Our thoughts after Kansas push a gigantic dent in Nebraska's NCAA Tourney hopes Saturday.

Bottom Line: Kansas has two players Nebraska doesn't: Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins. NU head coach Doc Sadler won't give his team an inch on this issue, as he shouldn't but we will. Collins made one great shot after another (including a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired to give KU a 13-point lead in the second half.) Aldrich was a force on both ends of the floor. This was one of those days when guys like Bear Jones and Brian Diaz might have made a big difference. Ah well. Next year.

Stud: Collins. One of his better games of the year, considering Nebraska's tough defense. Collins created a few shots on his own, wisely knew when to take pull jumpers on other possessions, and generally ran the floor like the professional he'll be next year.

Unsung: KU guard Brady Morningstar. Little things, little things, little things. Morningstar pushes the ball upcourt. He runs the floor on defense. He'll tangle with the trees for a rebound. A player who'd fit on Doc Sadler's team.

Stat of the game: When it came to rebounds, the Jayhawks must have put their reservation in a few hours before NU, beating them 46-24. Somewhere, Bill Russell feels pity for the smallish Huskers.

Clever Coaching Move: Sadler tried to use his defensive tricks - the trap, doubling the post - wisely. And, especially in the first half, he largely succeeded. In the second half, Nebraska lost track of Collins and Aldrich a little too often.

Up next: What amounts to an NCAA Tournament elimination game vs. Texas A&M. Neither the Aggies or Huskers can afford to lose it. NU will then have another such contest Saturday at Kansas State.

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Our collected thoughts after NU's 70-47 loss at Missouri...

Bottom line: Nebraska spilled red ink all over its NCAA Tourney resume. It was the wrong time to be sloppy against the wrong team in Missouri. If the Tigers had been able to throw it in the ocean in the first ten minutes of the game, the outcome might have been a lot worse. NU couldn't figure out Mizzou's press, and sure as heck couldn't slow down Mizzou with its own press.

Stud: DeMarre Carroll His stat line - 13 points, three rebounds - doesn't look that great, but he played the middle of the Tigers' press perfectly. He consistently forced Husker guards toward the sidelines where most Tigers awaited. He made Nebraska think too much on passes and shots.

Unsung: Ade Dagunduro. Another war in the paint for the senior. He's quickly becoming one of the hardest-working players in NU history. Maybe the hardest-working player.

Key Stat: 20 turnovers by Nebraska. That's the story of the game, right there. NU plays great defense in part because its offense bleeds clock so well. Not on Saturday.

Clever coaching move: Mizzou's Mike Anderson used his reserves deftly throughout the game. Nine players had at least 15 minutes, and bench guys like Keith Ramsey and Matt Lawrence played a key role in the victory.

Next up: Wednesday, in Lincoln, vs. Colorado. CU used to be a pushover, about three weeks ago. After taking Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas all to the wire in recent weeks, know this: The Buffaloes don't quit, even if they don't win.

Second guess: It's a minor quibble, really, but once Nebraska trailed by 16 or so with ten minutes left in the game, might that have been the time for Sadler to pack up the full-court press and try a slower comeback? Nebraska dug itself a very deep hole, and margin of loss will stick out to the NCAA/NIT like a sore thumb come March.

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