Nebraska Basketball: Wisconsin Defeats Nebrasketball 72-61

Nebraska couldn't handle hot Wisconsin shooting and fell on the road 72-61 to the Badgers Wednesday night. It was Nebraska's first game without Shavon Shields this season and it showed. Nebraska likes to use Shields as a backup when the shot clock is expiring and they obviously didn't have that tonight. It's always tough to win in Madison especially when Wisconsin is shooting well. Winning on the road in the Big Ten is always tough and that was the story on Wednesday night.

The good news? Nebraska has some winnable games down the stretch and can still make the NIT.

The Good

Glynn Watson Jr. led the way with 16 points in the game. The true freshman point guard is really coming along this season. He is only going to get better and has a very bright future. Nebraska also out-rebounded Wisconsin 33-28 in this game. Three true freshman started the game, the first time that's happened since 2006. There has been some serious growing pains this season but it will definitely get better. If Nebraska can win some more games down the stretch, they can get a nice NIT bid. That will be huge for the future of the program. Getting some postseason experience can help this team grow for next season, and with that growth could come a NCAA Tourney bid.

The Bad

Wisconsin couldn't seem to miss from three. At one point in the game, they were 9-11 from beyond the arc. They finished the game 11-18, a 61% from long range. Nebraska only shot 4-13 which is 30%. Huge difference there. And it wasn't like it was easy three pointers for Wisconsin either, Nebraska contested them. The Badgers just couldn't seem to miss. Nebraska needed to shoot better from beyond the arc too though, especially in a hostile environment. The Wisconsin students also had some chants for the Nebraska players while they were on the free throw line. I'm not sure if it bothered them, but that's something that your team will get when you go on the road. Nebraska just can't seem to get over that Wisconsin hump, in football or basketball.

What is Next?

Nebraska has Penn State at home on Saturday 2/13. Tip-off is at 5:00 PM. This will be a very winnable game for the Huskers. Nebraska needs to defend that home court advantage and win some key games down the stretch. Again, if they can do that then they can get that key postseason bid where they can continue to grow this season. It all starts with another win on Saturday.

Tweet of The Day

Miles said he’s still unsure if Shields will be able to attend Saturday’s home game vs PSU. "He wants to, but it’s not going to be his call"

— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) February 11, 2016