Maric closing in on milestones

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By BRIAN ROSENTHAL / Lincoln Journal Star

It’s one more home game for Aleks Maric.

It could also be more memorable than his emotional Senior Day sendoff March 9.

Maric, the only senior on the Nebraska men’s basketball team, will likely reach two milestones Wednesday, when the Huskers host Charlotte in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. Tip-off is 8 p.m. at the Devaney Sports Center.

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Nebraska senior Aleks Maric (left) is closing in on 1,000 career rebounds. (AP file)

Nebraska senior Aleks Maric (left) is closing in on 1,000 career rebounds. (AP file)

Maric needs seven points to surpass Jaron Boone for fifth place on Nebraska’s career scoring chart. Boone scored 1,609 points from 1993-96.

With five rebounds, Maric will become only the second player in Nebraska history with 1,000 career rebounds. Venson Hamilton is the record holder with 1,080.

“Man, I’m part of another Big Al show,” Nebraska freshman Cookie Miller said, smiling. “That’s a good thing. That’s a plus.”

Said Maric of playing at least one more time at home: “I’m

going to enjoy it. Any time could be my last time here.”

Nebraska, 19-12 overall, is 16-3 at home. A victory Wednesday would tie the school record for most wins at the Devaney Center; the 1982-83 team was 17-1.

A victory would also give Nebraska its first 20-win season since 1998-99. The Huskers also entered the NIT with 19 victories two seasons ago but lost their first-round game at Hofstra.

“It’s going to be different this time around,” Maric said, referring to the different coaching staff and different roster. Maric is the only current Husker who played in Nebraska’s last postseason game.

“I don’t know what to expect, to be honest,” he said. “Obviously, being at home is a great advantage.”

As of 5 p.m. Monday, Nebraska had sold 6,800 tickets for Wednesday’s game, including 3,500 that were pre-ordered by season ticket holders.

Sections A and B are sold out. Section C chairbacks ($10) and upper benches ($5) are available.

The will-call area at the Devaney Center will open at 6 p.m. Wednesday — two hours before tip-off. That’s 30 minutes earlier than normal to allow for ticket pickup. Fans can also pick up tickets at the Nebraska ticket office during business hours today and Wednesday.

Reach Brian Rosenthal at 473-7436 or brosenthal@journalstar.com.