DEFENSE: B
I really thought Nebraska was pretty good defensively, especially without Brandon Ubel.
MSU was just too good down low and had NU had Ubel, this game could have easily swung the way of the Big Red.
I also think the above mentioned fatigue played a big role in Nebraska getting into foul trouble, thus allowing easy points at the free throw line AND making NU extremely small as guys continued to hit four fouls and ultimately, foul out (see Almeida and Shavon Shields).
REBOUNDING: A
Nebraska was out rebounded by only five (36 to 31) and matched the Spartans with nine offensive rebounds.
Again, considering NU had only ONE experienced big man (and two tweeners between 3's and 4's in Rivers/Shields), you take that.
BALL HANDLING: B+
The Huskers finished with a solid 12 turnovers, which is the goal in a difficult road enviornment.
Also, outside of a lazy pass from Gallegos (I believe), only one easy transition basket came as the imediate result of a turnover, so you take that, too.
COACHING: A
Coach Miles has been dealt 3/4 of a deck, but he continues to (on most nights) have this team competing and ready to play.
I like his creativity with starting lineups and bringing in Benny Parker as a spark plug at the point, while giving Talley the chance to run it.
I like his calls out of timeouts (as I mention almost every report card). Again tonight, he back doored MSU twice for one easy basket and another that could have been converted with a better pass.
I like him fighting until the end and I like how he seems to have fun while battling for his team.
I wish somebody who is a "true journalist" would do some investigative reporting about what is going on with Sergej Vucetic, however. Jordan Tyrance played TWELVE minutes today and even Trevor Menke got in the game. However, the non-redshirting Vucetic continues to be on the back of a milk carton.
Something is going on, whether it be a serious health problem, nagging injury or an awful miss on the recruitment (which I doubt). I'm guessing there's some health ailment but it'd be nice to know so we could quit speculating.
Be nice to find out more.
OVERALL GRADE: A-
Considering the circumstances, Nebraska played a terrific game.
Had they won, they got an "A+" and had they kept it just a tad closer, they get an "A."
Here's to a win on Wednesday night against Purdue - I think NU gets it done.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: DAVID RIVERS
2012-2013 PLAYER OF THE GAME RESULTS:
RAY GALLEGOS - 8
DYLAN TALLEY - 3
BRANDON UBEL - 3
DAVID RIVERS - 2
SHAVON SHIELDS - 1
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