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Facing one of his own players at the Nebraska Match Play Championship was tough enough on Husker Coach Bill Spangler during the opening round on Wednesday. Now, thanks to a string of tremendous play, Spangler will get to do it again on Friday at Arbor Links in Nebraska City.
If Spangler wants to advance to the final four later on Friday, he will have to defeat Brandon Crick. A McCook native, Crick played his first two seasons at Gonzaga, but is transferring to Nebraska this fall to play his final two collegiate seasons. The two square off at 7:38 a.m. Friday.
Crick and Spangler worked their way through two wins apiece on Thursday. Crick defeated Justin Thornbrugh 2 and 1 Thursday morning, then beat Richard Schneider 2 up, thanks to victories on the last two holes. Spangler, meanwhile, had a much less stressful day. After his 5 and 4 win over Danny Huston in the round of 32, Spangler defeated Wes Bernt 4 and 2 in the final 16. His 4 and 2 win was the most decisive of any of the eight matches played Thursday afternoon. Spangler was the 1987 Nebraska Match Play champion.
Former Husker Mike Vanier also advanced to the quarterfinals. After his first round upset over the two seed on Wednesday, the 63-seed Vanier beat Scott Tridle and Phil Hranac to advance to the quarterfinals, where he will face Lincoln's David Easley.
Husker recruit Austin Zimmerman bowed out of contention in the round of 16, losing 3 and 1 to Ben Tewes. Husker senior Mark Pillen lost to Travis Minzel 3 and 1 in the round of 16 as well.
Round of 16 <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska Match Play Championship Results ? Huskers in bold<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
(60) Bill Spangler def. (44) Wes Bernt 5 and 4
(4) Brandon Crick def. (20) Richard Schneider 2 up
(8) Ben Tewes def. (9) Austin Zimmerman 3 and 1
(6) Travis Minzel def. (11) Mark Pillen 3 and 1
(63) Mike Vanier* def. (18) Phil Hranac 2 and 1
* = Former Husker
Friday's Quarterfinal Pairings
7:30 a.m. (1) John Hurley vs. (8) Ben Tewes
7:38 a.m. (4) Brandon Crick vs. (60) Bill Spangler
7:46 a.m. (7) David Easley vs. (63) Mike Vanier
7:54 a.m. (6) Travis Minzel vs. (14) Josh Reinertson