Creighton Men’s Basketball Aims to Solve Practice Issues Before Nicholls Game
Creighton Men’s Basketball is in a crucial phase as they address practice issues before their upcoming game against Nicholls. During the recent Players Era Men’s Championship in Las Vegas, the Bluejays faced challenges, finishing the tournament with a 1-2 record.
Evaluating Recent Performance
The Creighton Bluejays, now 4-3, played three games in the tournament. They lost to Baylor and No. 10 Iowa State but secured a win against Oregon.
- Game Results:
- Lost to Baylor
- Defeated by Iowa State
- Victory over Oregon
Head Coach Greg McDermott expressed his pride in the team’s effort against Baylor despite the loss. He noted their ability to fight back but recognized the need for better execution at critical moments.
Identifying Key Issues
A significant concern for Creighton has been defensive rebounding. Opponents are claiming 36% of missed shots, placing the Bluejays at 306th nationally. In Vegas, they conceded 51 offensive rebounds, which led to 61 second-chance points.
McDermott commented on the difficulties in the paint, stating that a lack of physicality, technique, and determination has hampered their rebounding effectiveness.
Lineup Changes Due to Injury
The team faced another setback with the news that sophomore forward Jackson McAndrew requires season-ending surgery on his foot. This injury has prompted McDermott to make lineup adjustments, exploring new combinations for their starting positions.
- Jasen Green has been shifted to starting power forward.
- Isaac Traudt and Hudson have also been trialed in different roles.
Despite some positive performances, including double-digit scoring from Green and Traudt, consistency remains a challenge.
Focusing on Future Games
As the Bluejays prepare for their next game against Nicholls, they are prioritizing internal improvements. McDermott emphasized that addressing their own practice issues is more important than scouting the opposition.
Nicholls is currently winless but is recognized for their athleticism and competitive play. Creighton must be alert, as Nicholls features several scoring threats.
- Key Players for Nicholls:
- Trae English: 13.5 points per game
- Jaylen Searles: 13.4 points per game, top shooter at 41.9% from three
- Jalik Dunkley: 12.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game
- Sincere Malone: 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists per game
Upcoming Game Details
Creighton will host Nicholls at the CHI Health Center Omaha with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game on TruTV, featuring commentary from J.B. Long, Steve Smith, and Nabil Karim.
The team is determined to resolve their practice issues and enhance consistency as they look forward to this matchup.
