Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each team’s 2021-22 opening night matchup
Western Illinois at Nebraska
The Nebraska Cornhuskers had racked up two exhibition victories prior to the calendar flipping to November. With their 97-58 victory over Peru State and their 82-67 victory over Colorado, the Cornhuskers have shown they will be ready for their first regular-season action on Nov. 9, 2021, at 8 pm (ET) when Western Illinois travels to Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The Cornhuskers return almost 50 percent of their scoring – with one subtraction being the over16 points per game by Teddy Allen – after finishing fourteenth out of fourteen Big Ten teams last season. Among their conference worst 3-16 record, were the eight games they lost by single digits. Regardless of the wins and losses column, Nebraska will be entertaining to watch this season.
Potential warning signs: As it was demonstrated when Buffalo scored 36 of their 67 points in the paint, Nebraska is lacking consistent rim protection. If this trend continues versus Western Illinois it should not be overlooked by the victory. There is no shortage of big men who can score around the basket in the Big Ten and if Nebraska hopes to compete it will be up to the guards to prevent the entry pass. If the guards are unable to extend the defense beyond the three-point line and block the passing lanes versus Western Illinois, Head Coach Fred Hoiberg will need to recognize that sign.
For continued success: If the Cornhuskers are going to have an opportunity to be successful they will need all five players on the court contributing in some fashion. Since their frontcourt is going to be suspect defensively, they are going to have to contribute on the offensive end, more precisely the offensive boards. Make no mistake, the guards are the ones that will be taking the shots, but it will be up to Derrick Walker and Eduardo Andre to rebound once their defender helps.
The Cornhuskers’ guards are going to be dynamic to watch as they take their defender off the dribble and draw the help defense. When the help leaves Walker or Andre, they need to catch the ball for an easy dunk or crash the boards with their defender out of position.