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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 4, 2000)
^ ; ' , _____ Mike Warren/DN STEFFON BRADFORD (loft), a 6-6 iunior forward, battles for a rebound during a game against the Baylor Bears, Bradford, a junior college transfer, is averaging 12.6 points per game for the Husfcers and is ranked sixth in the Big 12 conference with 8.7 rebounds per game. g, 5i ; ” / feel like I can get to the boards against anybody. I have been blessed with the physical ability... Steffbn Bradford NU forward . ,, By Matthew Hansen Staff writer The names Tajudeen Soyoye and Jeff Hafer, both Missouri post players, fail to strike fear in the heart of NU’s Steffon Bradford. He respects them. He says that while they are the weaker part of the Tiger lineup, they are capable players. He just isn’t scared. He said he plans to go over, around and occasionally through the Mizzou duo for multiple offensive rebounds and putbacks. Just like every other game. Bradford, at times during the season, has made the Nebraska backboard his own private property. He has refused to let opponents or teammates do so much as sniff the basketball while he adds another offensive rebound and two more points to his ever-increasing totals. By the numbers, the junior college transfer has had little trouble adjusting to Big 12 bas ketball. Bradford has produced better point and rebound totals during the conference schedule than he did in the non-conference portion. Bradford is averaging 12.8 points per game, /but has scored at a 15.1 clip in NU’s last 10 con tests. His rebounding numbers have gone up similarly. He is currently ranked sixth in the conference with 8.7 rebounds per game. These totals are largely due to his ability to get to the offensive glass. Bradford leads the Big 12 with 5.1 offensive boards per game. It’s his calling card, and he doesn’t mind admitting it. “I feel like 1 can get to the boards against anybody,” Bradford said. “I have been blessed with the physical ability to do so, and I enjoy it. A lot of basketball players can’t or won’t rebound offensively. I will.” Bradford said how many times he and low post partner Kimani Ffriend get the ball, and what they do with it, will result in either a Husker victory or defeat. He said it’s the same story every game. “That’s what we always want to do — Please see BRADFORD on 19 Christiansen takes over at heavyweight ■ After sitting a year oat, the junior wrestler comes back for shots against two top-five teams. By David Diehl Staff uniter The roller-coaster ride Coach Tim Neuman has endured for his heavyweight wrestling clas will take yet another turn this weekend. Andy Christiansen chose a prime weekend t return to the mat for the No. 7 Comhuskers whei they square off against No. 4 Oklahoma tonigh and fifth-ranked Oklahoma State on Sunday. Christiansen is coming off a long hiatus fron wrestling after competing for Nebraska his red shirt freshman year. He compiled a 7-7 record a 190-pounds. He then left the team in his sopho more year. The junior decided to come back after Neumann contacted him about the problems the team has had at heavyweight. NU’s original starter, Pat Miron, is out for die year with a knee injury, and NU hasn’t won a heavyweight match since he wait down. Christiansen then chose to test die wrestling 1 waters again. 3 “It is one ofthose things if you look back and you didn’t try it, you can’t go back and do it,” > Christiansen said. “I looked at it and thought I * should try it out t “They just said they were hurting for a heavyweight. I decided to try it out because it l _‘* t Please see CHRISTIANSEN on 19