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Nebraska has yet to beat a top 5 team under coach Tim Mile's tutelage. Tonight, they came very close against Maryland. It was a sloppy game on both ends and there were many times both teams didn't take advantage of their opportunities.
This was not the game I expected, though many out there did. Maryland has been getting flack for their soft schedule and lack of marque wins all season. They're big, athletic, and talented. But they have yet to really play like a top five team. Nebraska helped show their weaknesses.
The Huskers came into The Vault on Wednesday night with no concern about playing the number 3/4 team in the country. Or, at least they didn't play like they did. It started out well with the lead going back and fourth between both teams until the last 7 minutes or so.
It wasn't the prettiest of games for either teams. In fact, defense was king. Nebraska ended the night shooting 31.8% from the field and 30% from the arch. One thing that kept them in the game was the 18 turnovers committed by Maryland. A team of their caliber shouldn't be creating statistics like that and Nebraska took advantage of what they could.
Andrew White III lead Nebraska with 19 points and 9 rebounds. He was followed by Shavon Shields who had 11 points and 7 rebounds was kept to only a dismal 23% shooting. Mello Trimble was the star of he Maryland show with 20 points.
Big man Michael Jacobson stepped up this game and ended with 10 points and 7 rebounds. He played well against a bigger and more athletic Diamond Stone who ended the night with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Terrapins. FYI, Diamond is 6'11" and 255lbs. It takes a lot to guard a guy like that.
This is a Nebraska team that is a big man and a scoring point guard away from something special. I haven't stressed this much this season but, be patient Husker fans. Building a program takes time. Games like this make you realize that we are not that far away.
This is the Huskers 3rd loss. Luckily Nebraska returns to Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday to take on Rutgers who have yet to win a conference game this year.
— Nebraska Basketball (@HuskerHoops) February 4, 2016