Sports – Page 350 – North Platte Post Archive

Huskers Return Home to Face Creighton Sunday Night

Posted on December 5, 2014

The Nebraska men’s basketball team returns to Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday evening, as the Huskers play host to the Creighton Bluejays in the annual matchup of the two programs.

A sellout crowd of nearly 16,000 is expected and tipoff from Pinnacle Bank Arena is set for 6:06 p.m. (central) and will be nationally televised on BTN with Cory Provus and Jim Jackson on the call. Sunday’s game is also available online at BTN.com and BTN2Go on mobile platforms.

The game will be broadcast across the state of Nebraska on the IMG Husker Sports Radio Network, including KLIN 1400 AM in Lincoln, 1110 KFAB in Omaha and KRVN 880 AM in Lexington with Kent Pavelka calling the action and Matt Davison adding color commentary. The game can be heard for free on Huskers.com and available on the Huskers’ app on iOS or android devices, as well as on TuneIn Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

The Huskers will be looking to complete a sweep of their in-state Division I foes, as Nebraska knocked off Omaha, 80-67, at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Nov. 25.
The Huskers are 5-1 on the season following a 70-65 win at Florida State Monday evening. In that game, Nebraska built an 18-point second-half lead, only to withstand a furious Seminoles comeback in the final 10 minutes. Nebraska won the game on the defensive end, holding the Seminoles to 41 percent shooting and forcing 17 turnovers.
While Terran Petteway and Shavon Shields carried the bulk of the offensive load and combined for 46 points, the Huskers’ role players made significant plays down the stretch, as baskets by David Rivers and Tarin Smith kept NU in the lead after the Seminoles cut the lead to one in the final two minutes.

Petteway and Shields are one of only two duos in the country averaging at least 20 points per game, joining the Georgia State pair of R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow.
Sunday’s game with Creighton begins a three-game homestand for the Huskers, all against teams which won at least 20 games in 2013-14. Nebraska has been tough at Pinnacle Bank Arena, going 19-1 at home over the last two seasons and has won 11 straight in the building dating back to last January.

Creighton comes into Sunday’s game with a 6-2 record following a 77-64 loss at Tulsa Wednesday night. The Bluejays won five straight to open the season, including a win over No. 18 Oklahoma on Nov. 19, before dropping two of their last three contests.

Mike Riley Introduced as Head Coach

Posted on December 5, 2014

Lincoln, Nebraska — The University of Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst announced the hiring of Mike Riley as the Huskers new Head Football Coach on Thursday, December 4. On Friday, Coach Riley was formally introduced at a news conference held in Memorial Stadium.

Coach Riley comes to Nebraska after 14 seasons as the head coach at Oregon State University, spanning two different tenures in Corvallis (1997-98 and 2003-14). Riley led OSU to 93 wins and a 6-2 record in postseason bowl games.

In addition to his time at Oregon State, Riley served as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers (1999-2001) the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (1987-90), with whom he won two Grey Cup Championships, and the San Antonio Riders in the World League of American Football (1991-92). With 40 years of coaching experience, Riley also served as an assistant coach at California, USC, Linfield College, Whitworth and Northern Colorado as well as with the New Orleans Saints and in the Canadian Football League.

“There was one coach who fit all the characteristics that I was seeking to lead our tradition-rich football program,” Eichorst said. “Mike Riley has a proven record of success, a sound approach to football and teaching, an understanding of the educational mission of our university and the integrity and values that we cherish at Nebraska. I have no doubt that Mike will assemble a tremendous staff and lead our student-athletes to win Big Ten titles and compete for national championships in the years ahead.”

“We have high expectations of the men and women who teach and coach our students and Mike Riley is an outstanding addition to our family,” added UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman. “I want to welcome Mike and his family to Nebraska and thank Shawn Eichorst for his great efforts in bringing Mike to Lincoln.”

“It is truly an honor to join the University of Nebraska family,” Coach Riley said. “Though we love Corvallis and Oregon State, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to coach at one of the nation’s most storied football programs and I can’t wait to get started. My sincere thanks to Chancellor Perlman and Shawn Eichorst for their confidence in me and I look forward to becoming a part of the Nebraska family and building upon the great history and tradition.”

Riley is a native of Idaho and a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he played for Paul “Bear” Bryant and won three SEC titles and one National Championship. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Science and his master’s degree in Physical Education from Whitworth. Mike and his wife, Dee, have two children, Matthew and Kate, and one grandchild, Eli.

Coach Riley will assume his duties immediately, but will not coach the Huskers in the upcoming bowl game as Interim Head Coach Barney Cotton will coach the team through the bowl. Effective today, Riley’s contract specifies an annual salary of $2.7 million with automatic $100,000 increases in each of the five years of the contract (through February 28, 2020).

Riley’s Nebraska Deal: 5 Years, $2.7 Million Per

Posted on December 5, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Mike Riley has a five-year contract at Nebraska paying him $2.7 million a year.

The terms were announced Friday before Riley was introduced at a news conference at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska hired the 61-year-old Riley away from Oregon State on Thursday.

Riley will receive automatic $100,000 increases in each of the five years of a contract that runs through Feb. 28, 2020. Riley had been the lowest-paid coach in the Pac-12, making a reported $1.5 million this year.

Former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini was paid $3.1 million this year.

Riley was 93-80, with wins in six of eight bowl games during two stints totaling 14 years at Oregon State. The Beavers were 5-7 this season.

Monahan’s OT Goal Carries Flames over Avalanche

Posted on December 5, 2014

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Sean Monahan scored 1:47 into overtime to lead the Calgary Flames to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.

Monahan picked up a rebound in front and lifted it over fallen goalie Semyon Varlamov to give the Flames their fourth straight win.

Dennis Wideman had a pair of goals for the Flames, Curtis Glencross also scored, and Kris Russell had three assists.

Karri Ramo made his fourth straight start, and stopped 26 shots to improve to 8-2-1.

Calgary coach Bob Hartley earned his 400th NHL win, and he did it against his former team. Hartley earned 193 wins with Colorado from the 1998-99 season until he was let go 31 games into the 2002-03 campaign.

Matt Duchene, Nick Holden and Alex Tanguay scored for the Avalanche.

Royals Announce 2-Year Deal for Reliever Hochevar

Posted on December 4, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luke Hochevar and the American League champion Kansas City Royals have completed a $10 million, two-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2017.

The team announced the move Thursday.

Hochevar will earn $4 million next season and $5.5 million in 2016 with a $500,000 buyout, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club does not release contract details.

The Royals decided to sign the former No. 1 overall draft pick to a multiyear deal in part because he is coming off Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss last season, and it is unclear just how quickly the right-hander will be back to full strength.

Big Ten Tells Schools One Team Could Miss Bowl

Posted on December 4, 2014

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The Big Ten has informed its schools that one of its bowl-eligible teams could be left out of the postseason.

Illinois sports information director Kent Brown says the school received a memo from the league office notifying it of the potential bowl shortage. The league has 10 eligible teams.

ESPN first reported Thursday an email was sent from a Big Ten official to conference members on Wednesday.

Illinois (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten), which became bowl eligible Saturday by beating Northwestern, is one of the teams most likely to get left out. Penn State is also 6-6 and bowl eligible for the first time in three years after NCAA sanctions. Conference newcomers Rutgers and Maryland each finished 7-5.

Conference officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

NPCC Knights Travel to Lamar for Sub-Region Game

Posted on December 4, 2014

The North Platte Community College Knights will travel to Lamar, Colorado and face the Lamar Community College Lopers on Saturday, December 6 at 8:30 p.m. CST.

The Knights are 7-2 on the season, including 1-1 in Region 9 South Sub-Region play. Lamar is 2-11 on the year, including 0-1 in Region 9 South Sub-Region play.

The Knights are led in scoring by sophomore Cameron Williams, from Omaha, with 18.0 points per game, followed by sophomore Marco Pascolo, who averages 12.4 points per game, and freshman Shyquinn Dix, who averages 10.9 points per game.

The Knights as a team average 82 points per game and allow 71.4 points per game.

The Lopers average 74.5 points per game and allow 72.4 points per game. They are led in scoring by Tiwian Kendley, who is averaging 15.5 points per game, and Chris Lewis, who is averaging 10.2 points per game. Lewis leads the Lopers with 8.2 rebounds per game.

NPCC Lady Knights Basketball to Face Midland and Northeast on Road

Posted on December 4, 2014

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights take to the road this weekend to Fremont to face the Midland University Junior Varsity Lady Warriors on Friday, December 5 and then travel to Norfolk on Saturday, December 6 to face the Northeast Community College Lady Hawks.

The Lady Knights are 5-4 on the year and 2-0 on the road.

The Lady Knights are led in scoring by sophomore April Stull, who is averaging 18.2 points per game, which is 36^th in the nation and 1^st in Region 9. Stull also leads the region in rebounding, pulling down 8.3 rebounds per game.

The Lady Knights defeated the Lady Warriors at home during the Hampton Inn Classic 57-35. Lady Knight Assistant Coach Nolan Collins said “They (Midland) are a vastly improved team. They defeated Central Community College at Columbus by one point (84-83).” Collins added “against Central, Midland made 13 three point shots. We will have to play well this weekend.”

Northeast comes into the game sporting an 11-2 record. The Lady Hawks are led in scoring by Janea Bunn, who is averaging 12.5 points per game and Megan Trinder who is averaging 11.8 points per game.

Tip-off for the game against Midland is at 7:30 p.m. and the Northeast game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Huskers Host NCAA Tournament Opening Rounds

Posted on December 4, 2014

For the 11th straight year, the Nebraska volleyball team will open the NCAA Tournament at home, as the Huskers host the NCAA first and second rounds this weekend. The 11th-ranked Huskers, making their 33rd straight NCAA Tournament appearance, were selected as the No. 14 overall seed in the 64-team field. Nebraska will open the tournament on Friday, Dec. 5 against Hofstra. The Pride was crowned tournament champion of the Colonial Athletic Association. That match will start at either 7 p.m. or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the 4:30 p.m. match, which features the Kansas State Wildcats of the Big 12 Conference and the Utah Utes of the Pac-12 Conference. Friday’s winners will meet in the second round at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 to battle for a spot in the Seattle Regional on Dec. 12-13. The winner of the Lincoln bracket will take on the winner of the Washington first and second round bracket, featuring the third-seeded Huskies against New Hampshire, and Hawaii against Duke.

Tickets for the first and second rounds in Lincoln went on sale online at Huskers.com on Sunday night. All-session ticket prices are set at $34 (reserved A and B sections) and $30 (C section) and include all three matches this weekend.

Media Information
NET will broadcast Friday’s Nebraska match against Hofstra and also the second round match on Saturday should the Huskers advance. The NET broadcasts will also be streamed online for free at BTN2GO.com if your cable provider includes the Big Ten Network. All three matches this weekend will also have a free video stream at Huskers.com. Fans can also listen to the action with John Baylor and Diane Mendenhall on the 25-station Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and 94.9 FM in Omaha on Friday. Should the Huskers advance to Saturday, the match would be carried on 93.3 FM in Omaha. Fans inside and outside the state of Nebraska will also be able to catch the live audio feed on Huskers.com for free.

Series History
Nebraska will be meeting Hofstra for the second time. NU beat Hofstra 3-1 on Sept. 16, 1989. The Huskers are 82-4 all-time against Kansas State and 2-0-1 all-time against Utah.

Up Next
Friday’s winners will meet Saturday at 7 p.m. for a chance to advance to the Seattle Regional.

Labosky Rejoins Storm

Posted on December 4, 2014

KEARNEY, Neb. – Tri-City Storm Head Coach Jim Hulton announced a roster move Thursday, adding forward Dan Labosky, who has decided to return to the USHL for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

The forward played in 59 games for Tri-City last season and finished third on the team in scoring with 10 goals and 22 assists. Labosky also had 10 power play points and two game-winning goals.

“I’m excited to get back into it,” Labosky said. “I loved playing for Coach Hulton and Coach Bittner last year and I have a lot of good buddies on the team.”

A native of Edina, Minn., Labosky played two games this season as a freshman with Colorado College.

“I think both parties are very happy to reunite,” Hulton said. “It’s a bonus for us. We get a veteran guy who instantly helps our overall speed, our offensive game and our penalty kill, which are some of the areas we need to address. For him, he gets to come in with a chip on his shoulder and maybe forge a new path.”

Hulton said he got wind of the potential to bring Labosky back last week, so he reached out and made the offer.

“It was ultimately Dan’s decision,” Hulton said. “Sometimes when you leave a bad situation and come back to an old situation you appreciate it a lot more. One of the first things Dan said to me was that he has a big chip on his shoulder and he wants to prove people wrong. Selfishly as a coach that puts a smile on your face because that’s a built in incentive for the player and that translates itself down into the team.”

In a corresponding move, the Storm have traded forward Chase Hatcher’s rights to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Labosky expects to be in the lineup in Dubuque this Saturday night when Tri-City takes on the Fighting Saints at 7:05 p.m.

The Storm return to the Viaero Event Center on Tuesday, Dec. 9 to battle the Lincoln Stars.