough decision on whether I’d like to see basketball or soccer eliminated from the Earth.

by Wolvie on Nov 19, 2009 2:49 AM CST up reply actions

Wow, none?

I know the Not Basketball Association has made the pro version virtually unwatchable, but I think there are a few Husker hoops fans out there. Especially with what Doc Sadler was able to do the last couple of seasons out of nothing.

Granted, football will continue to be the primary focus here, but once football season winds down, there won’t be much to cover.

by Husker Mike on Nov 19, 2009 6:51 AM CST up reply actions

I've never liked the sport

Granted, maybe if Husker Basketball was more like Kansas Basketball, I might have grown up appreciating it more. But I could really do without it. I don’t even bother watching in March, I just check scores online to see how my brackets look.

I just don’t “get it”, and I don’t care to. Whenever I have watched (NBA or otherwise), there just seems like there’s no defense. Run to one end, shoot a basket. Run to the other side, shoot a basket. OOH, he missed! Now run to the other side again. Steals and Blocks rarely seem to happen, and my lord, I think it’s the only sport I’ve watched that has SO MANY intentional fouls. Yes, on occasion, you’ll see a DB intentionally get pass interference, but it doesn’t really happen all that often. The last minute in basketball lasts 15 minutes with all the intentional fouls. UGH. Fouls should be bad things. And intentional personal foul in football gets you ejected. In basketball, I think it’s expected.

So, yeah, none. As soon as the Super Bowl is over, bring on Spring Training, and maybe hockey playoffs.

by Wolvie on Nov 19, 2009 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

How about some.

I’d like to see some, maybe game primers, recaps, and stats. I know there isn’t a lot more to talk about, especially when we’re losing to teams like SLU. But believe it or not, there are people out there that follow Husker hoops and need an outlet more than just Huskers.com.

Maybe an affable soloution would be to wait until conference play to ramp up the coverage (from none to some)? And hit the big games (USC, Creighton, Oregon St., and the Las Vegas Classic)?

by Mr.X on Nov 19, 2009 11:22 AM CST up reply actions

Well, we're going to try...

Unfortunately, it looks like the HuskerLibrarian isn’t available this season, so we’ll muddle through. The great thing about CornNation is the ability for anybody to contribute through “FanPosts”…so if you have something to add, do it! If it’s good, we’ll promote it to the front page and move it up.

by Husker Mike on Nov 19, 2009 10:46 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe after football is over...

I dunno, the reason I don’t necessarily like reading about Nebraska basketball is because it makes me feel like a kid whose parents say, “maybe today we’ll go to the pool!” and I get all excited and then they say, “Mommy is busy, how about you play in the sprinklers.” which is ok, I guess, but it sure isn’t THE pool! I’m just tired of hoping that maybe this year is different, and we will be decent but instead of actually being competitive with the Big 12 and having a shot at the NCAA Tourney, We’re stuck playing in the sprinklers… Again.

by Aztecrex on Nov 19, 2009 7:11 AM CST reply actions

that's

probably the best description that I can think of regarding how i feel about basketball. I’d really like to have a good team, but i, too am tired of hearing about that they’ll be good every year. has nothing to do with Doc Sadler, I like that guy, but it’s going to take him years before we have consistency so they might as well keep him around.

Go Big Red Nebraska!
Our Cobs Are Bigger Than Yours!
Corn Nation!
Twitter!
cornnation@gmail.com

by Jon Johnston on Nov 19, 2009 8:30 AM CST up reply actions

Really surprised that there is not a lot of intrest

I love watching College Basketball and cannot stand to watch the nba. I just think that its more passionate and a Lot less egos in the college level. Also agree that while we may be better this year in the long run. To many new faces in the post to compete right away and lets face it the big 12 is down right nasty this year. Kansas, Texas and OU have a chance to win it all and the middle of the pack is good also. Outside of the big east this may be the best confrence in talent level and we also have some very good coaches. Also aztecrex is right about the pool every year i get geared up for the huskers to take that next step and well yeah not so much success. My saving grace is that I am a duke fan also so i have a fall back team to help me thru the season

by huskermic on Nov 19, 2009 3:00 PM CST reply actions

Definitely Bring The Hoops...

…at least after football season. I’m excited for the season although I toned it down for this year after seeing us play against SLU.

I agree with Mr. X in that at least hit the big ones (USC, Oregon St., Creighton (bleh!)…etc.) cuz that will gauge how we will fair in the Big 12.

I also agree with you HMike that Lance Jeter looked good as well as Toney McCray. Those two can carry this team if need be. Also, Ryan Anderson and Sek need to step up as the seniors this year because I’m seeing a lot of “freshman mistakes” with some of the ball handling and defense with these young ones.

by Doc1028 on Nov 20, 2009 1:20 PM CST reply actions