Tipoff: 7:00pm CST Location: Devaney Center - Lincoln, NE
Television: Statewide on NET-1 (Ch. 12)
Live Stats and Internet Radio: Huskers.com
Radio: IMG Husker Sports Network | KLIN 1400 in Lincoln - KFAB 1110 in Omaha - KRVN 880 in Lexington
Play by play - Kent Pavelka Color - Matt Davison
Merry Christmas to all the CornNation followers, and welcome to Nebraska's final non-conference game thread! We're also at the last tune-up before the meat-grinder Big Ten schedule starts. Somewhere in between there, the Huskers will try to enjoy a short Christmas break.
I've been pretty optimistic about Nebraskas chances to put a winner on the court this season. There was no reason not to believe that when the season started, as we had so many returning players along with a few new guys that looked promising. Suddenly we are 7-3, and still at a very uncertain point in the season.
Nebraska has dropped two home games this year, equaling their entire home loss total from last year. This stat tends to ruffle the feathers of certain fans, but we have to remember that Oregon and Wake Forest were both close games that could have gone either way. I haven't yet read the book Scorecasting by Moskowitz and Wertheim, but the theory behind home-court advantage is reportedly debunked somewhere therein. I'm not a huge believer in home-court advantage, with the exception of a few locations such as Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium, or even Iowa State's Hilton Auditorium. Nebraska? I'm not so convinced it matters where we play.
So tonight, the Chippewas come to Lincoln and give us one last non-con test. I thought Central Michigan looked to be an easy win, until I saw them really push Iowa State to the edge on Sunday. Now, I'm sort of hoping this doesn't turn out to be another Florida Gulf Coast game, where we slide by on the last possession.While Minnesota put a hurtin' on the Chips a few days prior to the ISU game, the Gophers are 11-1 right now, and I think the Cyclones are a better team to compare with the Big Red.
My hope is that the Chippewas didn't travel back to Michigan having so many games in close proximity to one another, and have a bit of the homesick blues. Actually my real hope, or Christmas wish, is that we get another great performance out of some new guys and really make a statement.
Game Notes |
-Nebraska's Toney McCray had a career and game high 20 points in Saturday's win over Alcorn State. This was Toney's first start of the season.
- Nebraska has already had more games (6) this year in which a player scored 20 points or more, than all of last season. (5)
- Bo Spencer did not commit a turnover in 30 minutes of play on Saturday. This stat runs contrary to a belief that Spencer is far too turnover-prone.
-Trey Ziegler, son of head coach Ernie Ziegler, is the Chippewas leading scorer. Trey turned down offers to UCLA, Michigan, and Michigan State to play for his dad. Ziegler is projected to be a potential first-round draft pick.
- Jorge-Brian Diaz and Dylan Talley will sit out tonight with injuries. Diaz is expected to return for Big Ten play, while Talley could redshirt.
-While averaging 13.6 turnover per game, the Huskers are still ranked dead last in the Big Ten in the giveaway category. Gamebreaker Stat - Nebraska will need to limit turnovers and control the pace of the game, as the Chips can be frustrated when they get limited shot selection.
Have a great time tonight folks, and a wonderful Christmas break! I'm sick as a dog, but should be listening and following along. Be sure to join us on the 27th for the start of B1G play against the Badgers at home! GBR!
Oh..and there is a Beefy Bowl game. Anyone watching that???