Colorado at Nebraska

[ChipperF1]

18:15 left... Nebraska 6, Colorado 2... Hardy and Griffin accounting for all point so far...Strong perimeter defense by Nebraska early. McFarland scored between non-resistance by Aubry and Gerhart.

Nebraska now up 8-2...Griffin works inside.

[ChipperF1]

13:28...Nebraska 17, Colorado 7...
Nebraska's defense is on target so far, but the Buffs are competing, and they are making plays on us.

The Huskers have the maintain the intensity they've shown thus far.

[ChipperF1]

The tempo of the game has picked up. Nebraska is running the court, while Colorado is bunkering in the half-court and getting very physical, but they are not skilled enough to make it work successfully.

7:59 left...Nebraska 28, Colorado 17

[ChipperF1]

7:43 left 1st half...Nebraska 28, Colorado 17

Shooting: Nebraska 52% Colorado 38%
Rebounds: Colorado 14, Nebraska 11

Individual Scoring/Nebraska: Jessica Gerhart 8, Kelsey Griffin 7
Individual Rebounds/Colorado: Jackie McFarland 8, Yari Escalera 7

McFarland has 2 fouls.

[ChipperF1]

3:39 left....Nebraska 32, Colorado 22...

Whitney Law's been getting position inside, mainly on Gerhart.
Nebraska has played a very sloppy an unfocused last 4 minutes.

I am not pleased with our effort for the last 7 minutes of play overall. Do not give these kids any hope. Destroy them.

[ChipperF1]

Nebraska 37, Colorado 22 HALFTIME.

A rather sloppy period of play for my lasses. We are somewhat inconsistent at both ends. When we execute we make good plays, but a lot of bonehead mental mistakes are getting in the mix.

On the upside, Jessica Gerhart is getting the ball and some sweet spots to make some sweet shots. She is leading the Huskers with 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting. #33 has a deadly shooting stroke.

Also, Nebraska's taken care of the ball and are taking it away. The Huskers have forced 12 turnovers and committed only 5

Colorado is getting opportunties and they are getting after it, if they could make some more of the looks they created in the first half. This would be a tighter game

[YCN]

Sounds like they righted the effort just a bit at the end with the 5 point run to make 37-22 at halftime.

BTW, Chipper, I'll give a response from my heart to what you posted on your previous thread regarding my comments about recent Sooner seasons.

It may reflect a different perspective than your own, but it's real, and it's my opinion. That's all.

[ChipperF1]

Nebraska 46, Colorado 26....The Huskers got intense and got it moving! A much better start.

Jessica Gerhart is working on a career night with sweet mid-range shooting!!! She has 16 points...and counting. :) :) :) :) :)

[Jimi]

Thanks for the reports.

[swok34]

wow...they certainly did turn up the heat.

[ChipperF1]

12:05 left Nebraska 51, Colorado 34

A Textbook example of lack of focus.. Kiera Hardy saves a ball from going out of bounds on the defensive end, and she's pushing the ball up the floor...she;s leading a 2 on 2...and making a beeline for Escalera in the lane with Griffin on the wing covered.

Kiera tries for the And 1 Mix Tape Tour again by trying some showboat circus move and reconsidering her choice halfway through....The end result is a potential 2 points down the drain because she's called for travelling.

This has been the idea the last 3 possessions. After a good start, we don't maintain the focus.

I'm not seeing the crispness needed to beat the teams we'll need to beat to keep any chances of NCAA alive.

[YCN]

Grab that win, Huskers! 18 point lead with about 10 remaining.

[swok34]

66-48 with about 4 minutes left......

just in case you're not catching Matt.

[Jimi]

Good win for Nebraska 70-54

[ChipperF1]

FINAL Nebraska 70, Colorado 54

Overall: Mat Coatney said on the radio broadcast that this was an impressive win.

I 100% disagree. This win was unimpressive, and I what saw could sow the seeds of collapse.

[YCN]

First sweep by the Huskers of Colorado in a whole lot of years. Gotta get those demons banished whenever your can!

[BeBe]

First sweep by the Huskers of Colorado in a whole lot of years.
And hopefully the last for a whole lotta years to come. The Buffs will be back and will be much improved

[Skerfan]

FINAL Nebraska 70, Colorado 54

Overall: Mat Coatney said on the radio broadcast that this was an impressive win.

I 100% disagree. This win was unimpressive, and I what saw could sow the seeds of collapse.

:mad: :mad: :mad: I completely agree with Matt as do other Husker fans who are no longer willing to post on this board because their players continue to get assaulted not by opponents but by one of their own. I intend to remain civil, but I also have to be frank. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the Husker bashing has reached a point that I almost hate to even participate.

I don't care what anyone says -- this was a good win and the Huskers played well. Did they play like they're a contender for the the Big 12 Title? Nope. But so what? No one expected them to be of that calibre at this point in Coach Yori's tenure. Even the Big 12 Coaches picked them to finish 5th in the league. Of course that was before the Big 12 newcomer of the year was sidelined with a knee injury and our best 3 point shooter's career ended prematurely. But these kids have gutted it out, and once again, despite the setbacks, they're playing above almost everyone's expectations. Do I expect the Huskers to be a contender in the future? Absolutely! But I pray none of our recruits visit this board. Who would want to come to Nebraska to be accousted by their own fans?!

I'm going to take a break from the board for awhile. I need some time to cool down.

[labcoatguy]

Even the Big 12 Coaches picked them to finish 5th in the league.

Well, I haven't actually seen any part of any Nebraska game this season, so I guess I shouldn't be the one to speculate on how well they are actually doing this year. But I do feel qualified to point out that they are not actually fifth in conference. They are ninth. I understand conference play is not yet halfway over, but I don't think they are playing above anyones expectations, especially after last year when they were very close to making the tournament.

[ChipperF1]

Maybe, I should have waited until I could do a full write-up on things.

I was ready to fall asleep after the game, and just didn't finish my thoughts.

First off, I'll take the win anyday.

Secondly, Chipper's HorseTrailer Player of the Game: Jessica Gerhart. Yeah, the same Jessica Gerhart who's been in the Doghouse. But last night, she did what she does well. She gets open, gets the ball and shoots the ball. I've consistently said that she has a sweet shooting stroke, it was straight cash homey! Career High 22 Points!
I won't mention her getting beat defensively for 5 baskets. That would be bashing. ;)

When this team got down to business, you saw that lead grow. The way we got out of the blocks was great. We get Kelsey Griffin in the groove against a team that went big with their lineup. Colorado was looking to get inside and they did at points, but Nebraska put the break on that was a very determined perimeter defense.

It was good to see so many players get a piece of the pie. Kiera Hardy didn't need to run into the phone booth and come out to be Super Kie. Chelsea Aubry was hustling at a lot of points in the game. TreKessa LeFleur ran the point during the game, and did a solid job in addition to continually developing her game. Danielle Page came off the bench and did what she does, so did Sarah White. Elena Diaz showed some of the best offense she has all year. Player for player there was a lot of good.

So why did I say what I say that makes Husker fans feel they are being "assaulted not by opponents but by one of their own."

Because, there were too many points in the game where we didn't maintain the intensity, focus and execution that we started rallies with.

Yes, we won by 16, but our misplays gave Colorado too many opportunities to work back in the game. The only reason why the game wasn't tighter and it could have been was the Buffs didn't have the firepower to cash them in or just didn't get the shots to fall. If we showed the constant hustle and desire we played with against Texas Tech last week, this is a 30-35 point blowout. We showed that level of execution when we play against Colorado in Boulder. I didn't see that same level, and the teams we are playing in the next four game will demand we raise up to that level.

If we go out disjointed and slack off against Iowa State on Wednesday, we are going to lose. We can't afford to take a possession off against those kids.
If we don't came out firing and keep the momentum and make smart plays for 40 minutes at Kansas State, we're going to lose.
If we don't improve on defense and on the boards and maintain that focus for the entire game at Baylor, Sophia Young will have an All-American Campaign Speech ready for us and we're going to lose.
If we get careless with that basketball, like LaToya Howell did with a lazy pass on a 4-on-1 break in the second half, against those Texas A&M ballhawks? We're going to lose.

These next four games have a direct bearing on what kind of March we'll have. If pointing this out is "bashing", then I think we need to redefine the term.
I'm not concerned with what the Big 12 Coaches say at Media Day. Remember, They said Missouri would be 10th this year. Their guess is no better or no worse than anybody elses.
I'm not concerned with who can't play at this point. Jelena Spiric and Heather Kephardt couldn't play. The rest of the team had to close ranks and move on.

Skerfan, since you wish to be frank, so will I. When I read what you post, I get the distinct idea that you've given up on this season.
Nearly everything you post is about next year's recruits. Its about tomorrow. Don't get me wrong. I'm looking forward to Yvonne Turner, Cory Montgomery, Nicole Neals, Kala Kuhlmann, Nikki Bober, and Tonga Fakatou like a kid on Christmas Eve.

BUT THERE IS STILL SO MUCH ON THE TABLE THIS YEAR!
The team we have is good enough to make the NCAA Tournament field. That was my "expectation". I think we have a better team than Missouri, Iowa State, Kansas State or Texas A&M. These kids went out a beat a National Championship caliber team last season. These kids took LSU to some dark places for much of that game this season. Don't tell me the expectations shouldn't be high! I've seen too much of these kids playing great when they want to.

So why are the Tigers where they are for example, and the Huskers are where they are?
Because Missouri is doing the things they do well, and they are doing them consistently.

Textbook example. Did you see Missouri against Texas Tech Saturday. Notice how that when they had an opportunity to shut the door on the Lady Raiders, They slam its shut and locked it.
We had that some opportunity against TTU. We had 5-point lead with 3 minutes left...and we ended up losing because we didn't stay focused, we made misplays, went away from our strengths and gave a good team a chance to beat us. And sure enough, Texas Tech beat us.

You can exchange "Tigers" with "Aggies", "Wildcats", "Cyclones", or "Longhorns" and you get the same answer. The only difference between those team as us is when they are in kill-or-be-killed games, they are getting the job done. Nebraska played 4 NCAA tournament hopeful over the last two weeks...and they lost them all.

That's not bashing, Skerfan. Those are the facts.

as do other Husker fans who are no longer willing to post on this board because their players continue to get assaulted not by opponents but by one of their own. I intend to remain civil, but I also have to be frank. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the Husker bashing has reached a point that I almost hate to even participate.

Four things
1. "assaulted"? If anybody feels that I'm in error or called them out their name, they can say so. If its true, I can apologize. Being a jerk or being perceived as one is not my way.
2. If you really disagree with me, don't run away...Tell me why I'm wrong. This is a place where we exchange ideas. I have no problem with being proven wrong. Being wrong isn't a crime to me. Look at my pick 'em record. It comes to being wrong, I know how to be right. ;)
3. If any Husker fan feels I'm making them uncomfortable, send me a private message and say so. We'll work it out. I don't like making anyone feel uncomfortable, especially here. Hoopscoop.net isn't just some message board to me. I've broken bread with people here. I've seen their faces. What we have here as a community means a great deal to me, and I want to see it grow.
4. I'll be in Dallas rooting my lasses forward in the Big 12 Tournament whether you believe me to be a "fan" or a "basher". I know where I sit and where I stand.

We'll all stick together, in all kinds of weather for dear old Nebraska U.

[HuskerFan86]

Good post Chipper. After clarifying you're original comments on the game, I can see where you were coming from. Although you tend to have a critical (bordering on pessimistic) tone when addressing the Huskers, you almost always justify your opinions and support them with legitimate evidence.

As far as the game goes, it was great to get back in the winning column but I was a little concerned that we seemed to leave the door open for the Buffs instead of crushing them when we had the chance.

Gerhart shot the ball extremely well (if only we could get a few of these jumpers to fall against quality teams). Jessica is obviously very talented offensively and has the ability to carry our team when the offense begins to sputter. If she can acquire the same mentality as Carlynn Savant (who seems to make all the big shots for Mizzou), Nebraska would be a much better team.

I thought Griffin and Diaz also put in very good games in paint and we did a good job defending Ilic and Nedovic. It looked like Kiera's back was a little stiff and she wasn't as aggressive and explosive as she normally is. Hardy seemed to realize this and decided to let her teammates do most of the damage (career high 9 assists for Kiera!).

I really liked have T.K. run the point. She could be a big upgrade on the perimeter as she has more size than LaToya and more speed and skill than Ford. If Lafleur can handle the ball and play defense, she should be on the floor as much as possible because of the additional offense and three-point shooting threat that she offers NU.

Overall, a solid and much needed win for NU. Now lets get back to .500 in the conference by crushing the Cyclones on Wednesday!!

[Row6Seat10]

I too thought the Huskers played very well at times. When the offense seemed to sputter it looked more of a result of who was in the game at that certain time more than anything. The Huskers played a full court pressure defense from the get go and to keep bodies fresh Coach Yori had to substute often even if that meant playing players with not so many minutes to their credit. A lot of the times so it seemed with the new subs in the game they were caught looking for their girl the first time down the court which caused some confusion at times. All in all I think it was a success and as the team uses it more often it will feel more comfortable to them.

I credit the coaches with the way they implemented the full court defense and to use it in this game. My hope is that they use it more as the season progresses. I liked what I saw last night especially from that pressure defense. The Huskers started using the pressure defense with TK, Howell, and Hardy the last few minutes of the Texas game and got some turnovers off it but failed to convert those turnovers into points. What better game to see how it would effect an opposing team to go the whole game than last night. It's a good way to get TK in the game and more comfortable with her role. TK looked very good at the point and is earning more minutes at the position. Don't get me wrong I think LaToya has really picked her game up from the start of the season but she doesn't shoot. TK does and it will add another dimension to the offense that makes opponents realize that they need to guard her also besides just trying to focus on Kie and Kelsey.

Kiera looked hesitant at times and maybe that was because of her sore back I'm not sure. But I think mostly it was because she heard where some questioned her last couple of shots in the Tech game and was trying to make a more concientious effort to try and get everyone involved in the game. I thought she played great despite a couple of her turnovers. She was one assist away from a double-double. I'm glad for Jessica that she took over scoring at will. Kelsey fought her butt off as usual underneath but needs to connect on her free throws a little bit better.

I liked the defense Diaz and Page put up, Daniell played very well but that full court defense as expected took a toll on her. Chelsea really hustled when she played and found herself the recipient of many loose balls because of that hustle.

The Cyclones come to the "Bob" next and with a little hard work and determination the Huskers should have their conference record back to 500. I'm still hoping for that NCAA tourney birth this year and a win next Wednesday night would do wonders for that cause.

On another note I heard last night where Bellevue West's Brooke Delano has committed to play for the Huskers after her senior season not in basketball but volleyball. :) Good for her!

:NU:

[bigred]

I guess I fully expected a win, so I didn't come to the game. But, I plan to attend the ISU game and look for a win, so we can all revel in happiness.

Man, ain't this weather great!

Tell those town cops around Auburn and the troopers on hwy 2 to "back off." :D

[HuskerFan86]

"On another note I heard last night where Bellevue West's Brooke Delano has committed to play for the Huskers after her senior season not in basketball but volleyball. Good for her!"

This is more good news to a program that already has everything it could want (except a rematch with Washington). C'mon John give Connie a break and let some of these stellar athletes try their luck on the basketball court. If she wasn't College Volleyball's Player of the Year, Christina Houghtelling would prob. be averaging a double-double for the bball team. Now the best NE center prospect since Carla Bennet will be playing at the Coliseum too?!

I guess maybe basketball fans will have to wait a couple more years to sign a big in-state center prospect (with double emphasis on big) because Millard North's 6'7" Melissa MacFarlane is only a freshman this year.

[giraffespots]

Good post Chipper. After clarifying you're original comments on the game, I can see where you were coming from. Although you tend to have a critical (bordering on pessimistic) tone when addressing the Huskers, you almost always justify your opinions and support them with legitimate evidence.

[/B]

Chipper sounds like a coach or a parent who desperately wants his 'kids' to be all that they can be, and loves them regardless.