LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska basketball coach Joe Cipriano's year-long battle with cancer has ended, just three days before the opening of his 18th season with the Cornhuskers.

Cipriano, dean of the Big Eight Conference coaches, died early Tuesday at the age of 49.


He endured only four losing seasons in posting a 254-196 record at Nebraska -- 168 more victories than any previous NU basketball coach.

He directed the Cornhuskers to three NIT berths and was twice named Big Eight Coach of the Year. Although he never captured a conference title or earned a trip to an NCAA tournament, he molded Nebraska into a nationally respected basketball team.

'He brought winning basketball to the state of Nebraska and the university,' assistant coach Moe Iba said.

Two weeks before the opening of the 1979-80 season, Cipriano underwent exploratory surgery for the removal of a cyst from his pancreas. Cancer was diagnosed and he was told he had about three months to live.

In and out of hospitals for a year, Cipriano entered Bryan Memorial Hospital last Wednesday and died about 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Iba took over head coaching duties last winter while Cipriano underwent chemotherapy treatments, but Cipriano was on the bench for most Husker games.

Cipriano and Iba shared Big Eight Coach of the Year honors last season after the Huskers posted an 18-13 record, tied for second place in the conference and were invited to the NIT.

'I didn't have a lot to do with it,' Cipriano said then. 'Moe and the assistants handled it and did an outstanding job.'

Reluctant to talk about the cancer, Cipriano said, 'I don't know where I'm at, or how much time I've got. I want to wait awhile and see (before talking about it).'

Cipriano's 20-year collegiate coaching career included three seasons at the University of Idaho before coming to Nebraska in 1963.

A native of Sumas, Wash., he was born Oct. 27, 1931. He starred three years on the Washington basketball team, then coached by Tippy Dye. Later appointed Nebraska athletic director, Dye recruited Cipriano as Cornhusker coach.

Cipriano's tenure at Nebraska was marked by considerable controversy. He provoked the ire of some fans who thought he was too conservative in his approach to the game. Others faulted him for not being able to recruit the 'giants' most traditionally successful teams sign.

He seldom lost his temper, but was adept at verbally swiping referees, and was also known as the Big Eight's court jester.

'He's one of the guys who made life worthwhile,' Missouri basketball coach Norm Stewart said.

Cipriano once fired a starter's gun to get the attention of one of the officials, and in another game, turned cheerleader after becoming frustrated with the lack of support his team was receiving.

'The university has lost a great person and I lost a wonderful friend,' Nebraska Athletic Director Bob Devaney said. 'The courage that Joe Cipriano has shown this past year should be an example and inspiration to Nebraska athletes for years to come.'

Services were scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, followed by a private burial at Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials can be sent to the University of Washington Foundation, the University of Nebraska Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Cipriano coached three years at the University of Idaho.While at the North Idaho school, his record was 10-16 in 1961, 13-13 in 1962 and 20-6 in 1963.

He left the Idaho school to become coach at the University of Nebraska.