On January 27, the Cornhusker men’s basketball team was rated number five in the Associated Press and Coaches polls.
It is the highest rating ever achieved since NU began playing basketball in 1897.
However, a three-point loss at third-ranked Michigan and a nine-point loss in Lincoln to ninth-ranked Illinois has cost NU that lofty ranking.
It’s okay. The setbacks were at the hands of two very good teams. Some basketball aficionados believe Illinois is a better team than Michigan.
We will find out on February 27 when Illinois hosts the Wolverines.
As of today, my money is with Illinois.
The Huskers have nine games remaining before the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago. I remain confident that when the sun sets on March 8, the Huskers will have won 25 games.
Another note about NU basketball. Be on the lookout for a colorful poster of the Huskers. It is the creation of local artist Aaron Wade. You’ll love it.
The NU women’s basketball team is experiencing a good season. The Huskers have won 16 games and lost six. Four of the losses were on the road. Seven games remain on their schedule before the Big Ten Tournament takes place in Indianapolis.
If it appears that the Creighton men’s basketball team is a fish out of water, they are. The Jays are 12-10 with nine games to play. Their remaining schedule includes trips to Georgetown, St. John’s and UConn. Ouch.
February is here and that means Husker baseball will start soon. NU will play four games in Arizona vs. UConn, Northeastern, Grand Canyon and Stanford February 13-16. The following week, NU will travel to Arlington, TX for games against Louisville, Kansas State and Florida State.
Nebraska softball begins its season with five games this weekend in San Antonio, TX. Friday will feature a double-header. NU vs. Washington and then NU vs. Texas. Saturday’s play finds the Huskers vs. Texas and then NU meets the host school, the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners. Sunday’s lone game is NU vs. Washington. All games will be played at Roadrunner Field. Too bad one of the teams involved isn’t nicknamed the Coyotes.
The state high school wrestling tournament is nearing. The girls will compete on February 17-18 and the boys February 19-21. All matches at the CHI Health Center located near downtown Omaha and the western bank of the Missouri River.
Back in the days when I covered the tournament for KCOW radio, my favorite pastime was walking across the nearby Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The Missouri River is a sight to behold – especially from 55 feet above the flowing water.