• Video: Doc Sadler at the postgame press conference:
LINCOLN — Nebraska put a chokehold Saturday night on the two Iowa State basketball players who had tortured them in the past.
All-Big 12 forward Craig Brackins, who scored 21 and 25 against NU last year, was held to six points — 11 under his average — on 3 of 13 shooting.
And guard Lucca Staiger, who had 18 and 17 points last season, scored only seven points of 2 of 6 shooting.
So why did Nebraska lose 56-53 to the Cyclones?
“Before the game,'' NU guard Ryan Anderson said, “one of the coaches on the scouting report said we can't let other players who aren't the key players take over and make big plays.
“But that's exactly what happened.''
Reserve guard Scott Christopherson was one Cyclone hero. He had gone 1 of 6 on 3s the past four games, but hit two in a row against Nebraska to turn a 46-41 deficit into a 47-46 lead.
The Marquette transfer also had the assist on a Brackins dunk with 1:55 to play that produced the winning margin.
“I've struggling shooting the ball lately,'' Christopherson said. “I've tried to stay confident and stay ready. I knew the team was going to need me to hit a few shots at some point during the year.''
Backup forward LaRon Dendy added seven points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in 21 minutes to help make up for Brackins' off night.
“Not often are we going to win games without Craig scoring very much,'' ISU coach Greg McDermott said. “But he did other things to impact the game.''
Sick, injured
Nebraska played without guard Eshaunte Jones, who was down with the flu for the third straight day.
“He made the decision he can't play,'' NU coach Doc Sadler said. “As I tell the players, if they make that decision, they can't play.''
Iowa State guard Charles Boozer was listed as doubtful after suffering a displaced kneecap last Wednesday. But further examination revealed a torn ACL, and Boozer now is out for the season.
Bits and pieces
Nebraska wing Ryan Anderson leads the Big 12 in steals with 2.3 a game after five swipes Saturday night. ... NU point guard Lance Jeter scored 12 points. He had recorded just 13 in the previous six games combined. ... NU has a midweek bye before returning to the court Saturday at Missouri, which has won 30 straight home games.
— Lee Barfknecht
• Video: Ryan Anderson at the postgame press conference:
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