University of Texas - San Antonio Preview

Date: Wednesday, December 20th

Time: 7:00pm CST

Mascot: Roadrunners

Coach: Steve Henson (2nd Season)

2016-17 Season: 14-19 (8-10 C-USA)

2017-18 Season: 7-5 (0-0 C-USA)

Previous Season: The Roadrunners finished last season with a losing record and a ninth place finish in the C-USA.

That’s it. I really have nothing else to write about on last year. It wasn’t good. In fact, their top two players this year are freshmen who weren’t even on the squad last year.

This Season:

The Roadrunners just happen to have the exact same record as Nebraska coming into this game. While the Huskers have losses to the likes of Kansas, Creighton, and Michigan State, UTSA has losses to Coastal Carolina, Utah Valley, and Bradley. None of which are basketball powers or are expected to do much this season with the talent they have.

They are lead by Jhivvan Jackson at guard. The freshman is averaging 16.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, and 1.9 apg. He is shooting roughly 40% from both the 3 point line and the floor. His season has seemed to be a bit of a roller coaster with some games better than others. He is coming off of a 31 point game against Oklahoma on December 14th. There could be a little trouble for the Huskers if he is on fire this Wednesday.

Next to Jhivvan is Keaton Wallace. Keaton is another freshman guard who has done well this season. He is averaging 15 pgg, 2.2 rpg, and 2.8 apg. Keaton is probably their most reliable player shooting 50% from the floor and has been fairly consistent each game he has played in. A major impact player who will most likely be the guy who gives the Huskers the most problems.

Both Jhivvan and Keaton have won the C-USA freshman of the week honors four times this season with Keaton winning it three out of the four. These two will easily be the players you will hear the most about during the game.

Prediction:

There is no reason why Nebraska should lose this game. Nebraska’s squad matches up against the Roadrunners quite well and should dominate from the start. As mentioned above, they have some pretty decent guards but they struggle under the basket. Like many mid major programs, they lack the athleticism and size in their forwards.

Throw in the fact that UTSA is 1-3 on the road and Nebraska is 5-1 at home should help Nebraska add to their season win total.

However, the Huskers do have a history of losing games they shouldn’t in the non conference slate. Hopefully they don’t do that on Wednesday and send the Roadrunners home with a loss.

Like I’ve said before, this years team is probably the best Miles has had here and has improved as the season has gone on.

University of Nebraska 78 University of San Antonio 63