I am beyond thrilled that Nebraska won the inaugural Crown Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas this past Sunday.
The Huskers won four straight games over Arizona State,
Georgetown, Boise State and Central Florida.
A 21-win season.
But no NCAA Tournament.
That’s where Nebraska belonged.
If only . . .
If only NU had not collapsed at Iowa and blown a 15-point second half lead. Five more consecutive losses followed.
Then four consecutive victories.
Instead of smelly socks and jocks, NCAA Tournament aroma returned to the Husker locker room.
Then . . . if only.
If only Nebraska would not have collapsed and lose its final games.
If only NU doesn’t falter at the Big Ten’s cellar team, Penn State.
If only Connor Essegian’s last-second three-point shot goes in the basket vs. Michigan, the Huskers might claim victory instead of a three-point loss.
If only Minnesota doesn’t hit a last second three-point shot, NU beats the Gophers by one point instead of losing by two.
If only Nebraska can hit one more shot at Ohio State, the Huskers win instead of losing by two points in double overtime.
Then the debacle at home against Iowa which prevents NU from competing in the post season Big Ten Tournament.
If only, if only, if only.
The last time Nebraska had a true “if only” season was the 1995-96 basketball campaign.
It was the year that Danny Nee’s underachievers won the NIT Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The Huskers began the season with 15 wins as opposed to only four losses.
Then the bridge collapsed.
Nebraska would lose 10 of their next 11 games.
However, the NIT came calling and NU ripped off five straight victories.
The road to New York City included road wins at Colorado State and Fresno State and a Devaney Center victory over Washington State.
In the Big Apple, NU defeated Tulane and St. Joseph’s.
The Huskers ended their season with – you guessed it – 21 victories.
Maybe 21 season victories are not underachieving.
If a tournament championship trophy returns with the team to Lincoln.