When the Creighton men’s basketball team opened the Missouri Valley Conference season against Missouri State, they probably weren’t completely sure what to expect. The Bears were coming off of some recent losses and they were still adjusting to a new coaching staff and filling in holes left by a veteran group of players. There was also some buzz on how Doug McDermott and Kyle Weems would match up against each other.
The Bears were able to shut down McDermott for the most part and Weems was on fire in the second half, scoring a career-high 31 points to go with teammate Anthony Downing’s 26 points. Missouri State left Omaha with a 77-65 victory.
This series shifts to Springfield, where Wednesday night Creighton and Missouri State meet again. We received some great insight on this team from beat writer Lyndal Scranton ahead of the first meeting. This time we take a different look through the eyes of Missouri State fan Chase Wilson. Wilson is a Missouri State season ticket holder and dabbles in message board banter from time to time. You can also follow his musings on Twitter @agrinut. Here is his analysis.
White & Blue Review: Missouri State is coming off of two close losses to Northern Iowa and Evansville. What were the things that kept them from winning those games?
Chase Wilson: When a team loses a close game, it’s easy to look back and find one play that stood out as the determining factor. At the Northern Iowa game, the Bears could legitimately argue a case against the poor officiating, but blame can’t be solely placed there. Missouri State had two possessions late in the second half that ultimately led to their loss; a missed front end of a one-and-one and a charge late in the shot clock. Unfortunately both mistakes fall at the feet of Kyle Weems.
The Evansville game differed from the UNI game because MSU decided to change their offense. Most of the season, the Bears have worked a steady inside game, establishing themselves as real threats within the paint. However, in the last three minutes of the Evansville game something changed: the Bears settled for 30-foot jumpers instead of lay-ups. Combine that with a couple bad bounces and two clutch shots from Denver Holmes, the Bears came up short.
WBR: From what you have seen so far this season, how well has this team adjusted to having a new coach and filling in the holes left from last season’s regular season championship? Is the fan base pretty happy with Paul Lusk as their coach?
CW: It is always difficult to know what to expect with new faces and a new system. As a whole, I think the new staff has done a great job at getting accustomed to coaching in a major conference. Coach Lusk and his staff have altered the offensive scheme that was in place and pulled in the defense, making it more effective by limiting easy baskets. The Bears team was positively impacted by the acquisitions Coach Lusk made last spring, signing Bizoukas, Downing, and Gulley who have each played large roles in the Bears success this year. The fans have embraced Coach Lusk and are happy with the administration’s hire.
WBR: In the first matchup of the season, it took Kyle Weems until the second half to get going against Creighton and he just exploded. What did he do differently in that second half that everything clicked for him? Is he having as good of a season as last year?
CW: Sometimes fans don’t see the other aspects of Kyle’s game. He is a great defender, both inside and on the perimeter. On the offensive side of the ball, he demands his opponents’ attention, even when he isn’t scoring, opening the floor for his teammates. In the second half of the game, there were two crucial changes. First, Weems showed why he is the reigning player of the year with a tough-to-match offensive display. Secondly, Weems exposed McDermott’s lack of athleticism and speed.
Weems would be the first to tell you he measures his success in wins and losses. With that said, this team is a little bit behind the pace of last year’s team; however the goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament is still attainable.
WBR: What weaknesses does Missouri State have that Creighton might be able to exploit on Wednesday night?
CW: Missouri State is really strong defensively inside of 18 feet but they will give up a lot of open looks outside. If you look at their losses in conference, you will see the teams that have beaten them have done so by shooting well from outside.
WBR: What is the status of Caleb Patterson and how important is he to the Bears having success?
CW: Caleb Patterson has played well since returning with a concussion. Although he’s not starting, he still plays the majority of the post minutes. Patterson is vital to the Bear’s success because of his ability to shoot from outside, stretching the defense.
WBR: For those making their first trip to Springfield, where should fans go before the game to get a great game day experience?
CW: I would recommend Boomers for a great place to go for some food and drinks before or after the game. This is where the local fans meet up to get pumped up and show off Bear nation spirit.
WBR: What is the environment like at JQH arena? Do they get good crowds for the most part?
CW: I have been fortunate to visit most of the Valley schools, and I would rank The Q up there with WSU and CU. I believe the best aspects of JQH Arena include the student turnout, the state-of-the-art facility, and of course it is the home of the Bears.
WBR: What is your final prediction? What will Missouri State have to do to keep Creighton from returning the favor from the first game in Omaha and getting a win in Springfield?
CW: I think the Bears right the ship and protect home. The Bears pose some big matchup problems for the Bluejays and have had their numbers of late. Combine that with Coach McDermott’s struggles against the Bears and I think the Bears end up on top; although if Creighton can make shots outside it could be a long night for the Bears.