Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: 5 Biggest takeaways heading into 2018-19 conference play

By Zac Voynow

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans blocks the shot of Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans blocks the shot of Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – DECEMBER 8: Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates in late game action against the Creighton Bluejays at Pinnacle Bank Arena on December 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – DECEMBER 8: Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates in late game action against the Creighton Bluejays at Pinnacle Bank Arena on December 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

5. Nebraska is taking the next step

Nebraska was one of my sleeper teams to start the season, but they’re on everyone’s radar now. Nebraska enters tonight’s game against Maryland ranked #24 in the nation, as well as boasting an impressive 11-2 record. The Cornhuskers have quality non-conference wins against Seton Hall, Clemson, and Creighton. Their lone losses came at the hands of Texas Tech and Minnesota.

Nebraska is 1-1 in Big Ten play, and I believe a .500 record in conference play will be enough to get them into the NCAA tournament. James Palmer Jr. and Isaiah Copeland Jr. are the workhorses that lead this Nebraska team. Both are scoring the ball exceptionally well, but they’re not alone.

Nebraska has two other players who score 10+ points per game, as well as Thomas Allen who’s a quality glue guy. Palmer is the leader of the Huskers, but Copeland, Allen, Roby, and Watson are all strong role players. Nebraska’s weakness is their depth, but they’re a very dangerous team if they can stay out of foul trouble.

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