The reserve forward proceeded to play a big factor in controlling the next 14 minutes of the game, recording 8 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks before checking out with a 7 point lead and three minutes to play, letting the starters finish business.
It was not a pretty game; Nebraska should have dominated in all facets, but cold shooting and an inability to take care of the ball made the game difficult. Cue the entry of 6'8," 265 pound former walk-on Tanner Borchardt. His performance was not explosive; Nebraska never was able to pull away, but Borchardt played his role as intelligently as you can ask for, avoiding cheap fouls and disrupting Stetson just enough to pull out a win without veterans Duby Okeke or Jordy Tshimanga on the floor.
Coaches love players like this. With your stars struggling (Nebraska shot just 24% in the first half), you can bring in a player at the end of the bench and trust them with the game in their hands. The Husker squad rightfully mobbed Borchardt after the game.
As a coach, a bench that can get you a lead is a gift from the gods. I have had games where I couldn't put my starters back in because my backups were doing so well. It's a wonderful predicament to have. Nebraska's starters should have done more, done better, but on a cold night, the job was done, and you can credit the Husker bench for the victory.
