NU faces an absolute must-win on Saturday as Iowa State visits Lincoln. They cannot afford to go 0-3 in conference, after playing half a decent game against Kansas Wednesday before succumbing by 12 points in the end. If NU can defend its home court the rest of the way (not entirely impossible) and its pathetic fan base can help them by showing up in numbers more than 5500 a game (not very probable), and then steal one on the road (mildly possible)...8-8 is a possibility (possibly). That would make the Cornhuskers 20-12 going into the B12 Tourney. We'll do that math again, if NU is fortunate enough to win tomorrow.
This is the type of game where NU needs its home crowd to show up, and show up in force. There is bound to be a semi-letdown after a big game like Kansas, but crowds need to be there to add the extra emotion for the home team to get over the hump and get the win no matter what. If not, hello NIT--again.
As for the KU game, NU hung in there the best it could before eventually faltering. Despite being 0-2 in conference, anyone who knows anything about basketball (which eliminates 85% of Nebraska's population, including the Creighton 'fans' who go to the Qwest in ever-dwindling numbers for the beer and the 'scene'..ha ha ha), knows that NU finally has some talent that can succeed at the Division I-A level. PYB has seen four, if not five, above-average major-college talents so far:
Brian Diaz: Great hands, coordination and offensive ability for someone 6-foot-11. Just needs to get stronger.
Brandon Richardson: Sophomore guard put up 18 vs. high competition Wednesday, just needs to get past the injury bugs that have plagued him. Smooth skills and shooting.
Eshaunte Jones: Has had his best performances when logging heavy minutes against top competition. Seems to be honing his shot from downtown as he gains experience.
Christian Standhardinger: Flopped a bit against KU, but all the skills are there. He just needs to find his rhythm and figure out the best way to get shots in Doc's system.
The players listed above included three freshmen and one sophomore. NU's biggest limitation is lack of a go-to scorer.....and PG Lance Jeter needs to become at least a threat to pull up from 10 feet, or drive to the hoop for a layup, or shoot a couple three pointers a game.....if not, defenses will be able to help with five defenders on the other four players. And improving three-point defense is a must, as the Huskers look continually confused and gave up 13 more to the Jaycocks on Wednesday.
We'll find out tomorrow....in the meantime, enjoy the pic of drunken Larry Eustachy....what happened to the good times??
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