The 0-4 Big 12 conference start to the men's basketball season didn't look very impressive. Even though there were two losses to Kansas, you had to wonder what was happening. Factor in a loss to Colorado in that mix and you were wondering if this team was going to win five games in conference.
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Now suddenly the men's basketball team has hit it's stride. Two wins over ranked Kansas State and on the road against Texas A&M. Then comes a dominating 64-45 effort against a decent Oklahoma team which could only score 12 points in the first half, tying a Devaney Center record for the lowest points in a half. In the second half, Nebraska scored on 14 of 16 possessions. The Huskers finished the game with eight turnovers and out rebounded the Sooners 33-25. Aleks Maric had another double-double with 16 points and eleven rebounds. Steve Harley finished as the Huskers high scorer with 17.
This result without starting point guard Cookie Miller, who's out with a sprained shoulder.
The Huskers are tied at sixth in the Big 12 with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, two teams over which they own a tie-breaker. The Cornhuskers travel to Stillwater, OK this Saturday to face a Cowboy team that's won four in a row, three of those coming against Baylor, Texas A&M and Kansas.
It's a big game this Saturday. A win would put Nebraska at .500 in the Big 12. After that, Nebraska plays at Texas - a game they're most likely to lose, and Colorado - a game they're most likely to win. A loss at Okie State puts pressure on the Huskers to win the last two to remain at .500. Given the way that Texas is playing as of late, a very tall order.
When it comes to Husker basketball I won't make many apologies for being a bandwagon jumper. I want a basketball team that wins at least 20 games and year and that I can be proud of. With some luck we may get there this season, but if playing your guts out and tough defense are the trademarks of a Doc Sadler team, enjoying Husker basketball will be that much easier. I hope he sticks around for a long time.