Notebook
Injury update
Kansas University freshman C.J. Giles (bruised right foot) not only did not play in the game, but used crutches Saturday, making observers wonder if Giles had re-aggravated the deep bone bruise that had sidelined him five games.
“It’s not any worse,” KU coach Bill Self said. “It’s precautionary. We said, ‘If you’re not playing, wear both a boot and use crutches.'”
Self said Giles tried, but could not practice this past week. He remains questionable for Wednesday’s game at Kansas State. Alex Galindo (groin), who did not make the trip to Lincoln, also is questionable for that game.
Another tweak
Christian Moody re-sprained his left ankle late.
“He hurts it every day,” Self said of Moody, who has had ankle woes since the game Jan. 9 at Kentucky.
Niang scores two
Moulaye Niang hit a 10-foot jumper with 6:02 left in the first half, giving KU a 28-24 lead.
6Sports video: Jayhawks make up for last year’s loss
Hear Bill: Nebraska postgame comments
Photo Gallery: KU vs. Nebraska
Get the stats: KU vs. Nebraska box score
Scorecard: Grade KU’s performance against Nebraska
Sign up for cell phone updates
Sign up for e-mail updates“It’s my favorite shot,” Niang said of the short jumper.
Self has turned to Niang with Giles ailing and Darnell Jackson not a factor in recent weeks.
“It’s not Darnell has done anything bad,” Self said of the freshman backup big man. “It’s reached a point in time to go with guys who know what you are trying to do in crunch situations, and that’s the sole reason. Darnell will be a good player. Mou is a better post defender and understands what we’re trying to do more.”
No splint
Wayne Simien played without a splint on his left thumb. He had the surgically repaired thumb taped, however.
“It feels good,” Simien said. “I’m able to hold onto the ball a lot more. I feel I got a few extra rebounds because I was able to hold onto the ball.”
Tennis shoes, not Guccis
Self and NU coach Barry Collier wore tennis shoes as part of a nationwide “Coaches V. Cancer Awareness Day.”
“I thought they went well with the outfit,” Self joked.
Hard hit
NU’s Jake Muhleisen ran into KU’s Sasha Kaun near midcourt with 15 minutes left.
Muhleisen, who ran into Kaun’s shoulder, headed to the locker room for a few moments before returning. The refs checked the tape to see if Kaun did anything intentional to harm Muhleisen.
He didn’t.
“There was a collision,” Collier said. “It looked like he was going upcourt (and didn’t see Kaun). It appeared to be intentional, but I think it was not, now that the officials reviewed it.”
This, that
Former NU great Dave Hoppen was honored at halftime and given an honorary chair to use at games. … KU’s Moody and J.R. Giddens both went for an alley-oop lob from Aaron Miles at the same time, the ball careening out of bounds. … Miles missed his first three-point try, snapping a streak of eight straight threes made. … Michael Lee’s eight points were the most he has scored since 10 against Texas A&M on Jan. 5. He also had a perfect pass to Moody for a slam dunk.