The Nebraska basketball team begins one of its biggest weeks in the non-conference schedule Wednesday night, as the Huskers play host to defending ACC Champion Miami as part of the 2013 Big Ten/ACC Challenge Presented by DICK’s Sporting Goods.
Tipoff is set for 8:35 p.m. (central) and the contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU with Mark Neely and Tim McCormick on the call. The game will also be available on the WatchESPN app for iOS or android devices.
Wednesday’s matchup with the Hurricanes will be carried across the state on the 27-station Husker Sports Network with Kent Pavelka and Matt Davison calling all of the action, including flagship stations KLIN (1400 AM/94.5 FM) and KFAB (1110 AM). The game can be heard for free on Huskers.com and is available on the Huskers’ app on iOS or android devices.
A very limited number of tickets are available in the 200 and 300 Levels with prices ranging from $7-$15. Visit Huskers.com or call 800-8-BIGRED for more information.
The Huskers come into Wednesday’s game with a 5-2 record following a 63-58 win over Northern Illinois on Saturday afternoon. Nebraska saw a 13-point second-half lead cut to one, but were able to hold on behind efforts from Leslee Smith and Deverell Biggs. Smith had 13 points, nine rebounds and three steals, including a key offensive rebound and putback late after NIU cut the lead to two. Biggs finished with season bests in both points (18) and rebounds (four) while going 6-of-8 from the line, including four straight free throws in the final minute to preserve the win.
It has been no surprise that Nebraska has gotten strong bench play in recent weeks since Ray Gallegos and Deverell Biggs returned to the fold on Nov. 17. Over the last five games, the Huskers are averaging 36.4 points per game off the bench. Biggs is averaging 12.0 points off the bench for the Huskers, while Gallegos is chipping in 8.0 points per game, including a team-high 12 3-pointers. Biggs is one of three Huskers averaging double figures entering Wednesday’s game, joining sophomores Terran Petteway (16.0 ppg) and Shavon Shields (12.4 pgg).
Miami comes to Lincoln with a 5-3 record after a 2-1 showing at the Wooden Legacy in Anaheim. The Hurricanes are rebuilding after graduating all five starters from a team that won 29 games and reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2012-13. The Hurricanes are coming off their most impressive win of the year, overcoming a 10-point deficit to down Arizona State, 60-57, on Sunday.