Basketball fans around the state of Nebraska circle the Creighton-Nebraska game on the calendar each year. This meeting of two of the team’s three Division I programs (Yes, UNO is in the mix now) is a hoops rivalry that renews each season.
The Bluejays are the better program right now, but since 2004 in head to head meetings the Huskers and Jays have split home games. It was Kellen Miliner’s basket with 0.8 seconds in 2004 that gave Creighton a win at the Devaney Center, but since then home team has held serve. The Bluejays will be favored to break that streak Thursday when they travel to Lincoln.
First-year head coach Tim Miles finds himself in the same position Doc Sadler did in 2006: facing a ranked Creighton team early in the season. Sadler’s team won that night, beating at CU squad that would eventually play in the NCAA Tournament that year. Can Miles’ team post a similar win?
To give us a little more information on this year’s iteration of the Huskers, Brian Rosenthal from the Lincoln Journal Star and HuskerExtra took some time to give us some information. Here is what he had to say:
White & Blue Review: How satisfied are Nebraska fans about the hire of Tim Miles? Are things going well so far?
Brian Rosenthal: Nebraska fans are thrilled thus far with the work Miles has done, both with this year’s team, and with recruiting. He’s energetic, enthusiastic, and building confidence with everyone involved. Some were skeptical when Miles was hired, but I think they’re sold now, especially knowing that he’s had experience in rebuilding programs, most recently at Colorado State.
WBR: Nebraska is off to a great start winning some close games early and now some pretty nice victories over Wake Forest and USC. Is this team really coming together faster than expected or are expectations for this season still pretty tempered?
BR: Both. This team is exceeding expectations, but the worst of the schedule is still to come, especially in Big Ten play. What’s important, though, is seeing the confidence this team is building. Players are loose and playing without fear – part of that because of atmosphere Miles has created, and partly because they know they have nothing to lose, because expectations were so low. Also, give credit to Miles and his staff for already helping players improve from last season, most notably Brandon Ubel.
WBR: Who does Creighton need to look out for on Thursday when the play the Huskers? Any new faces people should be aware of?
BR: Ray Gallegos redshirted last year and is shooting well, but can still be streaky. Benny Parker is a freshman starting at point guard who’s probably played better than most expected at this point. Not a difference maker yet, but he’s holding his own and developing confidence.
WBR: It looks like the redshirt season for Gallegos has paid off. What has he done to improve his game during that time?
BR: He’s developed more confidence than anything. Physically, he said he worked to get bigger and stronger in the weight room. While he doesn’t look any bigger, he swears he feels stronger, and it shows when he’s not getting bumped off cuts anymore. Plus, he has an unbelievable elevation to his shot.
WBR: Gregory Echenique against Andre Almaida. Serious matchup or just two big guys?
BR: It’s not the matchup I deem as the key to this game.
WBR: How deep is Nebraska? Will they be able to keep up with the fresh legs Creighton rotates throughout the game? What will they do to defend against Doug McDermott?
BR: Nebraska is woefully thin. The Huskers have just enough at each spot to be competitive, but nothing to back it up. Freshman Shavon Shields (who’d played in only one game until Monday night because of an elbow infection) scored his first career points against USC, and became only the eighth Husker to score this season. And all but six points on the season have come from six players. As for McDermott, look for Brandon Ubel to do his best; he’s had experience facing talented big men before (Sullinger, Aldrich, the Morris twins), so this won’t be unchartered territory for him.
WBR: Do Nebraska fans consider this game a rivalry game? What would make it an even better matchup?
BR: Yes, Nebraska fans consider this a rivalry game, and those who say they don’t are lying, either to you, or to themselves. Obviously, Nebraska improving its product would make it an even better matchup. Plus, the move to the Pinnacle Bank Arena should make for a bigger atmosphere when the series resumes in Lincoln in 2014.
WBR: Do you think people took out of context coach Miles statement that Nebraska hoops is the “Only show in the state,” or do you think deep down he is really serious about that comment?
BR: Yes, that statement was blown way out of proportion. Miles has the utmost respect for Greg McDermott and the Creighton program. What he said on the sideline of a football game was a spur-of-the-moment comment with absolutely no intention of undercutting Creighton.
WBR: What is your final prediction? What will Nebraska have to do to knock off the ranked Bluejays?
BR: Creighton wins this game, I’ll say 74-63. The Jays simply have too much depth and experience. Nebraska stands a chance, though, if Gallegos continues to shoot at his current clip, and if the Huskers catch Creighton on a cold shooting night.