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View Full Version : Missouri 67, Nebraska 41: Something Has To Change And Someone Has To Go


ChipperF1
01-16-2002, 01:19 AM
Against Texas, Nebraska lost. The lasses played well, but played like a team that just didn't have as much talent and cohesion.
Against Iowa State, Nebraska really lost. The lasses got destroyed they way they always do.
Against Kansas State, Nebraska lost, but gave an effort. The kids were down early, but fought back. No shame in that.

In 20 minutes against Missouri tonight, Nebraska womens basketball became an ad for contraceptives.

Missouri outshot, outdefended, outrebounded and basically out-everythinged Nebraska to a depth that was unreal. In the first half, the Tiger literally did what they wanted at will.

Natalie Bright and Kerensa Barr were controlling the game. Bright seemed to light up the array of Husker guards, even Keesha Cannon had a tough time keeping up. Bright scored 17 of her 21 points in the first half. Barr, was her usual effecient self, going 3-for-6 from three point range.
It seemed the first half was just a wave of Missouri shots that never missed. They shot 44% in the first half, tiued together 3 damaging runs.
A player that surprised me was Wannette Smith. Wannette beat the pant off of two so-called "High School All-Americans", as she had 8 points and 9 rebounds (8 on the defensive end)

Meanwhile, did anybody notice that Nebraska went the entire first half without any offense rebounds? Did they notice that they nearly had as many turnovers (15) as points (18)?

One player noticed, Keasha Cannon. She rebounded from a bad half, to net 20 points and 7 rebounds. The problem is, she was the only one. She accounted for 7 of 16 field goals made, but more importantly, she was the only one connecting. The Huskers, even has they played better in the second half, went 7-of-26, and passed up opportunities.
The failed to take advantage of the Tigers putting the game on cruise control. Missouri shot 33% in the second half, and played sloppy, but it didn't matter. Nebraska once again did what they do best quit

WHAT WORKED FOR NEBRASKA.
The bus leaving town

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR NEBRASKA
Anyone not named Keasha Cannon. I do not understand how Keasha Cannon goes through hell in a gasoline suit, buries her mom, has to deal with all of that, yet she comes back in uniform and put together solid outings, and her teammates just can't come along for the ride.
I feel bad Cannon. I feel bad that she has to try and force things because our "High School All-Americans" can only hit 1 shot between them for an entire game.
I feel sick everytime I hear "COWGILL THREE-POINT NO GOOD" every game. She was 0-for-4 tonight. I guess Kansas State was her one good game, now back to normal.
Can someone tell Shannon Howell it is okay to hit a shot. She tried 8 tonight, and missed 7 of them.
And can the whole team stop panicking? How many bad shots can a team jack up in one night??

Overall Outlook: All the bandwidth I am using here leads to one conclusion. Any optimism I had with the good game at Kansas State is quickly dying with every game like this one tonight.
And it'll lead to the big question that many don't want to ask publicly, but it is there: Is it time hand Paul Sanderford a pink slip?

This Husker fan/observer thinks its time to do just that.
Not to blame Paul alone, because this season is not 100% his fault. Is it Paul's fault that a point guard is the team's best rebounder? Is it Paul's fault that K.C. Cowgill is allergic to making baskets? Is it Paul's fault that Stephanie Jones hasn't played up to her billing? Or that Shannon Howell hasn't played up to hers? Or Katie Robinette?

Those things aren't Paul's fault. But what is square on the man's shoulder is that he has failed to move this team. He has failed to motivate them. For the last three season, Paul Sanderford's team have been mostly unmotivated, uncompetitive, and undisicplined, and the proof is in the pudding.
The win totals in Paul Sanderford's tenure have gone from 23, to 22, to 18, to 12. This year the team will win more than 12 (we hope) but its due to one of the weakest schedules the Huskers have played in 6 seasons.
It is my belief that at the end of the season, Paul Sanderford has to be relieved unless he pulls off a serious miracle..like a Final Four berth.
If the Huskers lose to Kansas in their next game, Sanderford should be relieved the next day.

ChipperF1

cyfanatic
01-16-2002, 01:07 PM
Hey, Chipper, did you see that Sanderford was quoted after the K-State game that he was excited for his team, because "If K-State is the #14 team in the nation, then we're right behind them?" Maybe he doesn't know he's a bad coach. Does anyone have his phone number?

ChipperF1
01-16-2002, 01:33 PM
Cyfanatic,

the exact quote of Paul Sanderford

“If this team is the 14th-best team in the country, then I’m excited because we’re not far behind. We’re getting better, and I’m proud of our basketball team.”

Seems to me, your version is in conflict with what was reported.

Is he a bad coach? I think Paul is in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the wrong game plan and with the wrong group of kids. This team is bad all the way around, and he's only part of the problem.

Daddo
01-16-2002, 04:58 PM
Does he recruit? It seems like NU had some nice classes coming in. But I was there last night and the Huskers flat out got outworked. Mizzou played with heart, and NU didn't. Mizzou beats Baylor this weekend and they'll start getting a vote or two for the top 25...with just one senior (Bright, who's been red hot last two games) it's an exciting time for MU.
Wish they'd start drawing some fans. Just over 2000 last night was reported, and it didn't look to me like 1500 were actually there. Sad.
Last time they were here, Coach S made a real impression, people saw him and went "Oh, YEAH! It's the STOMPER!" He was very subdued last night, as if the game ended in about 4 minutes.
By the way, I understand the Huskers bus got misdirected and ended up at Hickman High School before finally finding Hearnes. But, we got there almost 50 minutes before tip off and they were dressed and warming up.
Cannon is scary, she was hitting some unbelievable shots in the 2nd half.

ChipperF1
01-16-2002, 06:29 PM
Mizzou played with heart, and NU didn't.

Pal, tell me something I don't know.
As for Cannon. I like her game, and she deserves better.