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BIG 12 15
IOWA STATE CYCLONES
Iowa State loses after Kansas' late-game run
By Doug Tucker Associated Press — Saturday, Feb. 13
It took Bill Self less than 17 full seasons to get to 400 wins. He doubts many coaches of his generation will stick around long enough to approach 800, the sort of numbers put up by giants like Bob Knight and Dean Smith.
"He keeps saying it doesn't mean anything to him," said senior guard Sherron Collins. "But it means something to us, that we were a part of it."
Craig Brackins, who once scored 42 against Kansas and has always been tough for the Jayhawks to handle, had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Iowa State.
The Cyclones quickly cut a nine-point halftime deficit to 38-35 on a bucket by Brackins. A moment later, Brackins hit a three-pointer and Self called a time out with a shaky 40-38 lead.
The Jayhawks, who hold a commanding three-game lead with six games to go and seem virtually assured of their seventh consecutive Big 12 championship, then quickly put the game out of reach.
"I'm not going to fault our effort. I'm pretty sure not many people gave us a chance to come in here and compete, and we came in here and competed," said Iowa State coach Greg McDermott.
"It was a 2-point game with a little over 13 minutes to go," McDermott said. "Those types of runs that everyone comes in here and worries about — we were the recipient of one of those. We turned it over a few times in that stretch and missed free throws and we had a hard time stopping them."
Taylor stole the ball under the Kansas basket and gave the Jayhawks a quick bucket, and then Henry hit a 3-pointer to get the Jayhawks rolling to their 10th straight win over the Cyclones.
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
Red Raiders prepare for key game against A&M
By Mike Graham The Toreador — Friday, Feb. 12
The excitement about the A&M game has not gone unnoticed by the players, who are expecting a large turnout when the teams play at 4 p.m. Saturday in the United Spirit Arena.
LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Tech-Texas A&M game in Lubbock always attracts an influx of Red Raider fans who consider it one of the biggest rivalry games of the season. Forward Darko Cohadarevic thinks it is too.
Guard John Roberson said he is especially excited after seeing flyers being
"Since I came in here, I've kind of liked going up against A&M; it's a big rivalry," he said. "It's something going on between us and A&M. I think the students can help us if they come to this game, if they just show up, and with 15,000 people in the arena, we have the chance to beat anyone."
passed out and all the discussion and invites on Facebook regarding the game.
Aside from fans, the Red Raiders will use all the advantages they can get against the Aggies — who beat the Red Raiders 85-70 in College Station two weeks ago.
One advantage may be confidence. After starting conference play 0-3, Tech has fought back to win four out of six games. A win against A&M would put the Red Raiders at a .500 conference record, and the outcome of the game could very well set the tone for the remainder of Tech's Big 12 schedule.
One of the things Tech has going in its favor is an improved defense. Tech spent several days emphasizing defense after the A&M loss leading up to its game against James Anderson and Oklahoma State. Anderson — the Big 12' s top scorer — had lit up the Red Raiders with 28 points in their first meeting, but was held to just 10 in an 81-74 Tech victory last week.
N NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Former starter tries a new role
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska center Jorge Brian Diaz shoots in front of Texas guard Avery Bradley last Saturday. Texas won 91-51.
By Michael Schaefer Daily Nebraskan Thursday, Feb. 11
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
LINCOLN, Neb. — Chris Balham doesn't run out of the locker room with a basketball anymore. These days, he's much more likely to be holding a clipboard.
With his dress shirts, power ties and eye glasses, he's the best-dressed student manager the team's ever had. At 6-foot-8, he's probably the biggest, too.
Balham couldn't be happier. He's traded in his basketball shoes for dress shoes. A starter at center last year for the Huskers, he's now helping out as a student assistant.
He hasn't had the recurring leg problems that plagued his playing days, and right now he isn't going through the same grind the rest of the team is facing.
Balham knew his legs wouldn't hold up for another year, but he's grateful for the opportunity to stay with the program.
"It was good for me to stay involved with the team," Balham said. "I would have been kind of lost without it, like the rug
Nebraska coach Doc Sadler said the decision to bring Balham back was an easy one: He saw an additional value in him.
being pulled out from my feet."
"The thing he helps everybody with is just the daily grind that these guys go through, not just as a basketball player but also as a student," Sadler said. "He's been very successful at both."
Balham's relationship with his coach is still the same, only now he doesn't get yelled at as much. Except when the forward messed up a drill with poor passing earlier this season. He received an earful.
"He's always teasing me," Balham said. "We get along real good."
Balham's relationship with some of the younger members of Nebraska's team is where his true value might lie. Because of his experience, Balham can pass along tips to a young group of post players.
"I work with them a lot." Balham said. "I go over their post moves and encourage them. I tell them about my experiences and hope it helps them play better."
THE WAVE FEBRUARY 17,2010