Published Dec 28, 2016
Hoops Gameday: No. 16 Indiana
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Robin Washut  •  InsideNebraska
Senior Writer
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@RobinWashut

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN

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Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-6) at Indiana Hoosiers (10-2)

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 - 5:31 p.m.

Assembly Hall

TV: BTN

Radio: Husker Sports Network

Internet: btn2go.com

Nebraska projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Glynn Watson

6-0/175

So.

Second on the team in scoring (12.6 ppg) and assists (2.8 apg) and leads the Big Ten in steals (1.9 spg)

Tai Webster

6-4/195

Sr.

Ranks sixth in the Big Ten in scoring (17.0 ppg) and ninth in assists (4.0 apg)

Evan Taylor

6-5/206

Jr.

Has started the last two games, set season bests in points (8) and steals (4) against Southern

Edward Morrow

6-7/234

So.

Ranks fifth in the Big Ten in rebounding (8.4 rpg) and 11th in field goal percentage (.565)

Michael Jacobson

6-9/239

So.

Finished with four points and five boards in 19 minutes vs. Southern

Indiana projected starters
NAMEHT/WTYEARNOTES

Josh Newkirk

6-1/195

Jr.

Averages 7.8 ppg and a team-best 3.9 apg

James Blackmon

6-4/200

Jr.

Leads team in scoring at 18.5 ppg, missed all of Big Ten play last season with a knee injury

Robert Johnson

6-3/195

Jr.

Scoring 13.8 ppg and shooting well over 40 percent from 3-point range

OG Anunoby

6-8/235

So.

Averaging 12.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg

Thomas Bryant

6-10/235

So.

Averages 12.0 points and a team-best 7.8 rebounds per game

3 KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Push the pace

Nebraska's offensive struggles this season are no secret, and the Huskers can expect things to get even more difficult now that Big Ten Conference play is underway. Just as league foes have done the past four seasons, NU will faces defenses packed in the paint daring it to win with perimeter shooting. Unless something drastically changes going forward, that's a recipe for disaster. Nebraska needs to maximize its biggest strengths - athleticism and finishing in transition - by pushing the pace on every possession and also turning up the pressure on defense in order to create more turnovers.

2. Fluster Bryant all night

Indiana features arguably the best big man that Nebraska will have faced this season yet in sophomore Thomas Bryant. The 6-foot-10 Bryant turned down a one-and-done jump to the NBA last year and has looked even better so far. The Huskers simply cannot allow Bryant to get clean touches in the paint, because if he gets rolling the game will basically be over. Bigs Edward Morrow and Michael Jacobson need to set the tone physically from the opening tip, and freshman Jordy Tshimanga needs to put on a performance similar to what he did at Kansas in what should be another increased role.

3. Bring the defense

Nebraska has faced some of the most explosive offensive teams in the country already this season, but Indiana is going to rank right up towards the top of that list. The Hoosiers come into tonight's game leading the Big Ten in scoring (88.8 ppg), field goal percentage (.519) and 3-pointers per game (9.8), and they've scored at least 80 points in six of the last seven games. The Huskers have generally done a good job holding the potent scoring teams they've faced relatively in check, and they're going to need one of their best defensive showings yet in order to stand a chance in this one.

QUOTABLE

“I thought these guys just kind of believed: If we play hard, we’re going to win. You’ve got to believe that regardless of who the opponent is, whether it be Gardner-Webb or Indiana or Maryland or anybody. I thought that was a good step forward.”

- Head coach Tim Miles after Nebraska's win over Southern

PREDICTION

Indiana 76-60

Robin's season record: 10-2