Published Dec 3, 2016
Hoops Gameday: Nebraska vs. South Dakota
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Robin Washut  •  InsideNebraska
Senior Writer
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@RobinWashut

Who, What, Where, When

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Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-3) vs. South Dakota Coyotes (6-3)

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 - 1 p.m.

Pinnacle Bank Arena

TV: None

Radio: Husker Sports Network

Internet: BTN2Go.com

Nebraska projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Glynn Watson

6-0/174

So.

Posted his fourth 20-point game of the season with a game-high 20 points and a career-high 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals vs. Clemson

Tai Webster

6-4/195

Sr.

Only Big Ten player and one of 28 players nationally averaging at least 15 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.0 spg

Jack McVeigh

6-8/215

So.

Has shot 3-of-24 from the field and 2-of-19 from 3-point range over last four games


Michael Jacobson

6-9/239

So.

Had 11 points and 7 rebounds in loss to Clemson

Edward Morrow

6-7/234

So.

Picked up his second double-double in the last 4 games with 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds vs Clemson

South Dakota projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Trey Dickerson

6-1/185

Jr.

Transfer from Iowa averaging 10.4 ppg and 3.0 apg

Carlton Hurst

6-3/200

Jr.

Transfer from Colorado State averaging 8.3 ppg and 4.8 rpg

Matt Mooney

6-3/210

So.

Transfer from Air Force averaging a team-high 14.2 ppg

Trey Burch-Manning

6-6/200

So.

Averaging 10.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.3 apg

Tyler Flack

6-7/230

Sr.

Averaging 13.4 ppg, a team-high 7.1 rpg and 1.9 bpg

3 KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Play angry

Nebraska knows full well it let two golden opportunities slip through its fingers in losses to Virginia Tech and Clemson. Given what lies ahead next week with showdowns against No. 10 Creighton and No. 4 Kansas, this is a game in which the Huskers simply cannot afford to mess around. Nebraska needs to set the tone right from the opening tip and attack the rim as much as possible. Don't settle for bad looks, drive with a purpose and create points at the basket and at the free throw line to put this game away early and not let South Dakota hang around.

2. Don't give up extra chances

Wednesday night's loss at Clemson very well could have had a much different ending had Nebraska not given the Tigers so many extra chances by simply not controlling defensive rebounds and loose balls. By not ending possessions after the first shot, the Huskers let the Tigers get multiple open 3-point looks on kick-outs late in the game. The Coyotes have shooters who can hurt you on the perimeter, especially sophomore Matt Mooney, who leads USD with 16 made 3-pointers.

3. Curb the Craig Smith factor

There isn't a coach in all of college basketball who has a better scouting report on Nebraska than South Dakota's Craig Smith. Having served as an assistant under Tim Miles over 11 seasons at four different stops, Smith knows the Huskers' core system inside and out. What NU needs to do it capitalize on the one thing Smith can't replicate - its clear advantage in talent, size and athleticism. The Huskers must use all three of those to the fullest extent to make any X's and O's edge Smith might have a moot point.

QUOTABLE

"I learned very quickly - I would always try and call him or text him prior to the game, and he would just never respond. So I haven’t even tried to call him or text him the last two weeks, because I know he’s just going to tell me, ‘You’re the enemy, Smith.’”

- USD head coach Craig Smith on not bothering to talk to Nebraska's Tim Miles until after today's game. The two have faced off three other times when Smith was at Mayville State and Miles was at North Dakota State.

PREDICTION

Nebraska 78-60

Robin's season record: 6-1