LINCOLN — One thing Nebraska’s Brandon Ubel shouldn’t have to worry about in today’s game at No. 1 Kansas is being overwhelmed by the mystique of Allen Fieldhouse.

The freshman from Overland Park, Kan., has parents who both attended KU.

“I pretty much grew up around the whole campus thing,’’ he said, “and I went to a bunch of games when I was a little kid.’’

Ubel also has played in the storied arena multiple times in tournaments and summer leagues. He even had a favorite Jayhawk in All-American Nick Collison.

So when the floor literally shakes because of the crowd noise and applause when Kansas (21-1, 7-0) is introduced, Ubel can assure his teammates the place isn’t coming apart.

And he can point out his 20 to 25 friends and family members there to cheer for Nebraska (13-9, 1-6).

You need all the friendly faces you can see when entering Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas has won a national-best 54 straight.

True freshmen like Ubel also needed some friendly support in early February.

This is the time of year that first-year players hit what coaches call “the freshman wall.’’ Most prep players are finished after 20 to 25 games. In college, a month of play remains.

“I think it’s more of a challenge mentally to push through,’’ Ubel said. “Everybody is tired, not just freshmen. It’s more of a mental grind to tell your body to get through.’’

The physical part has been difficult, too, for the 6-foot-10, 220-pounder.

Ubel, who didn’t turn 18 until late August, has been forced into heavier service than expected — 14 starts, 16.7 minutes a game — because of season-ending injuries to Christopher Niemann and Toney McCray.

At times he has been overmatched, as his statistical line of one assist vs. 35 turnovers indicates.

“We’re asking Brandon to play against guys who are very, very good,’’ Nebraska coach Doc Sadler said. “But he competes. He understands.

“I’m sure he’d like to be doing this or that better. But I’m very pleased with Brandon Ubel.’’

Nebraska’s loss Tuesday to No. 10 Kansas State clearly showed the ground the youthful Huskers need to make up physically.

“They are a lot older and more experienced than us,’’ Ubel said. “A couple more years in the weight room for them showed. It should come in time to us. I really want to work on my strength and explosiveness in the offseason.’’

• NOTES: Senior Ryan Anderson needs two points to become the 25th Husker to reach 1,000 points in his career. ... This is the second of what is expected to be five straight games for Nebraska against Top 25 opponents, the longest streak ever. In 1994-95, NU played seven ranked teams in the space of nine games. ... KU beat NU 84-72 in Lincoln on Jan. 13.

Contact the writer:

444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com

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