Creighton Preview

Date: December 9th

Time: 1:30 pm

Mascot: Blue Jay or Bluejay....depending on your belief in the system

Coach: Greg McDermott

2016-17 Record: 25-10 (10-8 Big East)

2017-18 Record: 6-2 (0-0 Big East)

Previous Season

Last season saw some highs and lows for Creighton. They started the season off strong going 13-0 and climbing as high as #10 in the rankings before they were taken down by Big East power and #1 team Villanova. The ten point loss was minor in comparison to what was to happen in January to the streaking team. Senior leader and all star Maurice Watson Jr. had to leave the team due to a legal matter that was not resolved until after the season.

After his dismissal the team took a hit and went through a pretty rough streak of wins and losses. After 6 losses they finally dropped out of the top 25. However, they did end up the season tied with Seaton Hall for the #4 spot in the conference. At that point the Bluejays had regrouped enough to make it to the Big East tournament finals where they lost to Villanova.

They made the NCAA tournament as a #6 seed where they lost to #11 Rhode island in the first round and thus ending their season.

This Season

Creighton has had a fairly good season up until now. They started out 4-0 until they met #22 Baylor the CBE Hall of Fame Classic where they lost 59 to 65. They later made it into the Top 25 for a week before being taken out by #15 Gonzaga 71 to 94.

They are high scoring and fast on offense. They have put up triple digit points against Alcon State, UCLA, SIU-Edwardsville, and again against North Dakota this past Tuesday night. Nebraska will have to push and push hard on defense early on in the game. If Creighton gets to allow the tempo and has hot hands shooting then it could very easily be a bad night for the big red. If Nebraska plays the way they did against Minnesota earlier this week then Creighton could be in trouble.

Creighton’s main weakness is on defense where almost every team they have played has scored at least 70 points. While they have improved as the season has gone on, it still is a weak spot that the Huskers can take advantage of. It will just take a strong game plan and the ability for our top guys to get to the basket early and often.

They are lead by Marcus Foster at guard. The senior is averaging 19 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 2.3 apg. Marcus is also shooting 48% from the floor and 40% from the three point line. If Nebraska wants to stay in this game they will need to keep his shooting down below 40% on the night. If he gets much over then it could be a long one for the Huskers.

Khyri Thomas is next to Marcus in production. The home town boy is averaging 16.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 2.3 apg. His 53% shooting tells you that he has hurt opposing teams and will be more than happy to get on fire against the Huskers.

The forward to look out for would e Martin Krampelj. He is 6’9” and 220 lbs that will give Jordy problems if not kept in check.

Prediction

Nebraska had an incredible game against #14 Minnesota on Tuesday. They came out strong, fast, and never let up. Creighton is another team that they will have to do the same with. If one wants to win this game, come out and punch Creighton in the mouth early before they have a chance to gain the lead. Do this and maybe, just maybe, Miles will get his first win over McDermott.

However, I’m not so sure this is the case. I do believe that this is the best Nebraska team to go up against Creighton under Miles tenure. With that said, it is in Omaha and the psychological advantage the Bluejays have had I think will be the deciding factor.

Creighton University 87 University of Nebraska 79