Jay-R Strowbridge remembers a lot from the first time he played against Missouri.
The Nebraska freshman guard didn't start the game and had only been among the Cornhuskers' first five a few times during the season.
But Strowbridge came off the bench to hit all three of his 3-point attempts and finished with nine points, his best output in a Big 12 Conference game.
The Huskers (15-11, 4-8 Big 12) won 66-61 that Saturday nearly three weeks ago and broke an 11-game losing streak on the Tigers' home floor in the process. Nebraska plays Missouri again on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
"I'm not sure teams really count on my points," Strowbridge said. "But the points I get is pretty much a bonus to help us out."
Since that game, the Ardmore, Alaska, native has started three of NU's last five contests, including Wednesday night's 63-59 loss at Baylor.
NU Coach Doc Sadler noted Strowbridge had seen about 10 to 20 minutes of playing time per game earlier in the season, but said his improved play and intense defensive mindset have helped him earn more time on the court.
"Baylor had a smaller guard lineup that was very quick offensively," Sadler said. "I think Jay-R's probably our best off-the-ball defender, so I went with him starting the game (Wednesday)."
Another major reason for Strowbridge's increased role has been the suspension of sophomore guard Jamel White. On Feb. 11, Sadler announced White had been suspended for the remainder of the year for violation of team rules.
With Strowbridge seeing more playing time, along with fellow freshman guard Sek Henry, Sadler said it opened the door for other Huskers to see action, most notably redshirt freshman guard Mike Smith.
"There's just so many guys you can play," Sadler said. "When we had Jamel, (Smith) was playing behind him. Now he's not playing behind so he's going to get an opportunity to play more."
Smith has taken advantage of his chance, seeing playing time in each of Nebraska's last four contests. He's scored at least three points in all of them except against Baylor, when he collected two points after he was fouled attempting a 3-pointer late in the game.
Smith said he realizes he will have limited opportunities the rest of the season and needs to be more focused and less tense at both ends of the court.
Smith said that means doing what he can, whether it's scoring or boxing out or diving for a loose ball.
Lately, the Bronx, N.Y., native has been playing more at the end of both first and second halves for his on-the-ball defensive efforts.
"Defensively, if coach needs a stop, he'll put me in there," Smith said. "He knows when to put me in there. He knows I have this toughness, that I'll be ready to go no matter what time it is."
Sadler said it would be important for both Smith and Strowbridge to embrace their new roles for the Huskers to have success in the final four games of the regular season.
The Tigers (17-9, 6-7 Big 12) come to Lincoln having won four of their last five games since falling to Nebraska in Columbia, Mo.
Strowbridge is starting to believe he can be a player to help NU finish the season strong.
"The speed of the game, when I first came in, everything was real quick to me, but I've been learning on the fly," Strowbridge said. "I've been preparing myself to always stay ready when my time comes, and I believe my time is now."
With only nine scholarship players and walk-on guard Paul Velander at Sadler's disposal, the coach has had little choice but to use the freshmen.
So far, he's been happy with the results.
"Jay-R and Mike both are defensive-minded guys and that's what we need," Sadler said. "They put defense first. But at the same time, we're having trouble scoring, so we need all the help we can get."
