Unbeaten Huskers Prepare for Marquee Matchup with No. 15 Creighton

The Nebraska men’s basketball team, boasting an undefeated record, is gearing up for a significant challenge as they host No. 15 Creighton at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday. This high-stakes game, set for a 3 p.m. tipoff, is expected to draw a sellout crowd, igniting an electrifying atmosphere.

The Huskers (7-0) are riding high following their 85-72 victory over Cal State Fullerton on November 26. Rienk Mast led the charge in that game, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Nebraska’s impressive start to the season marks its best since the 1992-93 campaign, and a win against Creighton could earmark this season as the best start since 1977-78.

Rienk Mast has emerged as a pivotal player for Nebraska, averaging 14.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor, evident in his 3-of-3 performance from beyond the arc against Cal State Fullerton, adds a dynamic layer to the Huskers’ offense.

The team’s offensive prowess has been a highlight this season, ranking fourth in the Big Ten with an average of 81.6 points per game. The return of Juwan Gary on November 15 has bolstered the Huskers’ scoring, now averaging 85.5 points per game since his comeback.

Creighton (6-1), coming off a 79-65 win against Oklahoma State, poses a formidable challenge. Baylor Scheierman’s 21 points and eight rebounds were crucial in their recent victory, showcasing the depth and talent of the Bluejay roster.

Key Numbers to Watch:

• Nebraska’s scoring average of 81.6 points per game.
• 9.6 three-pointers per game by Nebraska, leading the Big Ten.
• The Huskers’ impressive 1.71 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking them second in the Big Ten and top 20 nationally.

Noteworthy Aspects:

• Nebraska’s defense has been among the Big Ten’s best in various categories, including points allowed per game and field goal percentage defense.
• The Huskers’ free-throw shooting has been exceptional in recent games, shooting 92.2% over the last two matches.
• A focus on reducing turnovers has paid dividends, with NU averaging just 9.9 turnovers per game this season.

Looking at Creighton:

Creighton boasts a potent offense, averaging 83.3 points per game, and excels from the 3-point line. Veterans like Ryan Kalkbrenner, Trey Alexander, and Baylor Scheierman lead the team, each averaging over 15.0 points per game.

Series History:

The Huskers and Bluejays have a long-standing rivalry, with Creighton holding a 29-27 series lead. Nebraska seeks back-to-back wins in the series, a feat not achieved since the 1990s.

Last Meeting Recap:

Nebraska triumphed over Creighton last year, with Derrick Walker and Sam Griesel combining for 40 points and 20 rebounds in a significant upset over the then No. 7 ranked Bluejays.

What’s Next:

Following the Creighton showdown, the Huskers will continue their campaign, leveraging their newfound depth and talent. The matchup with Creighton is not just a test of skill but also an opportunity for Nebraska to make a statement on the national stage.

Stay tuned to HuskersToday.com for comprehensive coverage and analysis of Husker basketball.