Well, once again, add another single digit loss to the young Buffs' resume. The stat going into the game was CU had lost six Big 12 contests by less than an average of 5.2 points. You can add lucky number seven to that list as Nebraska defeated Colorado 46 - 41 last night. 41 points was the lowest output by the Buffs this year as they continue to find trouble scoring if Dwight Thorne or Cory Higgins don't go off. Worst off, the combined 87 points is the lowest point total for a Big 12 conference game...ever. Last night, Higgins only had three first half shots and ended the game 3 for 9 with 12 points. Dwight Thorne really struggled from the field, going 3 for 13 and only seven points. In a game that the Buffs outrebounded the Huskers, something they have failed to do on many occassions this season, Colorado just shot themselves in the foot with turnovers. You can't give a team who is playing at home 10 extra possessions and that is what the Buffaloes did by turning the ball over 16 times compared to 6 for the Big Red. Nate Tomlinson continues to struggle at point guard, turning the ball over 6 times with zero assists. When you turn the ball over 16 times and only shoot 31.0% from the field for the game, you wonder how Colorado was even in this game. Nebraska helped out that cause, shooting 34.8% from the field themsevles. The only player who was effective last night was wearing red. G Ade Dagunduro scored 18 points and grabbed six boards to lead the Huskers to victory.
Once again, another tough loss for the Buffs that extends the Big 12 conference road losing streak to 26 games. It is amazing to me how many games Colorado has been in, down by only a few points, but never get a lead during the game.
For more on last nights game, check out the following links:
CUBuffs.com - As I mentioned, the Buffs were great on the boards but empty possessions due to turnovers negated the strong performance on the glass:
The Buffs out-rebounded the Cornhuskers 35-25, the first time all conference season they have done so and the first time this season by double-digits. Senior Jermyl Jackson-Wilson grabbed a game-high seven rebounds and Higgins added six.
Buffzone.com - Is Coach Bzdelik softening a little from his early season tirades?
"Where we fall short is we're so young that we're not strong enough to finish plays around the rim and to be strong with the basketball," Bzdelik said. "A lot of our turnovers the ball was just out there. And we're not strong enough to protect it and we get dislodged off our cuts and off our positions because of the physicality of the game.
"And that's part of the game. It was a well officiated game. We're just not strong enough yet to just hold and contest position and finish plays around the rim."
In other news:
The women's team got a rare win against Kansas last night getting their third conference win of the year, sending the Jayhawks to the basement of the Big 12.
Recruiting ratings are a funny thing but once again, since WR Jarrod Darden verbally committed early with the Buffs, he lost some of his luster, just like that girl you have been dating for a year while the new girl at work looks a little bit hotter. That was probably a failed attempt of comparison but Athlon sports ranks Darden as the 20th wide-out in the country, ahead of both Emory Blake and Diante Jackson. Moral of the story, until they strap them on, who knows?
Athlon sports also ranks Nick Kasa as the seventh best DE...he always seems to be rated high so we got that going for us!