HHC Report Card: 2012 Iowa Hawkeyes Away

Explaining The Grades:

Near Flawless	Poor
Good	Awful
Average

OFFENSE:

Nebraska started hot and finished hot in this one, including 48 points on 54% shooting in the second half, en route to an impressive 79 points.

The Huskers saw the best game of Brandon Richardson's life, as the 6'1" senior poured in a career high 25 points on 9-10 shooting (6-7 from downtown) while grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. For good measure, B-Rich had two steals and turned the ball over only once.

This was the biggest statement "Player of the Game" we've seen this year. As in, it was the first real time I totally remember a player "willing the Huskers," almost single handedly, to win. Sure, Bo Spencer had some similar games earlier in the year, but not on the road and not in conference play, and not all around like this. I can't say enough about how proud I am of B-Rich or how he played.

Now, let's give some credit where its due, too. Spencer had a VERY NICE night, finishing with 16 points, and I thought Caleb Walker played big in the opening portions of the game (finishing with 8 points).

Dylan Talley also played clutch, hitting two HUGE shots in the final two minutes of the game.

While Nebraska DID look bad for about five minutes offensively, I believe the Huskers played about the best game of the year in the other 35 minutes.

DEFENSE:

Nebraska looked very poor defensively in the first half, and even into a bit of the second half. The Huskers allowed WAY TOO MUCH penetration and WAY TOO MANY wide open three's. That has been the norm (not to be confused with our Norm, Norm Peterson) for the majority of this year.

However, GREAT MOVE to go to that 2-3 zone in the second half. Doc gave credit to Coach Flanigan but either way, whoever called it, great move.

Nebraska played hard and you could tell they actually were TAKING PRIDE in their defense again down the stretch. It was obvious. This reminded me of EARLY Doc teams, in the first three to four years. They took pride in their "D." Am I the only one who thinks this team, and last years team, have NEVER really consisitently taken PRIDE in the "D"? I think defense is largely an attitude.

REBOUNDING:

Nebraska was FANTASTIC on the boards tonight, sans a couple of big offensive rebounds and dunks/layups Iowa got in the first half, when NU decided to be a spectator rather than box out.

For the night, the Huskers dominated Iowa, out boarding the Hawkeyes (34 to 27) while pounding the offensive glass to the tune of 12 rebounds, including a GIGANTIC ONE by Brandon Ubel in the final 40 seconds.

I want to give props to Toney McCray for his toughness on the glass. He is undersized down there and playing the "4" out of necessity. He has a great attitude and plays hard, especially on the boards.

Great job T-Mac.

BALL HANDLING:

This report card is like a broken record but again, other than a couple of AWFUL entry angles (that's what she said) in the first half, which resulted in buckets at the other end, Nebraska played pretty flawlessly with the ball. 11 turnovers, on the road, WILL get it done in many occasions, such as tonight.

COACHING:

The bad?

A shot clock violation out of a timeout.

Again, I'll harp on this and be consistent, but Mike Fox playing. Problem. Period. Why? Because we lose four seniors this year and we have THREE scholarship freshman on the bench, two of whom could play spot minutes in the same way Fox does (AKA undersized, out of position).

The good?

Defensive adjustments. Were FANTASTIC. Defensive intensity, down the stretch. GREAT. Offense - shot the ball well and seemed to have a pretty good understanding of what we were trying to accomplish all night.

The great?

A HUGE road win and a huge "Eff You" to Gessel.

OVERALL GRADE:

Nebraska got it done, in a big way.

They were tougher than Iowa and for the third time this year, came back from more than 11 points for a victory (at TCU, Indiania, tonight).

Let's enjoy this game and take ONE GAME AT A TIME. Our players now get a couple of days off the next week to hopefuly, rest and recover and get a little healthier. Then, its the stretch run, where the Huskers have a chance to build on this and have a nice little run to end the season.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Brandon Richardson

SEASON TOTALS:

Bo Spencer - 5

Brandon Richardson - 5

Toney McCray - 4 

Jorge Brian Diaz - 3

Brandon Ubel - 1

Dylan Talley - 1

Josiah Moore - 1