The Huskers have a new boost of confidence as they head into Eugene, fresh off an upset of #18 Illinois on Thursday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Outlasting the Illini 80-75 in overtime, the Huskers pulled off their third win over a ranked team this season, and Sunday evening brings another opportunity for the Huskers to continue to build their NCAA Tournament Resume.
The Ducks are in a mini slump of their own, losing three of their last four, including back to back road losses to Minnesota and UCLA.
Coached by Wilber, Nebraska native Dana Altman, this Ducks team carries a lot of the same traits that Fred Hoiberg’s Huskers bring, tough defense, but at times an inconsistent offense.
The Ducks are led by senior center Nate Bittle, who leads the Ducks in scoring with 13 PPG and rebounds with 7.4 per game.
Players to Watch for Oregon:
Jackson Shelstad:
12.1 PTS 3.1 REB 2.7 AST 1 STL
If the Ducks get going on offense Sunday evening, expect sophomore guard Jackson Shelstad to be a major part of it.
Shelstad, despite the field goal percentage, is a very solid shooter when shooting inside the three point line.
Except Rollie Worster and/or Sam Hoiberg to be matched up with Shelstad, mixed with Ahron Ulis to provide different looks defensively.
Nate Bittle:
13 PTS 7.4 REB 2 BLK
The senior center for the Ducks has enough experience to guide the Ducks to a win by himself, that’s why he’s so important in this matchup for the Huskers.
Nebraska needs to be ready to defend the three against Bittle, the center will let it go at will if he has an open look.
Players to Watch for Nebraska:
Brice Williams:
18.6 PTS 4 REB 1.2 STL
After scoring 27 points against the Illini in overtime, senior guard Brice Williams will have to be ready to duplicate that performance if the Huskers want any chance at defeating the Ducks.
Williams was clutch for the Huskers, specifiaclly during the overtime period, so expect for the Ducks to try their best to allow anyone but Williams to score the ball.
Braxton Meah:
3.2 PTS 3.6 REB 77.1% FG
Braxton Meah isn’t the type of player that scores a lot or makes tons of major plays, but he doesn’t need to do that to be effective for the Huskers against the Ducks.
The size of Meah alone will provide one of the best possible matchups for the Huskers defending Bittle.
The key here will be keeping Meah out of foul trouble. If the Huskers can do that, this game will end very close.
Prediction:
Oregon and Nebraska are very similar teams in my eyes, the Ducks have the better offense and defense, but overall they both play their opponents tough and can pull off upsets when you least except it.
This game to me, feels a lot like the Huskers upset win over the Creighton Bluejays back in November, lots of defense and tough shot making from the Huskers.
Sunday, February 2nd
6:30 PM CT BTN
Nebraska: 72 Oregon: 68