NFL
MLB
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
WNBANebraska (1-0) At Saint Louis (1-0)
GAME NOTES: The Nebraska Cornhuskers take to the road for the first time this season, as they invade Chaifetz Arena to tangle with the Saint Louis Billikens in non-conference play tonight.
The Huskers had a relatively easy time in the opener, as they coasted past USC-Upstate, 76-49, on Saturday. It was an encouraging start for Nebraska, which returns just one regular from last year's squad that won 18 games and made it to the NIT. Following this bout, the Huskers will return home for two straight games, starting with TCU on Saturday.
As for SLU, it too got things started the right way, picking up a 59-41 win over Southeast Missouri State in its opener on Saturday. It was the third win in as many openers under head coach Rick Majerus, who has a young team to work with this year.
With respect to the all-time series, Nebraska took a 4-3 lead over SLU with a 71-57 win in Lincoln last season. It marked the first meeting between the schools in more than 18 years.
The Huskers did it at both ends of the floor, hitting 11-of-20 three-pointers and forcing 21 turnovers in a route of USC-Upstate over the weekend. Nebraska tallied 27 points off the mishaps, and controlled the boards, 39-27. Lance Jeter was a perfect 3-of-3 from long range and he finished the game with team- highs of 17 points and six assists. He is one of seven newcomers that made their debut for the Huskers, who shot 48.3 percent from the field. Brandon Ubel, another new face, added 12 points, while Toney McCray came off the bench to chip in with 10 points.
The Billikens turned in a stout performance on defense in their opener, as they held SEMO to a horrific 27.5 percent shooting effort from the floor in a 59-41 triumph. The team allowed SEMO to make just 1-of-11 three-pointers, while SLU dominated the glass, 44-31. SLU itself, hit on 43.1 percent from the floor, although its 11-of-23 showing at the foul line was pretty dismal. Willie Reed notched his first career double-double to lead the charge, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The 6-9 sophomore, who averaged 7.7 ppg a season, added three blocks and two steals to his performance. Brian Conklin also scored 15 points, to go with eight boards, while Kwamain Mitchell tallied 13 points. Both Conklin and Mitchell performed well last season as freshmen and showed they were capable of a larger role with their efforts in the opener.
Both teams like to play defense here, so expect this one to be a tight, low- scoring affair. SLU has the edge hosting the game and it should be able to prevail in front of its home crowd.
Predicted OutcomeSaint Louis 54, Nebraska 51Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
