Nebraska Basketball Game Day: Boston College
Here is what you need to know going into Nebraska’s home game tonight against Boston College in likely the final year of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge…
Who, What, Where, When
Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-3) vs. Boston College Eagles (5-2)
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 – 8:20 p.m. CT
Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,000)
TV: ESPNU
Radio: Huskers Radio Network
Internet: ESPN App
Nebraska projected starters
| Sam Griesel | G | Sr. | 6-7/216 | Finished 13 points and 9 assists in the win over Florida State. |
| Emmanuel Bandoumel | G | Sr. | 6-4/187 | Had 2 points on 1-of-8 shooting with 4 turnovers against FSU. |
| C.J. Wilcher | G | So. | 6-5/208 | Scored scored 13 points and was 3-of-6 on 3-pointers vs. FSU. |
| Juwan Gary | F | Jr. | 6-6/215 | Averages 10.1 rpg and 6.4 rpg, including 2.7 offensive rpg. |
| Derrick Walker | F | Sr. | 6-9/245 | Averaging 17.5 ppg on 74% FG with 12.5 rpg and 3.5 apg. |
Boston College projected starters
| Jaeden Zackery | G | So. | 6-2/215 | Averages 11.6 ppg. Scored 16 in a win over Rhode Island. |
| Makai Ashton-Langford | G | Sr. | 6-3/180 | Leads team with 12.6 ppg and 2.6 apg along with 1.7 spg. |
| Mason Madsen | G | Jr. | 6-4/195 | Averaging 6.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg with 10 made 3-pointers. |
| CJ Penha Jr. | F | Sr. | 6-7/230 | Scoring 9.0 ppg on 52% shooting with 4.3 rpg. |
| T.J. Bickerstaff | F | Sr. | 6-9/220 | Averaging 7.4 points and a team-high 7.6 rpg. |
Be as efficient as possible
Boston College is hardly the most dynamic team Nebraska will face this season. But the Eagles are one of the more efficient squads in the country. BC’s offense has struggled all year, but it’s made up for it by slowing things down and controlling games with its defense. Boston College ranks 52nd nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (94.2) and has held opponents to just 62.3 points per game. Only two opponents have eclipsed 70 points against the Eagles, who have held their last two foes (Wyoming and Rhode Island) under 50. Nebraska has been better in the halfcourt since Derrick Walker’s return, but it will have to maximize every opportunity tonight.
Win the offensive glass
Arguably Nebraska’s biggest improvement this season has been its rebounding, as it currently ranks sixth in the Big Ten in rebounding margin (+6.0). That ranks 66th nationally after placing 344th last year. The Huskers have won the reboudning edge in six of their seven games this season, including all three contests in Orlando. Boston College has been strong on the defensive glass, but NU must find ways to generate extra possessions with offensive boards. The Huskers are 34th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage (36.7), and second-chance points will be more critical than ever against BC’s stingy defense.
Keep working through Walker
Walker did a little bit of everything in Nebraska’s win over Florida State. In just his second outing of the season, the senior forward racked up a career-high 20 points on 10-of-12 shooting, along with 13 rebounds. But what made his performance so impressive was how he changed the game working as a point-center for the first time. Not only did Walker help NU’s press break, but he often served as the primary ball handler and facilitated the offense. That opened up the paint and got guys like Sam Griesel (13 points) going in the halfcourt. The Huskers might have found something sustainable with that look.
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Quotable
“It’s about us. Believe in us, because we have the team that can do it. We don’t have to worry about what other teams, because we’re so special and just as dangerous as anyone else. I just tell them every day to focus on us and be us.”
Senior forward Derrick Walker on his message to the Huskers heading into a brutal stretch of the schedule.
Prediction
Nebraska (-6) 67, Boston College 63
Robin’s overall season record: 5-2
Robin’s record vs. the spread: 5-2
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