[Husker] Nebraska 74, #4 Oklahoma St. 67

[NUStLNorris at aol.com]

Perhaps we caught OSU at the right time as they no doubt had to be looking 
forward to their trip to Lawrence this Sunday, but you gotta' hand it to NU.  
They played their most complete game of the year, by far.  

Jake Muhlheisen played an inspirational first half, as did fellow senior 
Corey Simms.  Jake's effort and defense (synonyms) set the tone.  Charles 
Richardson has played more lately and a lot better when he's had the chance.  There 
are certain advantages to having a natural point guard in the game -- somebody 
who looks to involve others first and score second.  Turek played very well, 
contributing some tough play and leading the Huskers in assists (at least the 
last time I checked).

NU shot an incredible 56 percent from the field, including 61 percent in the 
second half.  OSU shot lights out from three-point land and still lost.  Lucas 
had 20 points for the Cowboys.  NU made just enough free throws down the 
stretch to hold on (16 of 24 for the game).  Led by 13 in the second half at one 
point, and ten for a good chunk of the second half.  

First time NU has beaten a Top 5 team since we beat KU back in '93.  And our 
freshmen were brilliant tonight.

Freshman big man Aleks Maric played an inspired, ready-for-prime time game.  
His best of the year, with his dad in the stands watching him play for the 
first time in two years.  Maric is a big kid with good feet and hands -- the 
instincts will develop, you'd think.  Joey Graham looks like a tight end, but 
Maric doesn't look slight standing next to him.  Aleks had 15 points tonight and 
fellow freshman Joe McCray had 22, his 8th game of 20-or-more points this year. 
 McCray had 17 of his 22 in the second half.  These two freshmen are not 
timid ... they do NOT back down.  Joe's let his temper get the best of him a time 
or two this year, but you don't want to extinguish all of that fire.

To say that Barry needed this one is an understatement.  

Dave Norris