Huskers Roll Past Creighton from the Jump to Move to 9-0

Nearly Perfect Start: Huskers Roll Past Creighton

The Nebraska basketball team demonstrated a near-perfect start to their season with an emphatic 71-50 victory over Creighton at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday. The game was nothing short of dominating from the opening tip, as the Huskers showcased impressive defensive prowess that left their I-80 rivals struggling to find their rhythm.

Nebraska’s Defensive Showdown

The Husker defense was the star of the show early in the contest. By the time the first media timeout had arrived, Creighton could only muster two points. This defensive prowess continued as the score remained 2-0 after the second media timeout just eight minutes into the game.

Nebraska’s relentless pressure and communication allowed them to outscore their opponents 13-0 over a four-minute stretch, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

Coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized that this defense was crucial in the game plan, stating, “The key to me for this game is the game plan that was put together our guys followed it flawlessly for 40 minutes.” The Huskers’ defensive effort was so effective that Nebraska shot just 37% from the field in the first half and kept Creighton to a paltry 19% shooting. This dominant defense not only allowed Nebraska to take an early lead but also created opportunities for their offense to shine.

Offensive Surge and Student Section Celebrations

While Nebraska’s defensive efforts were commendable, the offensive performance was equally impressive. Rienk Mast led the scoring with 20 points, while Sam Hoiberg contributed 15 and Pryce Sandfort added 13. The Huskers’ efficiency on offense allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game, even as they shot 50% in the second half.

As Nebraska took control of the game, the student section erupted with chants and cheers, particularly during the latter stages when the score became more lopsided. “Who’s your daddy?” chants echoed through Pinnacle Bank Arena, reflecting the pride of the student body behind their team. The 21-point margin was the largest in Nebraska-Creighton history since 1994, adding to the significance of this victory.

Alice in Defense Wonderland: Fred Hoiberg on the Game Plan

“We always talk about holding them to seven points every media (timeout),” Sam Hoiberg noted. “And the first two medias they had two and zero. So, yeah, we were very locked in on defense. And that gives you time if you’re not hitting shots early to get it going.” The coach’s strategic approach paid off as Nebraska never trailed or even sniffed danger after their initial spurt.

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott acknowledged the Huskers’ dominance, saying, “They were the tougher team,” and “they were the more connected team. I thought the start of the game was going to be critical and I was right.” The Bluejays struggled to keep pace with Nebraska’s intensity and efficiency, ultimately falling short in their bid for a competitive match.

Looking Ahead: Big Ten Opener

Nebraska’s 9-0 start is the school’s third time achieving this feat, with the last coming in 1978. With only three days until their first Big Ten game against Wisconsin at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Fred Hoiberg and his team are focused on maintaining their momentum. “We can’t go out unfortunately and celebrate it. I wish we had a week.

Hell, I’d take them all out with me and buy them Pellegrinos,” the coach lamented, highlighting the urgency of preparation for the upcoming games.

The Huskers’ next challenge will be even more formidable as they face Wisconsin in their Big Ten debut. However, the team’s recent performance against Creighton suggests that they are well-prepared to take on any opponent that comes their way. As Nebraska continues its impressive start to the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team fares in their upcoming matches.