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Heading to first: In short, Nebraska needs to win a couple games to stay in contention for the NCAA Tournament. A Nebraska sweep could put the Huskers in the chase for the conference regular-season title. If Indiana sweeps, NU is still in the conference tourney. Indiana has already qualified for the conference tournament May 25-29 in Omaha and has won eight of its last 11 games. There are 10 conference teams in top 100 RPI, the most ever.

Stretch to second: Nebraska has won eight of its last nine, including series wins against Michigan State and Penn State, and a nonconference series with Creighton. Indiana fell at No. 2 Louisville on Tuesday, but has won six consecutive conference series, including against leader Minnesota, Michigan State and Illinois.

Rounding third: Indiana pitching staff has fewest walks allowed, is second in team ERA, and second in fewest runs allowed in Big Ten games. The Thursday night starter, lefty Kyle Hart (10-2), lost a 2-1, 11-inning battle with Big Ten's best Cory Sedlock of Illinois last week. “He is the real deal and he can stop anybody,” said NU coach Darin Erstad.