Published Nov 23, 2017
Hoops Gameday: Nebraska at Central Florida
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Robin Washut  •  InsideNebraska
Senior Writer
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@RobinWashut

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN

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Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) at Central Florida Knights (3-0)

Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 - 5:00 p.m.

HP Field House

TV: None

Radio: Husker Sports Network

Internet: WatchESPN

Nebraska projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Glynn Watson

6-0/174

Jr.

Had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in win over North Dakota.

Evan Taylor

6-5/206

Sr.

Finished with eight points, a career-high five assists and four boards vs. North Dakota.

James Palmer

6-6/210

Jr.

Held to eight points vs. North Dakota, the first time he hadn't scored in double figures this season.

Isaac Copeland

6-9/221

Jr.

Posted a season-high 30 points on 12-of-14 shooting and a team-high eight boards vs. North Dakota.

Jordy Tshimanga

6-11/268

So.

Averaging just 2.6 points and 10.6 minutes over the past three games.

Central Florida projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Ceasar DeJesus

6-2/195

Fr.

Averaging 11.7 points and 2.3 steals per game.

Dayon Griffin

6-4/208

Jr.

Scoring 12.7 points with 4.3 rebounds per game this season.

Terrell Allen

6-3/183

So.

Averaging 6.7 points, 3.0 rebound and 2.0 steals per game.

Chad Brown

6-9/240

Jr.

Averaging 6.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.

A.J. Davis

6-9/215

Sr.

Averaging 13.3 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, is the son of former NBA star Antonio Davis.

3 KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Overcome Tacko

He might not be in the projected starting lineup, but there is zero question of who the most recognizable player on Central Florida's roster is this season. Standing at a massive 7-foot-6, 280 pounds, with an 8-foot wingspan, Fall is by far the most daunting physical challenge Nebraska will see in the post all year. Fall was the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2016-17, blocking 94 shots while averaging 10.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. With him leading the way, UCF topped the nation in defensive field goal percentage last year, as opponents shot just 36.5 percent from the floor and averaged 61.2 points per game.

2. Attack the rim

This is obviously more easier said than done than in probably any game Nebraska will play this season, but it will be as important as ever for the Huskers to start their offense inside then out. Without any consistent enough perimeter shooters, NU can't afford to try and and win this game with jump shots - we saw what happened when they tried that at St. John's. The Huskers have to be the aggressors and attack the rim early, both to get their own offense going and possibly get Fall into early foul trouble. Getting to the line is key for Nebraska, as it's averaged 31.5 free throw attempts over the first four games after getting just 18.3 free throws per contest last year.

3. Keep the ball moving

Another issue Nebraska had in its lone road game this season at St. John's was the lack of effective ball movement. The Huskers ended up with a measly nine assists on just 16 made field goals in the loss, and every shot was a struggle when they had to operate out of the half court. It's no coincidence that when NU more than doubled that assist total the next time out vs. North Dakota (20 assists on 36 made field goals) it ended up posting its highest regulation point total in two years. The more flow, the better the offense will look.

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QUOTABLE

"I’m excited for the challenge, I’m excited to learn more about our team, I’m excited for us to get better. We have no choice but to either rise to the occasion and play at a high level or we’re going to fail, we’re going to lose. "
Head coach Tim Miles on the challenge and the opportunity that await at this weekend's AdvoCare Invitational

PREDICTION

Nebraska 63-61

Robin's season record: 4-0

vs. the spread: 1-3