LINCOLN — When Nebraska is tied in a major men’s basketball statistical category with UCLA, normally that would be cause for celebration.

Not this time, however.

The Huskers’ offense is lurching along at the same rate as the struggling longtime power Bruins — tied for 229th nationally at 67.6 points a game.

NU coach Doc Sadler said his goal with six games left before Big 12 play begins is to juice up the offense to complement the Husker defense, which is No. 4 nationally allowing 54.9 points a game.

“The next few days and next week, we’ll spend a lot more time on offense,’’ Sadler said. “Once we get to Jan. 9, we’ve got to be much farther along offensively than we are now.’’

One reason the defense is so far ahead of the offense is because Nebraska, 7-2 entering tonight’s home game with 0-8 Jackson State, has spent most of its time practicing defense.

With eight newcomers this season, Sadler made learning his defensive principles the main priority.

“We’re making some improvement, moreso defensively than offensively,’’ he said. “But that’s probably my fault because we spend more time on the defensive end.’’

Saturday night looks like a tune-up opportunity for Nebraska as Jackson State lost 92-39 at Tulsa on Thursday night to remain winless.

The Tigers were picked to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference and had the preseason player of the year in 6-foot-7 Grant Maxey, the grandson of Nebraska basketball Hall of Fame member Al Maxey from Lincoln.

But Grant Maxey, who last year averaged 16.4 points and 6.7 rebounds a game, has had complications after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. He has played in only the first two games and is expected to have season-ending surgery.

Tulsa (8-1) is Nebraska’s next opponent Tuesday in the Las Vegas Classic.

The Golden Hurricane, which has won 25 games each of the past two seasons, will give the Huskers a taste of Big 12-caliber play. They are led by 7-foot senior center Jerome Jordan, projected as a first-round NBA draft pick.

With finals ending Friday for Nebraska, Sadler said the extended practice time available during the holiday break will be important.

“We’ve got to fix two or three things,’’ he said. “For the most part, our basic defense is pretty good. We’ve got to get better doubling the post and on ball screens.

“Offensively, shot selection is something we now understand and time of possession. Now, it’s about executing against pressure defense because the pressure is going to pick up so much in our league.’’

• NOTES: After practice Friday, Sadler said guard Brandon Richardson (back) is doubtful and that guard Eshaunte Jones (plantar fasciitis) is 50-50 for tonight. ... Kids can get their pictures taken with Santa Claus at the Devaney Center.

Contact the writer:

444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com

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