Nebraska (12-5) At Colorado (13-3)
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GAME NOTES: The Colorado Buffaloes will try to extend their winning streak when they host the Nebraska Cornhuskers tonight in a Big 12 battle at the Coors Event Center. After losing back-to-back games, the Buffs have won three straight matchups, including an 80-78 overtime victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday. Since the beginning of the 2002-03 season the Buffs have been tremendous on their home floor, posting an impressive 43-11 record at the Coors Event Center and that includes this year's sensational 8-1 mark. As for the Cornhuskers, they have dropped two straight games, falling to Iowa State (88-75) and most recently Kansas (96-54). Over the past three and a half seasons the Cornhuskers have been dreadful inside conference action, posting a terrible 18-32 ledger. In regards to the all-time series between the two schools, Nebraska holds a 71-65 lead over Colorado. Last season the Cornhuskers won both meetings, including a 70-55 victory over the Buffs in Lincoln.
The Cornhuskers have played extremely well at the defensive end of the floor this season, surrendering a meager 65.5 ppg, while holding the opposition to a lackluster 39.9 percent shooting effort from the field. Luckily the team has played hard defensively, because the team has struggled offensively, scoring just 68.9 ppg, while shooting a mere 41.4 percent from the floor. Wes Wilkinson is currently leading the Cornhuskers this season with 12.1 ppg and is also pulling down 7.0 rpg. Jason Dourisseau and Joe McCray have also done a solid job this season, as both players are posting 10.4 ppg. In the loss to Kansas on Saturday, Nebraska was dreadful at the offensive end of the floor, shooting an anemic 27.4 percent from the field, which includes a horrible 4- of-21 showing from long range. Aleks Maric led the team in defeat with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Jamel White came off the bench to produce 10 points for Nebraska. Wilkinson posted just three points in the loss, while Dourisseau struggled tremendously, shooting just 1-of-8 from the field, finishing the contest with four points.
As for the Buffs, they are holding opponents to 66.8 ppg, however the team has played extremely well at the offensive end of the floor, scoring a whopping 82.9 ppg, while shooting a solid 47.0 percent from the field. Richard Roby is leading the squad with 17.8 ppg, while Chris Copeland is the only other player for Colorado averaging double figures, as the guard is posting 13.1 ppg. In the team's thrilling two-point overtime victory over Oklahoma State, the Buffs shot 44.3 percent from the field, but connected on 12-of-29 from long range. Roby had a sensational performance, pouring in 27 points, while grabbing seven boards and recording six steals. Marcus Hall came off the bench to post 16 points and six assists, while Andy Osborn tallied 11 points and Julius Ashby chipped in 10 points.
Nebraska has played solid defensively this season, however do not expect the Cornhuskers to shut down the high-powered offense of Colorado, especially in Boulder. Look for the Buffs to post a solid victory over Nebraska.
Predicted OutcomeColorado 83, Nebraska 67Copyright 2006 Courtesy of SportsNetwork.
