Hey all, join us tonight for the 2nd game in a big three-game stretch for Nebraska Hoops. Jorge-Brian Diaz has been said to have found a way to the Little Apple (thank god). This is a big deal for the team, as Andre Almeida has been said to be a game-time decision with the ankle sprain. Don't have much time tonight for a preview, but a lot of this game was covered in my conversation with Jake on the CornNation podcast last night.
Gonna be in transit for the first part of the game, so any updates on scores will be greatly appreciated.
Jump!
Nebraska 15-5 (3-3) @ Kansas State 14-8 (2-5)
Another "must win" for the Huskers tonight on the road. Early in the season, this game was one that I would have chalked up as a road loss to a top-ten team. As of today, the K-State Wildcats are shaken from the lofty perch created by last season's somewhat unexpected run through the conference.
With the departure of Wally Judge, and what appears to be some "control" issues with the coaching staff, KSU finds themselves near the bottom of the league entering tonight's game. Playing one of the top defensive clubs in the country won't help matters much.
Nebraska currently ranks 5th in the country in points per game allowed at 56.5, and is coming off a stellar 2nd half effort over #13 Texas A&M where the Aggies were held to just 17 points. If Nebraska can get even a good chunk of that effort tonight, they have a good shot at grabbing the their first conference road win since the final game of the 2008-09 season.
Keys to the game |
For Nebraska, neutralizing the dual-scoring threat of Pullen and MacGruder. Pretty simple really, if they can't get these guys going...game over. I think Lance Jeter has to have a damn good game defensively, along with Richardson and Walker. The Nebraska guards disrupting Pullen's ability to score and distribute the ball will be an important factor.
For Kansas State, I think they'll get help from a home crowd that is probably sick of being snowed in, and snowed under. They're desperate for a good conference win, and Nebraska fits that bill right now. They'll need a good scoring night from Pullen and Company, and not letting Nebraska's physical style disrupt their offense will be a big component as well.
Summary |
All in all, this game has the makings of a barn-burner. Home game for the purple guys, and Nebraska could be a bit gassed after the big win on Saturday. And come on.... isn't this the type of game that Nebraska drops? Normally, I'd say that Nebraska would have this in the bag...and I still think they could have an easy time, but due to the circumstances mentioned previously, it's likely going to be close. Let's hope KSU goes as cold as the snow tonight!
Tipoff: 7pm
Location: Bramlage Coliseum - Manhattan, KS
Television: Big 12 Network
Radio: IMG Husker Sports Network - Kent Pavelka and Andy Markowski
Free Internet Radio/Stats: www.Huskers.com
GO BIG RED!