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Nebraska Basketball: View from the Cheap Seats – Wisconsin Edition

By Andrew Bienka

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We have to give it to the Nebraska Basketball team, the “white out” wasn’t for surrender. No, not even down 15 points with under 4 minutes remaining in the game did the Huskers quit. Sadly, it was the start that doomed NU.

The view from the Cheap Seats this game wasn’t pretty, but it got exciting towards the end. So what stood out? Take a look…

Feb 10, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Tai Webster (0) grabs the rebound in front of Wisconsin Badgers forward Duje Dukan (13) in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Wisconsin won 65-55. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

– I have to give respect to the fans. They showed up, tried their best to get behind the team, and generally stayed until the end.

"“How they sit through 21 percent shooting and not head to the Railyard is beyond me,” coach Tim Miles said in his post game press conference."

The man has a point, but again, kudos to the fanbase for sticking with the team. They’ll continue to need encouragement with tough tests at home remaining including Maryland and Iowa.

– What separates the good teams from the great teams? More than one outstanding player. Wisconsin has a couple. All-American Frank Kaminsky got a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The true game-changer and star was Sam Dekker. His 21 points, including a big three pointer that stalled the Huskers momentum.

Wisconsin has the tools to go a long way in the NCAA tournament and it’s no shame losing to guys the class of Dekker and Kaminsky.

– Nebraska Basketball’s nemesis is still around…Terran Petteway scored 23 points and Shavon Shields added 12. NU’s next highest scorer was Leslee Smith with 6. Until someone else steps up, this trend is going to continue. Last year it was Pitchford, this year it has been no one. Here’s to a better 2015-2016 season for the supporting cast. Andrew White III, anyone?

– I want to be clear, the officiating didn’t cost the Huskers the game, but it was bad. Gene Steratore and Ted Valentine seemed to want to make it about themselves, as they often do.

Feb 10, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) drives between Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Shavon Shields (31) and guard Tai Webster (0) in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Wisconsin won 65-55. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

– A big tip of the cap to Husker Tai Webster. The young man came off the bench for 24 minutes, scored 5 points and played absolutely lights out defensively. The Kiwi from New Zealand earned a standing ovation from the crowd after he fouled out of the game. He truly deserved it. As a fan, I’m really glad we have Tai. It’s been quite an up and down career so far in his time in Nebraska, but if he keeps producing on the defensive end of the floor, he’ll always find a way to contribute.

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– Terran Petteway hit 4 of his 9 three point attempts. Those four makes were the only 3’s hit by the entire time. Does anyone want to shoot the ball? Can anyone? Everyone not wearing the No. 5 wearing white went zero for nine. Yikes.

– Down 6 with around a minute left, Nebraska had possession and Shavon Shields took a long two that clanked off the rim. That can’t have been what Tim Miles drew up, right?

– NU has no time to get down on themselves. Road trips to Purdue and Maryland follow. NU has to make shots, simple enough. Road trips can’t be an excuse anymore.

Huskers are back in action Sunday afternoon at Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana at 4:15 on BTN. It’s time to rebound and GO BIG RED!!!

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