Steven M. Sipple, Parker Gabriel and Chris Basnett break down impending decisions from Nebraska football transfer portal targets, plus hoops and Baylor Scheierman.
Things I know, and things I think I know:
Ochaun Mathis, the gifted pass rusher who starred at TCU, soon will live full time outside of the state of Texas for the first time in his 23 years of existence.
As he narrowed his list of potential new places to play, his mom, Ochana Daniels, looked for people whom she could trust with her son’s well-being.
She saw that in Nebraska’s football program.
“They were so attentive about every little aspect of the program,” Daniels said of the family’s April 7-9 visit. “I mean, the entire staff met us and I was like, ‘Wow, this is totally different than any official or unofficial visit we’ve ever had.’
“It was the whole program. We were overwhelmed.”
Overwhelmed in a good way, obviously, because the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Mathis, of Manor, Texas, ultimately picked Nebraska over Texas. In mid-February, he also had USC, Ole Miss and Penn State on his list of finalists.
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Bottom line, Nebraska did an excellent job of recruiting one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal.
By the way, during our 15-minute interview Sunday, Daniels never once mentioned the name, image and likeness element of her son’s decision. For those who portray Mathis’ situation as a bidding war between Nebraska and Texas, her words suggest there were other key factors.
“Ochaun’s big brother (Bruce) is on the autism spectrum, and Nebraska was so accommodating to that fact,” Daniels said. “They included him in everything with Ochaun. I was like, ‘Wow, no other program has ever done that.’ I could see the happiness it brought Ochaun because him and his brother are so very close.”
Daniels teared up as she spoke. Thing is, she made it clear that this was Mathis’ decision. But he wanted to make sure his family was OK with it, she said. She emphasized the spiritual part of his journey and assured Mathis that she and the rest of the family would be fine with him playing relatively far from home. She thinks he felt relief and comfort to hear her say that.
Along those lines, some people used Texas’ proximity to Manor — the campus is about 20 minutes away — as part of their pitch to try to keep Mathis in the state. There’s no doubt that his Texas roots created pressure on her son to attend UT, Daniels said.
“That’s why I had to sit down with him and have that conversation (about potentially leaving),” she said. “I told him, ‘Honey, I’m going to be fine and the family’s going to be fine.'”
She liked Lincoln’s friendly feel and how safe it felt. Also, get this: Mathis’ entire family was on hand for a film session with Nebraska defensive line coach Mike Dawson. The coach pointed out a few shortcomings in Mathis’ game. He appreciated it because he uses critiques to improve, Daniels said.
She really enjoyed the film study.
“Quiet, looking, observing,” she said of the scene in the room. “Bruce looked at Ochaun and was like, ‘This is what you need.’
“That Friday, I saw a sparkle, and Ochaun started asking questions,” she added. “We were having one-on-one discussions that were really serious. I was like, ‘OK, let me sit up and give him some eye contact.’ I saw that he internalized the information that was given to him and turned it into something positive.
“There was a strong positive about the program. He was like, ‘Mama, this is it.'”
* Something Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander told me recently rolled through my mind as Mathis’ big decision loomed.
The Big Ten — perhaps more so than any other conference — resembles the NFL in a few different ways.
“I’m not saying you can walk a Big Ten team right into the NFL,” the 42-year-old coach said. “But body-type wise, the way the game’s played, the way the game’s coached — it resembles a lot of the NFL.”
If Mathis can put excellent play on film in the Big Ten, it may mean more to NFL personnel officials than it would mean in the Big 12.
Put it this way, the Big Ten had 48 players drafted this year, 23 more than the Big 12.
Of course, the SEC led the way with 65.
* Here’s hoping former Nebraska receiver Samori Toure gets a long look in Green Bay. He was the third receiver taken by the Packers in the draft (seventh round, 258th overall), and will have to overcome long odds to make the roster. But the Pack quickly will find that Toure approaches his work like a professional. He immediately made an impression on his Husker teammates in that regard last spring. He also has excellent hands and speed.
He’s a prime example of how the transfer portal can benefit a player. He arrived in Lincoln from Montana wanting to prove he could excel at the Power Five level. Mission accomplished. Now, a new mission.
I’m guessing Aaron Rodgers will like this guy.
Impress the boss, Samori. Always try to impress the boss.
* There is no doubt Nebraska coach Scott Frost deserves ample credit for the idea to switch Cam Jurgens to center (from tight end) early in his college career. There was risk, and it clearly paid off handsomely for the young man from Beatrice.
In fact, both Jurgens and Cam Taylor-Britt are prime examples of players who developed their craft in Nebraska’s program with the help of strong coaching. Hard to argue otherwise. Especially now.
Keeping up with the transfer portal. Here’s who the Huskers have coming to Lincoln
Casey Thompson, QB
Previous school: Texas
Remaining eligibility: Two years
Of note: Thompson is the most notable transfer Nebraska has added so far because of the position he plays. He started 10 games for the Longhorns last year and led the Big 12 in touchdown passes with 24. He’ll be considered the favorite to win NU’s starting quarterback job under new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. He’ll be on campus for this semester.
Associated Press file photo
Chubba Purdy, QB
Previous school: Florida State
Remaining eligibility: Four years
Of note:
Purdy started one game in 2020 and appeared in three overall, completing 27-of-53 passes for 219 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception. He appeared just once in 2021 — Purdy completed all five of his passes for 98 yards and two scores.
Associated Press file photo
Trey Palmer, WR/Returner
Previous school: LSU
Remaining eligibility: Two years plus a redshirt
Of note: Palmer was a blue-chip recruit out of high school and saw his role steadily grow over his three years in Baton Rouge. Now, he’ll rejoin Mickey Joseph in Lincoln. Palmer can really run — he was timed at 10.42 in the 100 meters and 21.11 seconds in the 200 — and he’s also a dangerous return man. He profiles well in the spot vacated by Samori Toure and will be on campus this semester.
Associated Press file photo
Hunter Anthony, OL
Previous school: Oklahoma State
Remaining eligibility: Two years
Of note: The Oklahoma native entered 2020 as OSU’s starting right tackle, but an injury cost him most of the season. Then he served as a backup this fall. In Lincoln, the 6-foot-6, 330-pounder will be a candidate both at right tackle and at either guard spot. He’s on campus this semester.
Associated Press file photo
Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, WR
Previous school: New Mexico State
Remaining eligibility: Two years plus a redshirt
Of note: Garcia-Castaneda had a productive season at NMSU, catching 37 passes for 578 yards and four touchdowns. He was coveted as soon as he hit the transfer portal, but NU visited him in California and got him on campus for a visit in December. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Garcia-Castaneda is a candidate for any spot in the Husker receiver rotation under Mickey Joseph.
Clark Grell
Brian Buschini, P
Previous school: Montana
Remaining eligibility: Three years
Of note: Buschini was named the FCS punter of the year after averaging better than 47 yards per punt and more than 44 net yards per attempt. He was considered perhaps the best punter available on the transfer market this winter and will be counted on right away in Lincoln. He’s on campus this semester.
MONTANA ATHLETICS
Timmy Bleekrode, K
Previous school: Furman
Remaining eligibility: Three years
Of note: Bleekrode immediately becomes the favorite to handle place-kicking duties after he was recruited from Furman by new special teams coordinator Bill Busch. The Atlanta native made 15-of-18 field goals in 2021 with a long of 51 yards and is 21-of-25 over the past two seasons.
Furman Athletics
Kevin Williams, OL
Previous school: Northern Colorado
Remaining eligibility: Two years
Of note: Williams, an Omaha North graduate, is a multi-year starter at the FCS level and began the 2021 season as the Bears’ starting left tackle. He’s got positional versatility and could be a candidate at tackle or guard for the Huskers in 2022. In a young room overall, he adds a veteran presence.
Tommy Hill, DB
Previous school: Arizona State
Remaining eligibility: Three years plus a redshirt
Of note: Nebraska loved Hill out of high school in Orlando in the 2021 class, but he ended up at ASU and earned playing time right away. The Huskers jumped on him as soon as he entered the portal, and now he’ll compete for playing time in a secondary that must replace three starters. He’s on campus this semester.
Associated Press file photo
Ochaun Mathis, DL
Previous school: TCU
Remaining eligibility: Two years
Of note: The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder started a total of 34 games for TCU. He recorded 45 tackles, including seven for loss and four sacks this past season. That followed a breakout campaign in 2020, when he led the team with nine sacks and ranked second with 14 tackles for loss.
At the tail end of a conversation earlier this week that was mostly about name, image, likeness and recruiting — this windy April week in the state capitol was every bit or more about those two elements of the college football landscape as it was about the actual Saturday scrimmage at Memorial Stadium — junior outside linebacker Garrett Nelson told the Journal Star, perhaps not surprisingly, to keep an eye on Jimari Butler and Blaise Gunnerson when the action started.
His advice proved sage. Nelson himself had a disruptive first half, rolling up two sacks and watching his young position mates each bowl over helpless Husker tackles at varying points.
The offense-defense scoring system, jury-rigged for the day because injuries prevented a true Red-White scrimmage from being held, read 43-39 in favor of the defense at the end of the day. And whether there was much science behind the scoring methodology or not, that’s about how the proceedings felt for the 54,537 that massed under the sun to watch one half devoid of tackling and offensive rhythm and another full of mostly reserves closing out the spring.
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Observations from the Red-White Spring Game, including Garrett Nelson and his buddies; Casey Thompson; and more
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What can you take from the scene, outside of the fact that Nelson and his buddies delivered on his prediction? Well, probably not much. Did they have a great day? Did the tackles struggle as much as it looked like? Or was it a combination? That’s the spring game for you.
“I think (pass-rush) has been a highlight for us the whole spring,” coach Scott Frost said afterward. “We’re really thin at that position right now, we don’t have bodies, but that being said, I’ve seen improvement from Garrett, improvement from Caleb (Tannor), improvement from Jimari and Blaise. Those guys have really taken a giant leap forward, in my opinion.
“We had trouble blocking them today, and hopefully that’s a sign that they’re playing good football as opposed to we didn’t protect well enough.”
The starting tackles also may or may not be in those spots come Aug. 27. If the summer goes well, NU may have Teddy Prochazka back from a knee injury and back at left tackle, and Saturday starter Bryce Benhart, Oklahoma State transfer Hunter Anthony or a summer transfer addition could wind up on the right side. So, too, could Turner Corcoran, who missed the spring with an injury and could wind up either on the edge or at center by the time game preparations start in earnest this August.
“Those two kids are going to work their tails off,” Frost said of Prochazka and Corcoran. “They’re not that far away, so they’ll be back in the mix real soon.”
More than anything, Saturday was a day for observations. So, without further ado, here’s a whole batch.
Competition at corner: Fifth-year corner Braxton Clark was first out of the chute opposite Quinton Newsome. He’ll have to hold off a charge from Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill to stay at the top of the depth chart this fall — and, as secondary coach Travis Fisher said earlier this fall, he’ll have to be more involved on special teams — but Clark had a strong day on Saturday.
In particular, he locked up sophomore Alante Brown on a third-and-goal slant route on which Brown appeared to be quarterback Chubba Purdy’s first — and only realistic — read. Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple likes to be aggressive in the red zone, but Clark did not cooperate on the offense’s first real scoring chance.
Lack of rhythm early for offense: None of the Husker quarterbacks really got into much of a rhythm in the passing game. That could be in part because, without tackling, the dynamics of working in the pocket are a little bit unnatural. And the pressure off the edge didn’t help much, either.
Thompson finished 3-of-4 for 31 yards but missed Brown low and away on an easy third-down conversion over the middle. Logan Smothers finished 5-of-14 for 46 yards.
Two OL sets: The “top” line, left to right: Brant Banks, Nouredin Nouili, Trent Hixson, Broc Bando and Bryce Benhart. The second: Ezra Miller, Kevin Williams Jr., Ian Boerkircher, Henry Lutovsky and Anthony. One injury this spring was to No. 2 center Ethan Piper, who had a cast on his left hand on Saturday, which is why Boerkircher slid a spot up the depth chart.
The big question now: How similar or different does the top line look in Dublin?
A Purdy pair of throws: Purdy spent the opening weeks of spring ball limited by a foot injury but has been getting team reps in practice for the past week or so. On Saturday he delivered a couple of pretty throws. The best ball of the day from anybody was Purdy’s layered deep ball to tight end A.J. Rollins between two defenders. He also put a seam ball for tight end Nate Boerkircher in a good spot only to have nickel Isaac Gifford make a better play and break it up.
Whipple’s summation: The first-year NU offensive coordinator set modest expectations ahead of the spring game and stuck to them during an interview with Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown before the second half began.
“Don’t lose the game. We didn’t turn the ball over in the first half. We’re mixing and matching guys,” he said. “Casey did a nice job and we got a nice run from Anthony (Grant).”
Whipple also complimented the work Purdy and Smothers did late in the second half.
Grant had a 61-yard touchdown run in the first half for one of the few offensive highlights. He may have been tagged down by Simon Otte in the backfield, but regardless showed the kind of burst coaches and teammates have been talking about over the course of the spring in outrunning Hill and others to the pylon.
Sideline view: Whipple called plays for the offense from the sideline on Saturday while defensive coordinator Erik Chinander was in his customary spot in the coaches’ box for a bird’s eye view.
The downside of spring games: Frost called NU’s playcalling “dreadfully simple.” Inside zone and more inside zone in the run game. Running back Rahmir Johnson, smiling the whole way, called the first half devoid of tackling, “trash.”
“I want to play live football, but it is what it is. We want to keep everybody healthy, so I understand the concept,” he said.
Thompson, who had to talk his way into a third series after two nonproductive drives to start the afternoon, said the Leadership Council met with Frost and the staff to discuss the structure of the day and ultimately the need to stay healthy won out over the will to play live ball.
Mission seemingly accomplished on this day.
Close to the vest: The Huskers, of course, have plenty of new material installed. Frost just had no interest in letting people in on the plan during what amounts to a televised practice.
“We didn’t show any of it today,” he said. Noted.
Two intriguing young pairs of players: Redshirt freshman Randolph Kpai and freshman Ernest Hausmann played a lot next to each other at inside linebacker over the course of the day. If all goes according to plan this fall and Luke Reimer, Nick Henrich and Garrett Snodgrass stay healthy, Barrett Ruud might be able to let them watch one more season. But they look to be players who will make their presence felt at some point down the road.
Late in the game, a safety pair featured freshman Jaeden Gould and redshirt freshman Koby Bretz, who was limited by a knee injury most of last year. A couple of big, rangy, athletic young guys in Travis Fisher’s very interesting secondary group.
A full-spring stat pack from Thompson: The former Texas quarterback said over the course of 15 spring practices he threw somewhere in the neighborhood of upper 20s or toward 30 touchdowns and four or five interceptions on between 200 and 300 attempts.
Closing words from the QB: Thompson didn’t get a ton of reps, but he said he did enjoy his first experience playing at Memorial Stadium. And when he said first time, he really meant it.
“Today was my first day ever going out on that field and doing anything,” Thompson said. “We didn’t practice outside, we were in the indoor and we were supposed to have a couple practices outside, but weather kind of ruined that. So today was my first time actually throwing or being in the stadium at all. It was cool to see the stadium full of people and the turf beneath my feet and kind of look around and feel like it was a real game.”
Oh, right. The final score: Defense 43, Offense 39.
Photos: All of the sights from Nebraska football’s Red-White Spring Game
Nebraska’s Jarrett Synek (16) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson looks to make a throw during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s quarterback Chubba Purdy makes a throw during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (left) strips the ball away from Evan Meyersick during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska football head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (left) strips the ball away from Evan Meyersick during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Karter Bowman, 10, of Omaha, stands outside Memorial Stadium before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Fans return to the campus of University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini punts the ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Jaquez Yant (left) is tackled by Marques Buford during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg runs across midfield during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster scores during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton tackles Matthew Schuster during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Kamonte Grimes catches a touchdown pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster celebrates during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Kamonte Grimes catches a touchdown pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jarrett Synek (right) hands off the ball to Trevin Luben during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster runs away after faking a handoff as quarterback Matt Masker fumbles during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg talks with head coach Scott Frost during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Kamonte Grimes (center) celebrates his touchdown with teammates John Goodwin (left) and Ty Hahn (right) during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Chubba Purdy (6) throws a pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Isiah Harris (right) sprints with the ball past Jimari Butler during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Ru’Quan Buckley (middle) breaks through Kevin Williams Jr. (left) (72) and Ian Boerkircher during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates Jarrett Synek’s touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Jarett Synek (16) (left) runs past Simon Otte for a touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s John Goodwin (right) catches a pass over Phalen Sanford during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s senior offensive analyst Ron Brown talks to the Huskers after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster (left) gets tackled by DeShon Singleton during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s John Goodwin (46) prepares to block during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Matthew Schuster dives for a touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Bryce Benhart (left) blocks Caleb Tanner during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Fans watch the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Broc Bando (73) takes the field with his teammates before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (14) takes the field before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Hunter Anthony (right) tackles Blaise Gunnerson during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Trey Palmer (left) runs away from Marques Buford during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Logan Smothers throws a ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Alante Brown (left) is chased by Nick Henrich during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Hunter Anthony (right) goes after Blaise Gunnerson during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Anthony Grant runs with the ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Anthony Grant runs with the ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
William Prince (left), Nebraska’s director of players development, greets athletic director Trev Alberts during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN. Journal Star
Nebraska’s Ashton Hausmann walks off the field after an injury during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher is injured on the field during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts at the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s AJ Rollins catches a long pass as he is pressured by Derek Branch (left) and Myles Farmer (4) during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple walks off the field after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s tight end coach Sean Beckton (left) and wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator Mickey Joseph coach from the sidelines during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson looks for room to run during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator Mickey Joseph coaches from the sidelines during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s James Carnie (center) is tackled by Simon Otte (left) and Mikai Gbayor during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Cooper Jewett (29) escapes from Seth Malcom during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple looks on from the sidelines during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Jarrett Synek (16) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Kamonte Grimes looks for room to run during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Jarrett Synek (16) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Chase Contreraz kicks a field goal during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska fans cheer during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Tommi Hill looks toward the punted ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Zach Duval (left) and Ron Brown chat before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts walks around the field before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s senior offensive analyst Ron Brown walks on the field during warmups before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton (9) waits for the next down during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s coaches Donovan Raiola (left) and Mark Whipple walk to the locker room for halftime during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Nate Boerkircher (right) celebrates with Anthony Grant (23) after Grant scored the first touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Markese Stepp (30) and the team enter the field to warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (0) and Latrell Neville (7) get ready for the next down during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Omar Brown (13) shakes hands with teammate Latrell Neville after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Fans release balloons as a celebration for the first touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI ,Journal Star
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) warms up before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska players make their way to the tunnel for halftime during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska recruit Ochaun Mathis stands on the field before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander talks with former player Cam Taylor-Britt during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruit Marquise Lightfoot is seen before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruit William Watson is seen on the sidelines before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruits Teitum Tuioti (left) and Maverick Noonan stand by the sidelines before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Football recruits (from left) Joshua Robinson, Marquise Lightfoot and K’Vion Thunderbird are seen before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Ty Hahn (right) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Zach Weinmaster during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost looks on during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
NEW YORK (AP) — Kansas’ comeback victory over North Carolina to win the NCAA basketball championship was the most-viewed men’s title game on cable television.
The Jayhawks’ 72-69 win averaged 18.1 million viewers on TBS, TNT and truTV. It is also a 4% increase over last year’s title game between Baylor and Gonzaga on CBS. This was the third time the championship game was on Turner networks, but first since 2018. They were supposed to have the 2020 final, but the tournament was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The entire tournament on CBS and Turner averaged 10.7 million viewers, a 13% increase over last year.
Kansas’ 16-point rally, which was the biggest comeback in championship game history, was also the third most-watched college basketball game in cable TV history. Saturday’s semifinal matchup between North Carolina and Duke, averaged 18.5 million, ranks second. The 2015 semifinal between Wisconsin and Kentucky — also on Turner — is No. 1 (22.63 million).
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More AP coverage of March Madness: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness and https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
TAMPA, Fla. — Cuonzo Martin will not return next season as the head coach of the Missouri men’s basketball program, a source told the Post-Dispatch Friday, the day after the Tigers’ season ended in Tampa, Florida, with a second-round loss in the Southeastern Conference tournament. Mizzou officially announced the decision Friday evening.
Martin, 50, leaves with a five-year record of 78-77, 35-53 in Southeastern Conference regular-season games and 3-4 in the SEC tournament. He was 0-2 in NCAA Tournament games, losing in the first round in 2018 and 2021. After a 20-13 debut season, Martin’s second and third teams finished just under .500 (15-17, 15-16) before last year’s turnaround season, when the Tigers started 13-3 and peaked at No. 10 in the national polls. But they collapsed down the stretch, losing seven of their final 10 games, leading to a drastic roster rebuild that never took shape as planned. The Tigers finished 12-21 this season, just the sixth 20-loss season in team history.
Search consultant Eddie Fogler, former head coach at South Carolina and Vanderbilt, will assist Mizzou in the national search for Martin’s replacement. MU athletics director Desiree Reed-Francois previously used the former coach’s firm, Fogler Consulting, when she hired T.J. Otzelberger as the basketball coach at UNLV.
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“Coach Martin represented the University with an extremely high level of class and dignity”, MU athletics director Desiree Reed-Francois said in a statement. “He is a man of high character whom I have the utmost respect for, and we are grateful for his contributions to our program, on and off the floor. He is not only a coach, but is a teacher, and he has impacted the lives of every student-athlete who came through the program over the last five years. We wish him, Roberta, and their family nothing but the best in the future.”
“I believe that Mizzou is one of the best men’s basketball coaching jobs in the country,” she added. “Our University is the flagship institution of our great state and a member of the Southeastern Conference, the premier league in college athletics. We are located in a recruiting hotbed and there’s incredible alignment between our department and our President and Board of Curators. We have — and will —continue to invest in our men’s basketball program and I look forward to introducing the new leader of our program to our community in the near future. We will work quickly and expeditiously to find the candidate who is the best fit to continue building our championship culture.”
Martin, an East St. Louis native, has two years left on his original seven-year contract. By making the NCAA Tournament twice during his first four seasons, Martin triggered two clauses in his contract that prohibits Mizzou from firing him without cause until after April 30, 2022 and then owes him $6 million. The buyout total would have dropped to $3 million if MU fired Martin after April 30, 2023.
MU plans to fully honor the terms of Martin’s contract, which states that liquidated damages can be be paid in equal monthly installments until April 30, 2024 or in a lump sum “as might be negotiated and agreed to by the parties.”
Potential candidates Mizzou could explore include North Texas’ Grant McCasland, Drake’s Darian DeVries, Murray State’s Matt McMahon, Cleveland State’s Dennis Gates, Baylor assistant Jerome Tang and former Mizzou player Kim English, in his first year as the head coach at George Mason.
This was Martin’s third losing season in five years at MU, but the Tigers were far closer to breaking even in the other two. The crowds at Mizzou Arena have become more sparse than usual as MU ranked 12th in attendance among SEC teams this season, averaging 6,600 fans per home game. In November, Martin signed his highest-rated recruit since his first few weeks on the job five years ago, but that wasn’t enough to inspire hope he could revive the program in the near future.
Instead, the Tigers will launch a fifth head-coaching search in the last 16 years, a turnstile that underscores the program’s failures to maintain any shred of success over the last two decades.
This time, though, its Reed-Francois’ coaching search, though the first-year athletics director will surely have strong input from powerful university system president Mun Choi, influential boosters and past and present members of the UM System Board of Curators, many of whom can’t help throw their weight around when it comes to important athletics department matters.
Another challenge for MU: This will be Mizzou’s first major athletics hire since the NCAA allowed immediate eligibility for transfers, as well as the name, image and likeness movement. That means current players and signed recruits could be prime for poaching. MU’s top two returning players, Kobe Brown and Trevon Brazile, have already been contacted by representatives of other schools, a source confirmed Friday, as well as four-star recruit Aidan Shaw, who signed with MU last fall.
Martin’s fifth season came undone early with a home loss to Kansas City — an ominous callback to former coach Kim Anderson’s first home game, another demoralizing loss to the Roos — then barely competitive efforts on the road against Liberty and Florida State. Before the calendar turned to 2022, the Tigers’ shortage of depth, talent and continuity were all exposed in blowout losses to Kansas, Illinois and Kentucky.
Dave Matter brings you the latest updates from the Mizzou sports scene.
University of Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Greg Gard isn’t too concerned with the injury his star guard Johnny Davis sustained at the Kohl Center.
Davis was knocked out of Sunday’s 74-73 loss to Nebraska with more than 17 minutes remaining in the second half after a collision under the basket with Nebraska’s Trey McGowens. But Gard told reporters after the game he thinks Davis will be on the floor when the Badgers play in the Big Ten Conference Tournament on Friday.
“I’m optimistic that he’s going to be able to play,” Gard said.
Gard said he hadn’t watched the replay of the play, which resulted in McGowens receiving a Flagrant-2 foul and being ejected from the game. Davis was seen wearing a walking boot on his right foot after the game.
Davis favored his right leg and immediately went to the Badgers’ locker room after the play. He did not return to the bench area and was ruled out with a lower-body injury.
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Davis had 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting, four rebounds and a block in 12 minutes. He missed nearly 11 minutes of the first half after picking up two early fouls. UW has clinched a share of the Big Ten regular-season title, but after losing to Nebraska, will need Iowa to defeat Illinois Sunday afternoon to claim the outright title.
Johnny Davis: From fresh-faced Wisconsin freshman to national player of the year hopeful — in photos
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis prepares to shoot in the first half of the Badgers’ 92-58 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 27, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench in his second game for the Badgers.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives toward the basket against Arkansas-Pine Bluff guard Dequan Morris in the second half of a game at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Davis scored 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench in his second game for the Badgers.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Shaun Doss during the first half of the Badgers’ 92-58 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 27, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench in his second game for the Badgers.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Alvin Stredic, left, and Jalen Lynn during the first half of the Badgers’ 92-58 win over the Golden Lions Nov. 27, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 9 points and 8 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Green Bay guard Amari Davis in the second half of the Badgers’ 82-42 win over the Phoenix Dec. 1, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis contributed 2 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Loyola guard Baylor Hebb in the second half of the Badgers’ 77-63 win over the Ramblers Dec. 15, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 12 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Loyola’s Braden Norris after being fouled during the second half of the Badgers’ 77-63 win over the Ramblers Dec. 15, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 12 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes.
MORRY GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis is congratulated after making a shot and being fouled during the second half of the Badgers’ 77-63 win over Loyola Chicago Dec. 15, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 12 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes.
MORRY GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Louisville center Samuell Williamson in the first half of the Badgers’ 85-48 victory over the Cardinals Dec. 19, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis passes the ball during the first half of the Badgers’ 85-48 victory over the Cardinals Dec. 19, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis blocks a shot by Louisville’s Jae’Lyn Withers during the first half of the Badgers’ 85-48 win over the Cardinals Dec. 19, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 7 points and 6 rebounds in 22 minutes.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots during the first half of the Badgers’ 85-48 victory over the Cardinals Dec. 19, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots a 3-pointer against Nebraska guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson in the first half of the Badgers’ 67-53 win over the Cornhuskers Dec. 22, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis contributed 7 points and 6 rebounds in 24 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Jonathan Davis drives to the basket against Nebraska guard Dalano Banton in the second half of the Badgers’ 67-53 win over the Cornhuskers Dec. 22, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 7 points and 6 rebounds in 24 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots during the first half of the Badgers’ 85-76 win over Michigan State Dec. 25, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. Davis contributed 7 points and 2 rebounds to the Christmas Day victory.
AL GOLDIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis steals the ball from Minnesota’s Marcus Carr during the first half of the Badgers’ 71-59 win over the Golden Gophers Dec. 31, 2020, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 8 points and 3 rebounds in the New Year’s Eve victory.
MORRY GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket in the first half of the Badgers’ 80-73 double-overtime win over the Indiana Hoosiers on Jan. 7, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 6 points and 8 rebounds in 41 minutes off the bench.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis passes the ball around Michigan guard Franz Wagner during the first half of the Badgers’ 77-54 loss to the Wolverines Jan. 12, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Davis was held scoreless in the loss.
CARLOS OSORIO, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis puts up a shot against Northwestern guard Chase Audige in the first half of the Badgers’ 68-52 win over the Wildcats Jan. 20, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the win.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Northwestern guard Chase Audige in the first half of the Badgers’ 68-52 win over the Wildcats Jan. 20, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives past Northwestern’s Ryan Greer during the first half of the Badgers’ 68-52 win over the Wildcats Jan. 20, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 8 points and 6 rebounds in 22 minutes.
MORRY GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Ohio State guard CJ Walker, left, and forward E.J. Liddell in the second half of the Badgers’ 74-62 loss to the Buckeyes Jan. 23, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis contributed 5 points and 5 rebounds in 31 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Ohio State’s Kyle Young grabs a rebound in front of Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis during the first half of the Badgers’ 74-62 loss to the Buckeyes Jan. 23, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis contributed 5 points and 5 rebounds in 31 minutes.
MORRY GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Maryland guard Eric Ayala during the first half of the Badgers’ 61-55 win over the Terrapins Jan. 27, 2021, in College Park, Md. Davis had 4 points and 3 rebounds in 25 minutes.
NICK WASS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Maryland guard Darryl Morsell goes to the basket between Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, left, and forward Tyler Wahl during the first half of the Badgers’ 61-55 win over the Terrapins Jan. 27, 2021, in College Park, Md. Davis had 4 points and 3 rebounds in 25 minutes.
NICK WASS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis loses control of the ball against Penn State forward Seth Lundy, right, and guard Jamari Wheeler in the first half of the Badgers’ 72-56 win over the Nittany Lions Feb. 2, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 17 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes of action.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis and Penn State’s Izaiah Brockington go after a loose ball during the first half of the Badgers’ 72-56 win over the Nittany Lions Feb. 2, 2021, in Madison.
MORRY GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis goes for a layup against Nebraska forward Derrick Walker (13) during the second half of the Badgers’ 61-48 win over the Cornhuskers Feb. 10, 2021, in Lincoln, Neb.
JOHN PETERSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nebraska guard Dalano Banton makes a layup against Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis during the first half of the Badgers’ 61-48 win over the Cornhuskers Feb. 10, 2021, in Lincoln, Neb.
JOHN PETERSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Iowa center Luka Garza blocks a shot by Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis in the first half of the Badgers’ 77-62 loss to the Hawkeyes Feb. 18, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis contributed 3 points and 9 rebounds off the bench.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives down the court against Iowa guard Joe Wieskamp in the second half of the Badgers’ 77-62 loss to the Hawkeyes Feb. 18, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 3 points and 9 rebounds in 33 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Northwestern guard Chase Audige during the first half of the Badgers’ 68-51 win over the Wildcats Feb. 21, 2021, in Evanston, Ill.
NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, center, celebrates with forward Tyler Wahl, left, and guard Brad Davison after scoring a basket during the second half of the Badgers’ 68-51 win over the Wildcats Feb. 21, 2021, in Evanston, Ill.
NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Jonathan Davis drives to the basket past Northwestern forward Miller Kopp, left, guard Chase Audige (1) and forward Pete Nance (22) during the second half of the Badgers’ 68-51 win over the Wildcats Feb. 21, 2021, in Evanston, Ill.
NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Illinois guard Adam Miller defends Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis in the second half of the Badgers’ 74-69 loss to the Fighting Illini Feb. 27, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 5 points and 4 rebounds in 28 minutes.
STEVE APPS, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket ahead of Iowa forward Keegan Murray during the second half of the Badgers’ 77-73 loss to the Hawkeyes March 7, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa.
CHARLIE NEIBERGALL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Iowa guard Joe Wieskamp shoots in front of Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis in the first half of the Badgers’ 62-57 loss to the Hawkeyes March 12, 2021, at the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis. Davis had 2 points and 5 rebounds in the loss.
MICHAEL CONROY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis dunks during the Badgers’ 85-62 win over North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament March 19, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Davis had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in his NCAA Tournament debut.
ROBERT FRANKLIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Baylor guard Adam Flagler in the second half of the Badgers’ 76-63 loss to Baylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament March 21, 2021, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Davis had 10 points and 2 rebounds in the loss.
MICHAEL CONROY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis dunks the ball in front of St. Francis guard Trey Quartlebaum in the first half of the Badgers’ 81-58 season-opening win over the Terriers Nov. 9, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 15 points and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis moves to the basket against St. Francis guard Larry Moreno in the first half of the Badgers’ 81-58 season-opening win over the Terriers Nov. 9, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 15 points and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis fights for the ball against Green Bay forwards Ryan Claflin, left, and Cem Kirciman, right, during the first half of the Badgers’ 72-34 win over the Phoenix Nov. 12, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds.
JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives around a pick set by forward Tyler Wahl while being pursued by Green Bay guard Randy Tucker during the first half of the Badgers’ 72-34 win over the Phoenix Nov. 12, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds.
JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis goes up for a shot in the second half of the Badgers’ 69-58 win over Texas A&M Nov. 22, 2021, at the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives on Houston forward J’Wan Roberts in the first half of the Badgers’ 65-63 win over the Cougars Nov. 23, 2021, at the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis gets pressured by Houston guard Tramon Mark in the first half of the Badgers’ 65-63 win over the Cougars Nov. 23, 2021, at the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl (5) celebrates with guard Johnny Davis (1) and forward Steven Crowl (22) after scoring against Houston forward Reggie Chaney during the second half of the Badgers’ 65-63 win over the Cougars Nov. 23, 2021, at the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket during the first half of the Badgers’ 65-63 win over the Cougars Nov. 23, 2021, at the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis goes up for a shot during the first half of the Badgers’ 65-63 win over the Cougars Nov. 23, 2021, at the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over St. Mary’s guard Logan Johnson in the first half of the Badgers’ 61-55 win over the Gaels in the Maui Invitational championship game Nov. 24, 2021, in Las Vegas. Davis led the Badgers with 20 points as they took home the tournament trophy.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives between St. Mary’s center Mitchell Saxen (10) and guard Alex Ducas (44) in the first half of the Badgers’ 61-55 win over the Gaels in the Maui Invitational championship game Nov. 24, 2021, in Las Vegas. Davis led the Badgers with 20 points as they took home the tournament trophy.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin forward Carter Gilmore, back, guard Johnny Davis, middle, and forward Tyler Wahl celebrate after defeating St. Mary’s 61-55 in the Maui Invitational championship game Nov. 24, 2021, in Las Vegas.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis poses with the MVP trophy after the Badgers’ 61-55 win over the St. Mary’s Gaels in the Maui Invitational championship game Nov. 24, 2021, in Las Vegas. Davis led the Badgers with 20 points as they won the tournament.
RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis scores during the first half of the Badgers’ 70-66 win over Georgia Tech Dec. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Davis scored 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 5 assists in 37 minutes.
HAKIM WRIGHT SR., ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Georgia Tech guard Jordan Usher during the first half of the Badgers’ 70-66 win over the Yellow Jackets Dec. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Davis scored 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 5 assists in 37 minutes.
HAKIM WRIGHT SR., ASSOCIATED PRESS
Georgia Tech guard Jordan Usher blocks Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis during the first half of the Badgers’ 70-66 win over the Yellow Jackets Dec. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Davis scored 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 5 assists in 37 minutes.
HAKIM WRIGHT SR., ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Marquette’s Tyler Kolek during the first half of the Badgers’ 89-76 win over the Golden Eagles Dec. 4, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 25 points and 5 rebounds in 30 minutes.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives between Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro (13) and Darryl Morsell during the second half of the Badgers’ 89-76 win over the Golden Eagles Dec. 4, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 25 points and 5 rebounds in 30 minutes.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots over Marquette’s Stevie Mitchell, left, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper during the second half of the Badgers’ 89-76 win over the Golden Eagles Dec. 4, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 25 points and 5 rebounds in 30 minutes.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket while defended by Marquette’s Kur Kuath during the second half of the Badgers’ 89-76 win over the Golden Eagles Dec. 4, 2021, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 25 points and 5 rebounds in 30 minutes.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ohio State guard Jamari Wheeler and Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis fight for a loose ball during the first half of the Badgers’ 73-55 loss to the Buckeyes Dec. 11, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Davis finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
PAUL VERNON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis goes up for a shot over Ohio State forward Justin Ahrens, left, and guard Meechie Johnson during the second half of the Badgers’ 73-55 loss to the Buckeyes Dec. 11, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Davis finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
PAUL VERNON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis goes up for a dunk during the Badgers’ 73-55 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes Dec. 11, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Davis finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
PAUL VERNON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis goes up for a shot behind Ohio State center Joey Brunk during the Badgers’ 73-55 loss to the Buckeyes Dec. 11, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Davis finished with 24 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
PAUL VERNON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Purdue’s Jaden Ivey, left, and Isaiah Thompson during the first half of the Badgers’ 74-69 win over the Boilermakers Jan. 3, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. Davis led all players with 37 points and 14 rebounds.
DARRON CUMMINGS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Purdue’s Jaden Ivey during the first half of the Badgers’ 74-69 win over the Boilermakers Jan. 3, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. Davis led all players with 37 points and 14 rebounds.
DARRON CUMMINGS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots during the second half of the Badgers’ 74-69 win over the Purdue Boilermakers Jan. 3, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. Davis led all players with 37 points and 14 rebounds.
DARRON CUMMINGS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Purdue’s Jaden Ivey goes to the basket against Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis during the second half of the Badgers’ 74-69 win over the Boilermakers Jan. 3, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. Davis led all players with 37 points and 14 rebounds.
DARRON CUMMINGS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis reacts after dunking the ball in the second half of the Badgers’ 87-78 win over the Hawkeyes Jan. 6, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored 26 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and handed out 5 assists in 35 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis slaps hands with teammates as he comes off the court in the second half of the Badgers’ 87-78 win over the Hawkeyes Jan. 6, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored 26 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and handed out 5 assists in 35 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Iowa guard Connor McCaffery in the second half of the Badgers’ 87-78 win over the Hawkeyes Jan. 6, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored 26 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and handed out 5 assists in 35 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis scores against Maryland in the first half of the Badgers’ 70-69 win over the Terrapins Jan. 9, 2022, in College Park, Md. Davis finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes.
GAIL BURTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Maryland in the first half of the Badgers’ 70-69 win over the Terrapins Jan. 9, 2022, in College Park, Md. Davis finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes.
GAIL BURTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives as Maryland ‘s Xavier Green defends in the first half of the Badgers’ 70-69 win over the Terrapins Jan. 9, 2022, in College Park, Md. Davis finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes.
GAIL BURTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis struggles for the ball with Maryland’s Fatts Russell, right, in the second half of the Badgers’ 70-69 win over the Terrapins Jan. 9, 2022, in College Park, Md. Davis finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes.
GAIL BURTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Northwestern guard Ryan Greer (2) and center Ryan Young during the first half of the Badgers’ 82-76 win over the Wildcats Jan. 18, 2022, in Evanston, Ill. Davis finished with 27 points and 8 rebounds.
NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Michigan State guard A.J. Hoggard in the second half of the Badgers 86-74 loss to the Spartans Jan. 21, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 25 points and 5 rebounds in 37 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis works against Nebraska’s Kobe Webster (10) and Eduardo Andre (35) during the first half of the Badgers’ 73-65 win over the Cornhuskers Jan. 27, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Davis finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds in 31 minutes.
REBECCA S. GRATZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guards Chucky Hepburn, left, and Johnny Davis go after the ball against Minnesota forward Jamison Battle during the second half of the Badgers’ 66-60 win over the Golden Gophers Jan. 30, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds in 37 minutes.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Minnesota’s Sean Sutherlin during the first half of the Badgers’ 66-60 win over the Golden Gophers Jan. 30, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison.
ANDY MANIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis grabs a rebound in the first half of the Badgers’ 51-49 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions Feb. 5, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored a season-low 4 points while grabbing 9 rebounds in 35 minutes.
STEVE APPS, FOR THE STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis is defended by Penn State guard Jalen Pickett in the first half of the Badgers’ 51-49 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions Feb. 5, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored a season-low 4 points while grabbing 9 rebounds in 35 minutes.
STEVE APPS, FOR THE STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives towards the basket while defended by Penn State guard Myles Dread in the second half of the Badgers’ 51-49 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions Feb. 5, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis scored a season-low 4 points while grabbing 9 rebounds in 35 minutes.
STEVE APPS, FOR THE STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis shoots against Michigan State’s Max Christie during the first half of the Badgers’ 70-62 win over the Spartans Feb. 8, 2022, in East Lansing, Mich. Davis scored a game-high 25 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
AL GOLDIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis is fouled by Michigan State’s Max Christie during the first half of the Badgers’ 70-62 win over the Spartans Feb. 8, 2022, in East Lansing, Mich. Davis scored a game-high 25 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
AL GOLDIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michigan State’s Gabe Brown and Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis wrestle for the ball during the second half of the Badgers’ 70-62 win over the Spartans Feb. 8, 2022, in East Lansing, Mich. Davis scored a game-high 25 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
AL GOLDIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis rebounds the ball against Rutgers during the first half of the Badgers’ 73-65 loss to the Scarlet Knights Feb. 12, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds in 34 minutes.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guards Johnny Davis, left, and Chucky Hepburn celebrate following the Badgers’ 74-69 win over the Indiana Hoosiers Feb. 15, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. Davis tied for the game high with 30 points to go along with a game-high 12 rebounds in 38 minutes.
DARRON CUMMINGS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Michigan guard Eli Brooks in the second half of the Badgers’ 77-63 win over the Wolverines Feb. 20, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis hugs teammate Chucky Hepburn after the Badgers defeated the Michigan Wolverines 77-63 on Feb. 20, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis 25 points and 6 rebounds in 37 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin players cheer on teammate guard Johnny Davis, left, after the Badgers’ 77-63 win over the Wolverines Feb. 20, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis finished with 25 points and 6 rebounds in 37 minutes.
AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis falls after a collision with Minnesota guard Sean Sutherlin during the second half of the Badgers’ 68-67 win over the Golden Gophers Feb. 23, 2022, in Minneapolis. Davis, called for charging on the play, finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds.
ANDY CLAYTON-KING, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket past Rutgers forward Dean Reiber during the first half of the Badgers’ 66-61 win over the Scarlet Knights Feb. 26, 2022, in Piscataway, N.J. Davis finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds.
ADAM HUNGER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives against Rutgers during the first half of the Badgers’ 66-61 win over the Scarlet Knights Feb. 26, 2022, in Piscataway, N.J. Davis finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds.
ADAM HUNGER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Purdue guard Jaden Ivey during the first half of the Badgers’ 70-67 win over the Boilermakers March 1, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 16 points and 8 rebounds as UW secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis defends Purdue guard Jaden Ivey during the second half of the Badgers’ 70-67 win over the Boilermakers March 1, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 16 points and 8 rebounds as UW secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis scores against Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, left, and forward Mason Gillis during the second half of the Badgers’ 70-67 win over the Boilermakers March 1, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 16 points and 8 rebounds as UW secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Jordan Davis, left, talks to his brother Johnny Davis during the second half of the Badgers’ 70-67 win over the Purdue Boilermakers March 1, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Johnny Davis had 16 points and 8 rebounds as UW secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis drives to the basket against Purdue during the second half of the Badgers’ 70-67 win over the Boilermakers March 1, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 16 points and 8 rebounds as UW secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship.
KAYLA WOLF, STATE JOURNAL
Purdue guard Jaden Ivey works against Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis during the second half of the Badgers’ 70-67 win over the Boilermakers March 1, 2022, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Davis had 16 points and 8 rebounds as UW secured at least a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship. Ivey finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Katie Meyer, the goaltender for Stanford’s women’s soccer team, passed away in a campus residence, the school announced on Wednesday.
“Katie was extraordinarily committed to everything and everyone in her world,” Stanford vice provost for student affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole and athletic director Bernard Muir said in a message to the campus community on the university’s communications site. “Her friends describe her as a larger-than-life team player in all her pursuits, from choosing an academic discipline she said ‘changed my perspective on the world and the very important challenges that we need to work together to overcome’ to the passion she brought to the Cardinal women’s soccer program and to women’s sports in general. Fiercely competitive, Katie made two critical saves in a penalty shootout against North Carolina to help Stanford win its third NCAA women’s soccer championship in 2019. Katie was a bright shining line for so many on the field and in our community.
Katie Meyer playing for Stanford on Dec. 8, 2019John Todd/ISI Photos
“There are no words to express the emptiness that we feel at this moment. We are reaching out to all of you in our community, because this impacts all of us. Please know that you are not alone.”
A cause of death was not given.
Meyer, a senior, majored in international relations and minored in history. She was a team captain for Stanford. A Burbank, Calif., native, Meyer has two sisters, Samantha and Siena.
In the message, Brubaker-Cole and Muir said counseling staff have been on-site at Meyer’s residence hall and working with student-athletes.
When the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team lost to Rutgers on Feb. 12, coach Greg Gard said the locker room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
It was the Badgers’ third loss at home this season but their first to an unranked team.
Johnny Davis in the postgame news conference was quick to pivot to focusing on the team’s next game, but it didn’t mask how much the loss hurt.
“They’re disappointed,” Gard said after the loss. “It burns. I don’t want them to be so happy-go-lucky that this doesn’t matter. This matters. But in this sport, in this league, you’ve got to flip it pretty quick. You can’t let today get back to us as we prepare (moving forward).”
UW will get its opportunity for revenge when it plays Rutgers at 5 p.m. Saturday, the first game of a three-game stretch that will determine whether the No. 13 Badgers will be the Big Ten Conference regular-season champions.
Illinois lost to Ohio State on Thursday, meaning there is a two-way tie for first place in the Big Ten between UW and Purdue.
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Purdue faces Michigan State before the Boilermakers and Badgers play Tuesday in a game that could decide the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.
If the Badgers lose to the Scarlet Knights, they’ll need to beat Purdue at the Kohl Center to have a chance at the regular-season title. Assuming both teams win their final games — UW hosts Nebraska and Purdue hosts Indiana — they’d each be 2-1 to close out the season and would share the regular-season title, but UW would get the No. 1 seed due to the head-to-head matchup with Purdue.
If the Badgers beat the Scarlet Knights, they can lose to Purdue and still earn a share if the Boilermakers also lose a game. The Badgers wouldn’t be the No. 1 seed. The Boilermakers and Badgers would’ve split their season series, meaning the tiebreaker is determined by the two teams’ records against the next best team. That’ll either be Ohio State or Illinois, and Purdue’s in good shape there because it went 2-0 vs. Illinois (UW went 0-1) and 1-0 vs. Ohio State (UW went 1-1).
Things get a bit more complicated if Illinois and Ohio State win out their last three games. If both Purdue and UW lose one game, Illinois goes 3-0 and Ohio State goes 3-0, it’d be a four-way tie.
It starts for the Badgers with playing at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway — a place where the Scarlet Knights have knocked off every ranked team in the Big Ten.
Rutgers — which has received votes in the past two AP Top 25 polls — has defeated Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa while on its home court. The Scarlet Knights’ only Big Ten home loss came against unranked Maryland.
UW is the only ranked Big Ten team yet to play in Piscataway this season.
“They got a good team,” Gard said. “Steve (Pikiell’s) done a good job for them. They’re old and experienced. It’s life in the Big Ten — nothing’s going to be easy.”
Rutgers averages 7,459 attendees per game in an arena that fits 8,000 people.
The atmosphere at Jersey Mike’s Arena is such a challenge for opposing teams that both Illinois coach Brad Underwood and Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann commented on it after losses this season.
“The fans are right on top of you,” Underwood said. “It’s old as hell. The acoustics are dynamic. Everything reverberates in there. The students are right there on you. You literally, the players can’t hear me in a timeout. There’s tremendous energy. Their student impact there is as good as there is in the country. All in all, it’s turning into a great home court. Steve should be commended for that and their players. It’s a sellout. Any time you get that kind of energy in the building, it can be a positive for the home team.”
The Badgers’ road record is the best in the league, with losses only to Ohio State and Illinois. They were short-handed against the Buckeyes but had a full roster against the Illini.
Both Tyler Wahl and Brad Davison said they were looking forward to the challenge of being the only ranked Big Ten team to walk away with a win in Piscataway.
“It’s a very unique stadium,” Wahl said. “The student section goes all the way up, they got the whole baseline and they love their basketball there. So I’m excited to get in there. But we’ve done pretty good on these road games. Hopefully we can go in there and get another one.”
Badgers fans on Twitter praise Wisconsin men’s basketball’s gritty effort in narrow win at Minnesota
Can’t afford to lose a leader
Rebounding was fantastic. Crowl was even better. Wahl superb. Jordan Davis with some great minutes. Hope Davison isn’t too banged up – was limping quite a bit at the end.
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) February 24, 2022
Buttering the bread
Crowl with a key bank shot. Wahl with the key tap out rebound. Davison with the clinching free throws.
What state are they from again?
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) February 24, 2022
Whatever it takes
This team continues to find different ways to win. I thought our rebounding was fantastic. Thought we passed and made some very unselfish plays at Key Times. Tremendous contributions from Jordan Davis, Crowl, and Wahl
— Mark Massey (@mfmass) February 24, 2022
Ask a fellow Jordan
Jordan Davis is clearly the best candidate to be the first guard off of the bench moving forward. He needs to permanently assume that role.
— Jordan Turner (@turnerTH3burner) February 24, 2022
Mission accomplished
We let em back in but a W is a W. Wahl, Crowl & Jordan’s night tonight!!! But all contributed as a TEAM. Keep the chip and Go Badgers!
— Paul Yochum’63 (@PaulYochum63) February 24, 2022
Starts at the top
Nice to have successful history w/o Jon Davis in the game at the end. Crowl w/20, Wahl a dbl-dbl, Jor Davis’s best performance w/critical bucket late off feed. Greg Gard & staff resp for superior player dev this season! Gard should be @B1GMBBall Coach of the Year.
— Sheri Swokowski (@sswoko) February 24, 2022
Carving his own path
If he could develop any type of jump shot, he’d remind of Joe Krabbenhoft. Never the star but always filling the stat sheet
— Matthew Whitmore (@whitmm123) February 24, 2022
Not skipping a beat
So impressed w/poise of this team, getting it done w/o Johnny. Wahl is SO important. His 6 offensive boards were huge. Despite the missed FTs, you gotta love Chucky, a true frosh w/0 turnovers again. (Only 1 turnover in his last 107 mins!). Thrilled for Jordan, too. Play him more
— Dean Witter (@i_am_deanwitter) February 24, 2022
Doing it the hard way
Battled. Fought. Won. Gritty. Love to see how this group play team defense. Very impressive. Wahl great post play! Love to see Crowl taking it to the hoop!
— Mike Kalvin (@MikeKalvin) February 24, 2022
Right game, right time
Jordan Davis was really steady tonight. In a game where we were severely short handed at G, he played, what I thought anyway, was a complete game on both ends.
— Jeff Bruggink (@bru4pk) February 24, 2022
True team effort
What I saw was that extra pass tonight, looking for the better percentage shot. Great cuts to the basket and movement off the ball. This team can win in different ways. It doesn’t always need Johnny or Brad to score.
— rick brown (@rickbrown35) February 24, 2022
On the lookout
If anyone has complaints tonight, please revoke their badger fandom
— Derek Detert (@Deetztreatz) February 24, 2022
Couldn’t ask for more
Of course it was going to be a battle! MN is tired of losing to the Badgers! Maybe not the prettiest game but a scrappy win anyway! ❤️💪🏀
— MaryLinehan (@PE_4_me) February 24, 2022
Savor every second
I just can’t get over how gritty, hard working and confident this team is. It doesn’t seem to matter who isn’t scoring or who fouled out – the others pick up the slack. Love, love this team and I’m so happy for Jordan. He played great 👍
— Mary Korn Erickson (@sixtiesfan) February 24, 2022
Up to the challenge
This team is built for adversity and Tyler Wahl was the hero tonight and Jordan Davis did fantastic
— Eric Katz 🦡 (@Sportsteamnews) February 24, 2022
Focus on the finish
Wisconsin outrebounded them 2:1, shot over 50%, and won by 1? Hard to imagine.
But who cares – any road win is great. Low key impressive winning on the road underhanded, with sketchy second half officiating. Loved what Jordan brought.
Did Wahl run over the refs’ dogs?
— Nick P Bassill (@NickPBassill) February 24, 2022
Not always pretty
Winning is always good, especially when you don’t play your best.
— Kevin (@dcbadger7) February 24, 2022
Gritty’s more than good enough
A road win in the BIG Ten. Against a big rival who is gunning for you? I will take the win any way I can get it.
Davidson needs to get his shot back on point. If he does the NCAA tourney will be fun.
— John Paul Kloiber (@JohnPaulKloiber) February 24, 2022
Loss for words
I’ve run out of superlatives for this team. On the road, missing players, Davis fouls out and they still find a way to win.
— Dean Sonsalla (@dsonsalla30) February 24, 2022
All count the same
Tyler Wahl was a stud when the Badgers needed it most. This should count as two wins because Wisconsin had to overcome Minnesota and the referees tonight
— Mark Meddings (@MeddingsMark1) February 24, 2022
Performing under pressure
13 – 1 in games decided by 6 points or less – this team just finds a way
And Jordan was great on a night Johnny fouled out early
Crowl was fantastic tonight, Wahl as well
Brad is in a shooting slump, but does so many other things for us
Great B1G road win, as they all are!
— chuckwestover (@chuckwestover) February 24, 2022
If all goes right
Jordan Davis *potential* Xfactor for March. Been saying it for months. He plays within himself, has the shooting ability. Keep feeding him minutes
— Ron (@RonFiki) February 24, 2022
Living up to the hype
I knew it would be a battle, it took everything this team had to win. Any kind of road win is always good.
LINCOLN — In the midst of a strong season, the Nebraska women’s basketball team on Saturday suspended an assistant coach and removed starter Ashley Scoggin — the team’s top 3-point shooter — from its roster.
The news for each development came separately, though the suspension of associate head coach Chuck Love and Scoggin’s removal came days after a road game at Penn State where Love didn’t appear on the bench and Scoggin didn’t play.
Nebraska associate head coach Chuck Love.
KENNETH FERRIERA, THE WORLD-HERALD
First, Nebraska’s athletic department announced Saturday morning that it had suspended Love with pay — his salary is $175,270 per year — for what it called “a personnel matter.” Five hours later, an NU spokesman confirmed Scoggin’s removal from the team. She’s no longer listed on the 2021-2022 online roster.
Nebraska, which plays Sunday at 2 p.m. against Minnesota, declined any further comment on the potential connection of Love’s suspension and Scoggin’s removal. NU head coach Amy Williams, Love and Scoggin did not answer requests for comment Saturday from The World-Herald.
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Ashley Scoggin
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
A 23-year-old sophomore, Scoggin averaged 8.4 points and 1.6 rebounds this season before her removal from the team. Scoggin made 42% of her 3-pointers this year, including two Monday night in an upset of No. 5 Indiana. Despite a career full of knee injuries at previous stops — one delayed her enrollment into college — Scoggin had not missed a game at NU until Thursday night at Penn State, when she was listed as, according to Nebraska, “not available.”
But Scoggin played Monday night, then hosted her weekly one-hour local radio show Tuesday afternoon. The World-Herald confirmed that she made the trip to Penn State and attended the game, though she was not on the sideline with the team, which lost a 13-point fourth-quarter lead in 84 seconds. The Nittany Lions went on to win 83-76.
Love made the trip, too. He has been an assistant coach under Williams for a decade, first at South Dakota for four seasons and at Nebraska for the past six. He became NU’s associate head coach this season and oversees the program’s player development at all positions. He had interviewed for head coaching jobs previously and was considered a candidate this coming offseason, as well, with NU’s success this year.
In his absence, the Huskers would lean more on their other two full-time assistants, Tandem Mays and Tom Goehle, and potentially two other staffers who sit on NU’s bench, director of operations Amanda Hart and video coordinator Logan Seiser, who was previously an assistant at the University of Jamestown (N.D.) for two years before joining the Husker staff.
Scoggin was replaced Thursday in the starting lineup by Husker freshman Allison Weidner, the Humphrey St. Francis graduate whose play has surged during Big Ten games. She’s averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in league contests and has drawn admiration for her strong drives to the hoop.
NU will miss Scoggin’s shooting, though. She had made 55 3-pointers this season and had shown an ability to make spot-up, catch-and-release 3s from nearly anywhere around the arc.
Correction:A previous version of this story reported Nebraska said Scoggin was out of Thursday night’s Penn State game for health and safety reasons. According to NU, Scoggin was listed as ‘not available.’
Looking back at the last five seasons of Nebraska women’s basketball
2020-21
Record: 13-13
Coach: Amy Williams
Notables: Reached second round of the Big Ten tournament, season ended with loss to Colorado in the second round of the WNIT
SAVANNAH HAMM, THE WORLD-HERALD
2019-20
Record: 17-13
Coach: Amy Williams
Notables: Season ended with first-round loss to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament, postseason tournaments canceled due to COVID-19
KENNETH FERRIERA, THE WORLD-HERALD
2018-19
Record: 14-16
Coach: Amy Williams
Notables: Season ended in first-round loss to Purdue in the Big Ten tournament
MADDIE WASHBURN, THE WORLD-HERALD
2017-18
Record: 21-11
Coach: Amy Williams
Notables: Williams won Big Ten coach of the year, reached second round of Big Ten tournament, season ended with first-round loss to Arizona State in the NCAA tournament
ADAM WARNER, THE WORLD-HERALD
2016-17
Record: 7-22
Coach: Amy Williams
Notables: Former Husker Williams’ first season as Nebraska’s head coach, season ended with first-round loss to Illinois in the Big Ten tournament
The University of Wisconsin athletics department denounced a UW fan’s actions during Tuesday’s Badgers men’s basketball game at Northwestern.
The fan was seated across the court from the UW bench and adjacent to the Northwestern student section. A video was posted on social media of him standing up flipping off the student section then making a racist gesture.
The video then cuts to the fan talking to a Northwestern official followed by him being escorted out by multiple Northwestern personnel and at least one police officer. Northwestern athletics confirmed that the UW fan was removed from the game.
“Northwestern explicitly prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment of students, coaches, staff, officials or guests,” a Northwestern spokesperson said in an email to the State Journal. “The actions by an individual at Tuesday’s men’s basketball game towards the Wildcats student section were unacceptable and a violation of our fan code of conduct. We appreciate those who spoke up and brought this behavior to our attention so event staff could take the appropriate steps to remove him from Welsh-Ryan Arena.”
That was a 67-yard run from Cook. On 1st 10, Bennett says he’ll take care of the ball himself, running for four yards. On 2nd & 6, a facemask call on the defense makes it 1st & goal at the Alabama 2. White runs in it and Georgia is in front! And the extra point is good!
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 3:02, 3rd quarter
Okay, I’m calling this a momentum shift. Cook goes off on first down for Georgia who takes it from the Georgia 20 all the way to the Alabama 13! It looked like he was about to give us the game’s first touchdown right then and there.
For the record, Georgia’s Jalen Carter is given credit for that huge block.
Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP)
17 plays, 7:45 off the clock. No points.
Grinder.
January 11, 2022
Blocked field goal!
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 3:23, 3rd quarter
This time around Georgia’s defense forces Robinson into a single-yard loss. The next pass, Young throws just a little too low for Brooks to scoop. 3rd & 11. Young throws and almost finds Hall for what would have been a massive play.
Okay, maybe I jinxed the Alabama offense. They have to settle for a field goal… and don’t even get that! The Bulldogs block it! Holy heck!
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 4:32, 3rd quarter
Robinson Jr. fights for his life to squeeze out three additional yards. He then finishes the job by picking up a new first down on the next play.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 5:33, 3rd quarter
You’ll never guess who gets the ball for the next carry and picks up six yards on first down. That’s Brian Robinson Jr.?
Alabama’s offense looks better this half. The commentators are crediting their offensive line and I’ll take their word for it.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 6:01, 3rd quarter
1st & 10. Young finds Holden for two yards then Robinson Jr. yet again for six. On 3rd and 2, a surprisingly open Robinson Jr. is able to make it to a first down before being tackled. He’s turning into the go-to guy this second half.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 7:26, 3rd quarter
Alabama calls Robinson Jr.’s number once again and he picks up eight yards. On 2nd & 2, Young completes a pass to Traeshon Holden for three yards and a new first down.
Young finds Holden and then Brooks to get to a 3rd & 3 situation. Young finds Trey Sanders who looks like he’s going to be short until he falls down for a first.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 10:22, 3rd quarter
Robinson Jr. picks up a yard! They’re at their 3-yard line.
He does better on the next play, breaking through the Georgia defense and hitting the 19-yard line before finally being halted.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 11:03, 3rd quarter
Camarda’s punt is downed at the Alabama 4. This might end up being a rare football game actually decided by the players’ feet.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 11:12, 3rd quarter
On 1st & 10, a back-to-work Bennet throws incomplete to Bowers. That will make it 2nd & 10. This time Bennett finds McIntosh who picks up a very difficult three yards. On 3rd & 7, Bennett throws incomplete and never mind that thing I said about that interception being a huge shift in this game because it’s all for naught.
Punting time again.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 12:05, 3rd quarter
Robinson Jr. picks up three yards. Oh, there’s a big play but it’s the wrong kind for Alabama! Young attempts to throw a bomb and it lands right in the hands of Georgia’s Christopher Smith at the Alabama 43. Huge, huge shift here.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 12:46, 3rd quarter
Bolden makes a fair catch of Camarda’s punt at the Alabama 7. That’s a lot of ground to make up on a day where big passing plays have been hard to come by.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 12:46, 3rd quarter
An intentional grounding call on Bennett crushes the Georgia drive before it even gets a chance to begin. Cook picks up 11 yards to reduce a 2nd & 19 to a 3rd & 8 but Bennett’s pass is incomplete.
We’re going punting again!
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 14:33, 3rd quarter
Georgia is starting at their own 25, where White picks up 11 yards on first down and then 18 yards on the next first down.
Start of the second half
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 15:00, 3rd quarter
And our second half starts with… a touchback. Par for the course.
The science teacher roommate has peaced-out, not entirely unreasonably given that first half, so it’s just you and me for this second half, which should be kicking off shortly.
Nevermind this is actually kind of a banger. I am a Swiftie and feel no pleasure in saying this.
We are now being subjected to the world premiere of a Katy Perry video for reasons that will forever remain a mystery to me.
Rory Murphy (@Rory_Tealeaf)
@HunterFelt between yesterday and tonight – finding it hard to justify the “college football is more exciting than NFL” argument right now tbh!
January 11, 2022
Last night was the first time as a US sports fan that I ever rooted for a tie in my life and you know what? It changed my life. Maybe it’s time I started to look into the other kind of football as well.
Halftime thoughts
Well, the game really turned on the Jameson Williams injury. He will be out for the entire game, which anyone watching pretty much could have been guessed the second the injury occurred in real time.
The other news has been the combination of offensive struggles/defensive excellence that has led this to be a showcase to the two kicking teams. One imagines that this will change in the second half, but who could have predicted that the first half would have been this free from fireworks?
Halftime!
And we have a 6-9 game where there hasn’t been a single touchdown. Just what one expected from the best two teams in college football, right?
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) runs the ball against Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr (31). Photograph: Mark J Rebilas/USA Today Sports
Updated
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, end of the first half.
Great punt there from Alabama, which is a weird thing to type. White picks up 4 yards as the clock continues to tick. White picks up another yard and it looks like Georgia is playing this conservatively. Alabama calls a timeout with 22 seconds left in the half.
When play resumes, it’s a 3rd & 5 situation. White manages to pick up a first down but there’s not much time left here to do anything and everybody just waits around until the end of the first half.
Given the score, that feels like an appropriate way to end the first two quarters of play.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 1:40, 2nd quarter
It’s a 3rd and 5 situation and it feels like a crucial one here as halftime looms. Young uncorks a rather great throw that Bolden nearly completes for a catch. Game of inches. Here comes the punt team again. Jackson makes a fair catch at the Georgia 10.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 1:45, 2nd quarter
Young throws to Agiye Hall who makes the catch and then smartly eludes the defense for a 24 yard gain that takes Alabama to the Georgia 43.
Given a fresh set of downs, Robinson Jr. picks up two yards. 2nd & 8. Young throws incomplete. Just like that, we get another third-down situation and… our first timeout of the game. This one’s courtesy of Georgia.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 2:39, 2nd quarter
After a touchback, Alabama starts at their own 25. Brian Robinson Jr. gets the ball first and he picks up three yards. 2nd & 7. Young throws incomplete. 3rd & 7. On the next play, an offsides penalty on Georgia turns it into a more manageable 3rd & 2 situation.
Georgia 6-9 Alabama, 3:09, 2nd quarter
Dallas Turner sacks Bennett for a four-yard loss. Just like that, 1st and 10 has become 2nd & 14.
Make that 3rd and 14 after Bennett’s next throw lands incomplete. Bennett finds Kearis Jackson for an eight-yard gain that at least gives Georgia a chance for (you’ll never believe this) a field goal attempt. Podlesny’s 49-yarder looks like it’s going to curve away but it manages to hit the uprights to cut the Alabama lead to three.
Georgia 3-9 Alabama, 5:11, 2nd quarter
Bennett throws incomplete to Adonai Mitchell on 1st & 10. 2nd & 10, Bennett finds Bowers, who drags several defensive players with him, until he can get six yards. 3rd & 4, Bennett finds Mitchell who picks up 11 yards. Georgia’s at the Alabama 34.
Georgia 3-9 Alabama, 6:23, 2nd quarter
Georgia has to feel good about its defense limiting Alabama to field goals, but it won’t matter if they can’t score themselves. Reichard’s kickoff isn’t great, it goes for 56 yards. They will start at their own 35. James Cook gets the first touch on this drive, picking up four yards.
On the next down, Bennett connects with McIntosh for ten yards which means, obviously, a first down. Solid start, this.
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) rolls out to throw during Monday’s game. Photograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports
Updated
Field goal! (Alabama)
Georgia 3-9 Alabama, 7:07, 2nd quarter
Robinson Jr gets it to the Georgia 6. Alabama is threatening for the game’s first touchdown… except Young throws incomplete and then gets sacked for a massive loss. 13 yards! Georgia holds Alabama to yet another field goal attempt. Reichard’s 37-yarder is good and Alabama at least pad their lead.
Georgia 3-6 Alabama, 8:49, 2nd quarter
Slade Bolden catches, fumbles and returns the resulting punt. Alabama start at their own 26. Young finds Ja’Corey Brooks for a five-yard gain. On the next play, Young finds Cameron Latu who just goes off and very nearly takes it all the way to the end zone before being brought down at the Georgia 8.
Georgia 3-6 Alabama, 10:36, 2nd quarter
After a false start penalty, Bennett throws incomplete to Pickens in a 1st & 15 situation. Bennett throws complete to the wonderfully named Ladd McConkey for a three-yard gain. Bennett finds Cook, who gets 3 yards on 3rd down. Georgia, however, needed 12. Punt time, again.
Georgia 3-6 Alabama, 11:12, 2nd quarter
A penalty takes back yards on what would otherwise have been a huge return from Georgia, a 30-yard run from McIntosh. They will instead start at their own 20.
Georgia 3-6 Alabama, 11:46, 2nd quarter
It’s hard to concentrate on the game after seeing something like that. Young finds Bolden for nine yards. Young throws incomplete on the next play. 3rd & 1.
Nope, false start on Alabama and that’s a five-yard penalty. 3rd & 6. Young finds Bolden, but not for enough yards to get that first down. So, it’s time for another field goal. Reichard’s 45-yard attempt is good and Alabama takes the lead.
Please please do not show that injury replay again, ESPN.
They do, but at least it’s not a close-up.
Georgia 3-3 Alabama, 12:28, 2nd quarter
Camarda’s kickoff puts them at their own 25. Jameson Williams makes a huge first down catch on the 35 but immediately goes down on his own with a leg injury before being brought down. My science teacher roommate caught it on replay and her diagnosis is not great. Injury time-out, obviously.
