Latest on Nebraska's bubble chances

[Jack_John_Mark]

This was not written by Joe Lunardi, but rather by Eamonn Brennan, another bracket specialist.

Nebraska [19-11 (7-9), RPI: 77, SOS: 60] The Huskers can't get over the hump. Their Feb. 19 win over Texas put them in the bubble conversation, but two subsequent losses to Kansas State and at Iowa State took much of the shine off the big win. Then, last week, Nebraska beat Missouri -- another nice top-50 RPI win -- only to lose at Colorado in a battle of fellow Big 12 bubble brethren. It didn't kill Nebraska's chances, but thanks to the Huskers' losses to Davidson and Texas Tech, as well as their very weak computer profile, the loss in Boulder does make a run in the Big 12 tournament a necessity. If Nebraska can hold off Oklahoma State in the first round Wednesday, it will get a shot at No. 1-seeded Kansas at the top of the bracket. Unfortunately for the Huskers, that game will be a win-or-go-home proposition.

 

[huskers1217]

look, we pretty much knew we needed an 8-8 big 12 record....

we were better than most people thought, so we keep improving.

 

[Jack_John_Mark]

If we beat Kansas, we're in............you heard it here first. A win over the #1 RPI would force the committee to put us in.

 

[NUance]

 

[Jack_John_Mark]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Just when you want to stick a pin in Nebraska's bubble and end all the misery that comes with high hopes, Joe Lunardi keeps giving it small amounts of air.

If you're a serious college hoops fan, you treat Lunardi as you would E.F. Hutton. When he talks, you listen.

"The one thing I've learned through the years is Joe Lunardi usually knows what he's talking about," Nebraska coach Doc Sadler said of the ESPN analyst who predicts the NCAA Tournament field and seedings. "And he's still got (us) in there as somebody they're considering."

When you're finished rolling your eyes, take a look at Lunardi's "Bracketology," where he continues to have Nebraska on his list of eight teams outside the field of 68.

The key word there, of course, is outside. Meaning the Huskers, losers in three of their past four games, have work to do at the Big 12 Tournament.

Serious work.

They bring their lunch pails Wednesday to the Sprint Center for an 11:30 a.m. game with Oklahoma State. The winner plays top-seeded Kansas on Thursday.

Sadler said he truly, honestly believes that winning those two games will put Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament.

"Now, it depends on what else happens in the country," Sadler said. "They're going to take six teams out of the Big 12. I don't know anything, but that's what I believe. Depending on what happens, you can sit there and say we're playing as well as some as the other teams. But I don't think (we) have to win the (Big 12) Tournament."

Winning the tournament, of course, would mean an automatic bid -- something Nebraska's secured only once in school history.

"It's just like any other tournament," senior guard Drake Beranek said. "It's do or die. You're only guaranteed one game. Our backs are against the wall. We know that."

Nebraska (19-11, 7-9 Big 12) had chances to firm its NCAA bubble, but squandered opportunities at Iowa State and Colorado late in the season. Losses in those games meant a sub-.500 conference record for the Huskers, and the NCAA selection committee has never taken a Big 12 team that's finished worse than 8-8.

But the tournament field has expanded this season, and the bubble -- teams teetering between NCAA at-large bids and NIT draws -- is as big and pillowy-soft as ever.

What if Missouri loses its first-round game to Texas Tech and stretches its losing streak to four?

What if Colorado loses to upstart Iowa State for the second time in 10 days?

And what if Nebraska. …

"I don't think we should ever be written out of anything," Beranek said. "We've got too many good competitors."

This much is certain: A loss to Oklahoma State (18-12, 6-10) assures that Nebraska is destined for the NIT, where the only question remaining is its seeding. A victory over OSU and a loss to Kansas could secure Nebraska an NIT seed as high as No. 2, which means at least two home games.

Or, if you're in the dreaming mode, keep an eye on Lunardi with each Nebraska victory. Just don't expect Beranek to join you in following the sometimes-confusing bubble talk.

"I've got tests and stuff to worry about," he said. "I don't need anything else blocking my brain power."

 

[NUance]

"I've got tests and stuff to worry about," he said. "I don't need anything else blocking my brain power."

Yeah, I hates it wen stuff blocks my brain powers.