LINCOLN — Nebraska forward Myles Holley had scored 15 points in his six previous Big 12 appearances. On Wednesday, he scored 11 in the Huskers' 55-53 loss to No. 24 Baylor.
But hold off on any celebrations over a potential breakout game for the sophomore from Norfolk, Va.
“The game don't mean nothing without the win,'' Holley said. “It's not about me getting my points. We've got to win. It's all about the team.''
Nebraska coach Doc Sadler said he used the 6-foot-5 Holley more minutes than usual because of Baylor's zone defense.
“Myles shoots it quick inside and is athletic,'' Sadler said. “He's active and plays hard. It's a shame Myles is not healthy. If he were healthy, there's no telling what he could do.''
Before Holley came to Nebraska, he had suffered two major knee injuries. He has been bothered this season by tendinitis.
“My knee, because of the injuries, is always going to hurt,'' he said. “Like my doctor at home told me when I first had surgery, you either put up or shut up. I put up.
“I'd say my knee is better than it's ever been right now. I'm just going to play until I can't play anymore.''
Lack of ‘toughness' hinders Huskers
Nebraska's place at the bottom of the Big 12 standings is wearing on the Huskers. The school has finished alone in the cellar in conference play only once (2002-03) in the past 47 years.
“We've got a big burden on our back,'' Holley said. “We're not matching people's toughness.
“Without that, people just think we're soft so they'll come straight at us. If we don't knock someone on their butt or commit one hard foul to let them know there isn't anything soft or easy in here, then they're just going to continue to do it.''
Sadler noted that Baylor made more free throws (20 of 25) than Nebraska attempted (16, with 13 made).
“You have to get to the free-throw line,'' the coach said. “Good teams make more than the other team shoots.''
Why doesn't Nebraska get more free throws?
“We're not tough enough,'' Sadler said. “We have to be a lot tougher because we're getting it inside.''
Bits and pieces
Call it the silence of the seniors. NU's two seniors, Sek Henry and Ryan Anderson, combined in 38 minutes for zero points on 0-of-6 shooting, three rebounds and six fouls. ... NU is 2-2 in games decided by five points or fewer. ... Nebraska plays next at 3 p.m. Saturday against No. 14 Texas.
— Lee Barfknecht
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