Nebraska Basketball: 3 takeaways from loss over Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 09: The Purdue Boilermaker student section attempts to distract a free throw in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Mackey Arena on February 09, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 09: The Purdue Boilermaker student section attempts to distract a free throw in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Mackey Arena on February 09, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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Watson is not himself

Glynn Watson is struggling. There is no doubt about it. He had a better game on Saturday against Purdue. Even still, it is hard to ignore that he has been trying to do too much offensively and as result has gotten into a bit of a funk. Unfortunately, this funk could not come at a worse time for Nebraska basketball as they are sliding further and further out of the March playoff picture.

After recording 26 points against Ohio State on January 26, he has recorded games of five points, six points, no points, and four points. The scoreless game came on Wednesday against Maryland. Whether this is an effect of Issac Copeland being hurt and having the pressure of taking on more of a scoring load remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, the loss of Copeland has affected the whole team very negatively. In the case of Watson, he has looked lost. Saturday against Purdue, he went one-of -five from the field including one-of-three from the three point line.

I don’t know how he can fix things. I don’t think it’s a question of him giving up on the season. I think it is more of a question of him trying to do too much. He looks completely lost out there. Whereas when Copeland was in the lineup he could sort of play off what Copeland were doing, Watson now has to create offense by himself. Often at times, he is too passive with the basketball.

I hope he can right the ship quick. He was  a big part of Nebraska’s early success this season. Now, it would be nice if he could finish the season strong. As a senior, the last thing he probably wants to do is put together a poor showing in his final few contests of his college career. If Nebraska basketball wants to win these next couple of games, they need him to be able to perform at a higher level.