Daily Nebraskan

Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: DN FILE PHOTO Nebraska's Jay-R Strowbridge drives to the basket during Saturday's season-opening win over Presbyterian. The Huskers won 67-52 but are searching for more consistent play. [Click to enlarge]

Blame it on inexperience. Or just plain human error.

But Nebraska's inconsistency might be a cause for concern.

The Cornhuskers played like two different teams during a 67-52 win over Presbyterian College on Saturday. They opened the game like a high-caliber contender, swarming to every loose ball and hitting nearly every jumper.

Then came the tumble. The Huskers went cold in the second half and let their opponent inch back, dousing some excitement from the victory.

For now, Nebraska and consistency simply don't match.

"I think it's maturity," NU Coach Doc Sadler said. "I think good teams are able to do that. We're not a good team right now."

The Huskers may get a free pass on that one. Saturday's action was their first regular-season game, and perfection is difficult to demand in November.

Also, a handful of newcomers saw playing time for Nebraska. Almost half of the Huskers who earned minutes were competing in their first Division I game. A comfort level may take time to develop.

The Huskers' casual play midway through Saturday's game didn't help matters.

"I think it's human nature sometimes to get complacent," NU sophomore guard Jay-R Strowbridge said. "But like Coach said, that comes just by experience."

And a little effort. After jumping on Presbyterian 43-16 in the first half, the Huskers got steamrolled at times in the second.

The Blue Hose torched the nets with 10 second-half 3-pointers. Often, NU players were nowhere in the area, either slow to rotate to the ball or busy trying to double-team a post player.

"You get a lead like that," Sadler said, "you don't need any turnovers."

The second-year Husker coach might have given his players too much credit for their effort.

Continued...

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