B1G Saturday Recap: Nebraska Wins Ugly

Storyline of the Day

Six of today's eight games were on BTN, starting at 11:00 am with Maryland and another every two hours. This marathon meant that no games were relegated to the pay-to-watch purgatory of BTN Plus and more games were shown on the network in one day than ever before. Now, with the football regular season over, basketball should take center stage for the next four months. Today that meant 13 straight hours of hoops, culminating in a double-overtime thriller.

Game of the Day: Nebraska vs Cincinnati

Nebraska has had a difficult week, losing to rival Creighton on Sunday and then dropping a home game to Incarnate Word. That meant this nightcap against the Cincinnati Bearcats was even more important than expected. The Huskers were able to pull out a victory, but in the end, both teams might hope that the tape of this game gets lost in the BTN archives. Cincy shot a paltry 31.7% from the field and 17.6% from three, while Nebraska hit 32.7% and 23.5%. The teams combined for 40 turnovers.

Benny Parker hit a runner with a minute and fourteen seconds left in the second overtime to put Nebraska up one and the Cats couldn't answer despite a trip to the free-throw line in the last minute. Terran Petteway led his team with 13 points and 9 boards, but fouled out in the first extra period. Shavon Shields also had 13 points, including 7-7 from the line. The charity stripe was what made the difference in this game, as Cincinnati went 12-24 with numerous chances down the stretch, while Nebraska hit 20-23. The Cornhuskers don't play again until December 23rd at Hawaii, their final game before starting the conference season off against IU.

#19 Maryland vs USC Upstate

The Spartans came into this game with a win at Georgia Tech in their last outing and came to play against the Maryland Terrapins. Maryland was down 28-24 at half, but scored 43 in the second and stayed tough on defense to come away with a ten point victory, 67-57.  Freshman Melo Trimble earned a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jake Layman led the team with 17 points. The Terps head to Stillwater next Sunday to face Oklahoma State.

#12 Ohio State vs Morehead State

The Buckeyes controlled the first half against Morehead State, outscoring the Eagles 47-28, but the second half was not good defensively for Thad Matta's team as they cruised to a 87-71 victory. This was Matta's 500th Division 1 game as a  head coach. Amir Williams had a big game with 12 points, 9 boards and 5 blocks. OSU takes on North Carolina A&T Wednesday before playing North Carolina proper in the CBS Sports Classic next Saturday.

#5 Wisconsin vs Nicholls State

Wisconsin dominated the Colonels, and there really is much else to say. The Badgers doubled up 86-43, Sam Dekker had 17 points and Duje Dukan missed a dunk. Next Monday, the 22nd, Bo Ryan's team travels out to Berkeley to play Cal.

Indiana vs Grand Canyon

Former NBA player Rick Majerle led his Grand Canyon Antelopes into Assembly Hall with dreams of an upset, but despite a mildly competitive first half the Hoosiers turned out to be too much to handle. Indiana dominated on the boards and James Blackmon had 18 points as IU ran away with a 94-66 victory. The Hoosiers next face Butler in Crossroads Classic next Saturday.

Illinois vs Oregon

Illinois had a 13 point lead at one point in the first half and looked to be in control, but the Oregon Ducks fought back and jumper by Ahmaad Rorie put it just out of reach with 13 seconds left. Rayvonte Rice led all scorers with 29 points and Nnanna Egwu scored 10 to go along with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Illinois get Hampton at home on Wednesday before playing Missouri in St. Louis on the 20th.

Michigan at #3 Arizona

Michigan's struggles continued, and the Arizona Wildcats lived up to their ranking as they crushed the Wolverines 80-53. Michigan battled in the first half despite a poor offense performance and were only down 11, but coming out of the break they gave up an 11-0 run that sealed their fate. Kameron Chatman led UM in rebounding with 4 as the Wolverines were punished on the boards 40-26. Michigan will try to right the ship with a game at home against SMU next Saturday.

Purdue at Vanderbilt

The Purdue Boilermakers traveled to Nashville to take on former Purdue player and assistant coach Kevin Stallings and his Vanderbilt Commodores. Purdue played poorly in the first half, but despite being down 11 they continue to battle, unfortunately Vanderbilt and freshman Riley LaChance continue to hit shots, even well defended ones. Vandy ended up 9-14 from behind the arc and LaChance ended the game with 26, for Purdue, Rapheal Davis had 15 points and 3 steals and Isaac Haas continue his strong freshman campaign with 13 point and 7 rebounds. The Boilers will try to bounce back next Saturday in Indy against Notre Dame at the Crossroads Classic, their last chance for a quality win before conference play.