ChipperF1
01-18-2002, 11:43 AM
It's McClellan vs. Custer. Think of Mondale vs. McGovern. Perhaps it could be Chuck Wepner vs. Randall "Tex" Cobb. This matchup is definitely "Ishtar" vs. "Heaven's Gate"
Never has a last place game in the Big 12 conference featured two teams more putrid than the Kansas Jayhawks and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The stench that will come from Lincoln Saturday is so bad between these two teams, that fans coming to Bob Devaney Sports Center will need gas masks.
The two head coaches are the personifications of the ill fortunes of these two teams for once upon a time, they were somebody.
One a founding aunt of this modern game. One of those late 60's pioneers trekking out into the unknown. One of those 70s crusaders bolstered by a belief codified into law. She left a home in East to homestead a new vision on the Plains.
The other, came from south. Slogged his way through small college and the JUCO ranks, winning the biggest prize along the way. He settled in a small school in the mid-south and took them to height never before seen. Four times, he took them to the Final stage. He too would leave for a place in the Plains. A place with traditions of victory in many areas, and seeking a new hill to conquer. His vision was the same as those who'd choose him.
Both came. Both dared greatly. In 2002, both have failed. Both are looking at another poor season. Both could find themselves without a team to coach soon.
Nebraska (11-7, 1-4) vs. Kansas (5-13, 0-5)
Saturday, Jan. 19, 7:05 p.m., Bob Devaney Sports Center (13,500), Lincoln Radio - Pinnacle Sports Network
http://www.huskers.com
KANSAS: The worst ever?
In Marian Washington's 28 years at Kansas, she has coached 7 losing teams. The 2001-2002 edition of the Jayhawk could very well be her worst team since 1975 when they went 7-17.
This season, Kansas has lost to Central Florida, Hampton, and Weber State. They needed a late rally to beat a woeful Alabama State team who lost to St. John's, periennially one of the nation's worst teams, by 20.
In the last five games, the Jayhawks have averaged 47 points per game. Kansas is so undertalented, I would pick St. Thomas Aquinas (current #1 girls high school team in Kansas) to beat the Jayhawks.
But Kansas has an advantage on their opponent to the North. This group as managed to beat an actual ranked team in the last two seasons (Cyclone fan, you can stop flinching now.).
Point guard Selena Scott is leading the group this year. The book on her has always been that she can find the basket, just has problems making one. She averages 12.7 points per game on 48% shooting. She's 12-for-48 from three-point range. Assist-to-turnover stands at 54 to 53. But what 5-5 waterbug does very well is getting into the passing lanes, get her fingers in somebody's dribble and gets steals. Her 40 thefts are 7th best in the league.
Her backcourt mate is senior K.C. Hilgenkamp, last year she was one of deadliest outside shooters in the league hitting 41.3% of her three-point attempts last season. This season, she hitting around 31%, but still averages 12.2 point per game. In the plus side, she's rounding out her game even more. Her defense is improving, although she'll never be a grand stopper. Her 35 steals are second on the team, she complement Scott to form the strongest part of this Kansas unit.
In direct contrast is the interior for Kansas. Senior center Kristin Geoffroy is the Big 12's female version of Manute Bol. At 6-6, she can block shots. She has 32 this season. But she's an offensive liability (shooting 44% from the field), and she has been outplayed inside by players giving up as much as 6 inches to her. Case in point? vs. 6-1 Nicole Braithwaite lit up Geoffroy for 21 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs for a player who has never been as dominant in MEAC play in her career.
At the forward spot, Kansas is a cast of thousands. Senior Nikki White at times has been at the spot. She fought off two injuries from the previous year, and returns averaging 6 points and 4 rebounds per game. She still is a little slowed from aftereffects of a hip flexor injury from last season, but has 31 assists, 21 blocks and 14 steals to her credit. She is also in line to make her third Big 12 All-Academic team.
Freshman Blair Waltz has six start this year, and is showing a lot of potential for the future. She averages 6.8 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game. She's also a more of an attacking style of player, something that Kansas has lacked in the past few seasons.
Sophomore Sharonne Spencer has the size at 6-2, and has the athleticism, but still needs a better shot (41% from the field), and she need to get under control (31 turnovers).
Freshman swingman Chelsea Thompson, also in similar state. Has the talent, but needs some offensive acumen (she shoots 30% from the field).
Farther down the bench, sophomore Leila Menguc and Keila Beachem have had their moments, and could be names to watch in seasons to come.
Overall, this Kansas team is plagued by two problems. The first is a lack offensive punch and accuracy. This team shoots 41% from the field. The team shoots 28% from the three point line, is it any wonder why they can't even get 50 points in a game lately?
The second problem is turnovers. The team averages 18 turnovers a game. Nine Jayhawks have more than 20.
Also consider the rebounding gap. Kansas averages 35 a game, but their opponents average 40.
Those three problems are the catalyst behind a team that could very well fail to win another game this season. But given the wild Big 12 of this year, you never really know.
NEBRASKA: The phoniest 11-7 team in America.
"A "W" is and always will be a "W", even in an eating contest with an anorexic!!!!"
But what does this "W" mean? It's more of a matter of pride for Nebraska. For the second straight year, this team's season will end sometime at the Big 12 tournament. For a program that is paying a coach six figures to bring home the bacon, that is unacceptable.
For a program that has upped it commitment, and has recruited two "High School All-Americans" it is unacceptable.
Nebraska has two wins in the RPI Top 100 this year, but 7 loses against those teams, and NO wins vs any team that landed in the rankings, and no wins vs. NCAA tournament teams from the previous season.
A win over Kansas just adds to the impressive jabroni total, but given that the team is going nowhere this season and has a very limited shot of postseason play, the win is what it is. To celebrate such a victory confirms how low Nebraska womens basketball has fallen.
What scares me about this game is Nebraska is showing the signs that they phoning it in like they did last year. Looking at their most recent game at Missouri:
Keasha Cannon hit nearly half of the Husker's field goals in this game. Take away Keasha's 7-for-14 shooting, and Nebraska goes 9-for-34 (26%).
It was another bad game for the Charos. Stephanie Jones and Katie Robinette combined for 1-for-6, 2 points and 6 rebounds.
The team went 2-for-11 from the three point line. The usual suspects missing their usual number of shots.
This game showed the one thing, that the Huskers have been for the last 4 years. Waiting for someone else to be the superplayer.
The difference has Nebraska has that player in Keasha Cannon, that is a strength and a weakness. The Jayhawks really have to tune their game plan to one simple focus, STOP KEASHA CANNON. Put the challenge on the Charos, on Shannon Howell, on K.C. Cowgill, make Griechaly Cepero beat you.
I don't think Kansas has anyone who can shut down Keasha Cannon, but Cannon won't win this game by herself. If Nebraska returns to the form they showed against Kansas State, where everybody got involved, this game could be something Nebraska rarely does, a blowout.
Overall Outlook: Nebraska needs to start fast, get the Devaney Center crowd into it, and unlike Missouri, NOT LET UP.
The Huskers will win this game, no doubt in my mind, but it can't be close, the Huskers will not win a close game against Kansas. If KU keeps the game close and stays close, all it'll take is a few Nebraska mistakes, the Husker lose heart, get frustrated, and suffer and embarassing defeat.
That won't happen, in fact I see a comfortable margin of victory.
Yeah, metromaniac Nebraska will get a fine win. Yes, I may even smile a little. Just a little.
Nebraska 65, Kansas 37.
--ChipperF1 http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
Never has a last place game in the Big 12 conference featured two teams more putrid than the Kansas Jayhawks and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The stench that will come from Lincoln Saturday is so bad between these two teams, that fans coming to Bob Devaney Sports Center will need gas masks.
The two head coaches are the personifications of the ill fortunes of these two teams for once upon a time, they were somebody.
One a founding aunt of this modern game. One of those late 60's pioneers trekking out into the unknown. One of those 70s crusaders bolstered by a belief codified into law. She left a home in East to homestead a new vision on the Plains.
The other, came from south. Slogged his way through small college and the JUCO ranks, winning the biggest prize along the way. He settled in a small school in the mid-south and took them to height never before seen. Four times, he took them to the Final stage. He too would leave for a place in the Plains. A place with traditions of victory in many areas, and seeking a new hill to conquer. His vision was the same as those who'd choose him.
Both came. Both dared greatly. In 2002, both have failed. Both are looking at another poor season. Both could find themselves without a team to coach soon.
Nebraska (11-7, 1-4) vs. Kansas (5-13, 0-5)
Saturday, Jan. 19, 7:05 p.m., Bob Devaney Sports Center (13,500), Lincoln Radio - Pinnacle Sports Network
http://www.huskers.com
KANSAS: The worst ever?
In Marian Washington's 28 years at Kansas, she has coached 7 losing teams. The 2001-2002 edition of the Jayhawk could very well be her worst team since 1975 when they went 7-17.
This season, Kansas has lost to Central Florida, Hampton, and Weber State. They needed a late rally to beat a woeful Alabama State team who lost to St. John's, periennially one of the nation's worst teams, by 20.
In the last five games, the Jayhawks have averaged 47 points per game. Kansas is so undertalented, I would pick St. Thomas Aquinas (current #1 girls high school team in Kansas) to beat the Jayhawks.
But Kansas has an advantage on their opponent to the North. This group as managed to beat an actual ranked team in the last two seasons (Cyclone fan, you can stop flinching now.).
Point guard Selena Scott is leading the group this year. The book on her has always been that she can find the basket, just has problems making one. She averages 12.7 points per game on 48% shooting. She's 12-for-48 from three-point range. Assist-to-turnover stands at 54 to 53. But what 5-5 waterbug does very well is getting into the passing lanes, get her fingers in somebody's dribble and gets steals. Her 40 thefts are 7th best in the league.
Her backcourt mate is senior K.C. Hilgenkamp, last year she was one of deadliest outside shooters in the league hitting 41.3% of her three-point attempts last season. This season, she hitting around 31%, but still averages 12.2 point per game. In the plus side, she's rounding out her game even more. Her defense is improving, although she'll never be a grand stopper. Her 35 steals are second on the team, she complement Scott to form the strongest part of this Kansas unit.
In direct contrast is the interior for Kansas. Senior center Kristin Geoffroy is the Big 12's female version of Manute Bol. At 6-6, she can block shots. She has 32 this season. But she's an offensive liability (shooting 44% from the field), and she has been outplayed inside by players giving up as much as 6 inches to her. Case in point? vs. 6-1 Nicole Braithwaite lit up Geoffroy for 21 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs for a player who has never been as dominant in MEAC play in her career.
At the forward spot, Kansas is a cast of thousands. Senior Nikki White at times has been at the spot. She fought off two injuries from the previous year, and returns averaging 6 points and 4 rebounds per game. She still is a little slowed from aftereffects of a hip flexor injury from last season, but has 31 assists, 21 blocks and 14 steals to her credit. She is also in line to make her third Big 12 All-Academic team.
Freshman Blair Waltz has six start this year, and is showing a lot of potential for the future. She averages 6.8 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game. She's also a more of an attacking style of player, something that Kansas has lacked in the past few seasons.
Sophomore Sharonne Spencer has the size at 6-2, and has the athleticism, but still needs a better shot (41% from the field), and she need to get under control (31 turnovers).
Freshman swingman Chelsea Thompson, also in similar state. Has the talent, but needs some offensive acumen (she shoots 30% from the field).
Farther down the bench, sophomore Leila Menguc and Keila Beachem have had their moments, and could be names to watch in seasons to come.
Overall, this Kansas team is plagued by two problems. The first is a lack offensive punch and accuracy. This team shoots 41% from the field. The team shoots 28% from the three point line, is it any wonder why they can't even get 50 points in a game lately?
The second problem is turnovers. The team averages 18 turnovers a game. Nine Jayhawks have more than 20.
Also consider the rebounding gap. Kansas averages 35 a game, but their opponents average 40.
Those three problems are the catalyst behind a team that could very well fail to win another game this season. But given the wild Big 12 of this year, you never really know.
NEBRASKA: The phoniest 11-7 team in America.
"A "W" is and always will be a "W", even in an eating contest with an anorexic!!!!"
But what does this "W" mean? It's more of a matter of pride for Nebraska. For the second straight year, this team's season will end sometime at the Big 12 tournament. For a program that is paying a coach six figures to bring home the bacon, that is unacceptable.
For a program that has upped it commitment, and has recruited two "High School All-Americans" it is unacceptable.
Nebraska has two wins in the RPI Top 100 this year, but 7 loses against those teams, and NO wins vs any team that landed in the rankings, and no wins vs. NCAA tournament teams from the previous season.
A win over Kansas just adds to the impressive jabroni total, but given that the team is going nowhere this season and has a very limited shot of postseason play, the win is what it is. To celebrate such a victory confirms how low Nebraska womens basketball has fallen.
What scares me about this game is Nebraska is showing the signs that they phoning it in like they did last year. Looking at their most recent game at Missouri:
Keasha Cannon hit nearly half of the Husker's field goals in this game. Take away Keasha's 7-for-14 shooting, and Nebraska goes 9-for-34 (26%).
It was another bad game for the Charos. Stephanie Jones and Katie Robinette combined for 1-for-6, 2 points and 6 rebounds.
The team went 2-for-11 from the three point line. The usual suspects missing their usual number of shots.
This game showed the one thing, that the Huskers have been for the last 4 years. Waiting for someone else to be the superplayer.
The difference has Nebraska has that player in Keasha Cannon, that is a strength and a weakness. The Jayhawks really have to tune their game plan to one simple focus, STOP KEASHA CANNON. Put the challenge on the Charos, on Shannon Howell, on K.C. Cowgill, make Griechaly Cepero beat you.
I don't think Kansas has anyone who can shut down Keasha Cannon, but Cannon won't win this game by herself. If Nebraska returns to the form they showed against Kansas State, where everybody got involved, this game could be something Nebraska rarely does, a blowout.
Overall Outlook: Nebraska needs to start fast, get the Devaney Center crowd into it, and unlike Missouri, NOT LET UP.
The Huskers will win this game, no doubt in my mind, but it can't be close, the Huskers will not win a close game against Kansas. If KU keeps the game close and stays close, all it'll take is a few Nebraska mistakes, the Husker lose heart, get frustrated, and suffer and embarassing defeat.
That won't happen, in fact I see a comfortable margin of victory.
Yeah, metromaniac Nebraska will get a fine win. Yes, I may even smile a little. Just a little.
Nebraska 65, Kansas 37.
--ChipperF1 http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif