Creighton returns to the Qwest Center looking for a way to win what promises to be a close conference game. The Bluejays have lost four of their past five games, and two of the last three at the Phone Booth.
On Saturday, the Bluejays host Indiana State. They Sycamores beat CU a few weeks ago in Terre Haute on a last-second shot. Since that time, the Sycamores have had their own ups and downs getting another last second victory against Missouri State before losing in triple overtime at Wichita State. Wednesday night the Indiana State ended up getting swept by Evansville as the Purple Aces had their own come from behind victory.
With that being said, you know the Sycamores will be looking to get back on the winning track when they come to Omaha on Saturday amongst the sea of pink for a “Pink Out” We talked to Terre Haute Tribstar’s Todd Golden who follows Indiana State to get ready for Saturday afternoon’s game.
White & Blue Review: What were the initial reactions when Kevin McKenna decided to leave to be an assistant again with Dana Altman in Oregon?
Todd Golden: There was surprise about the timing of the move at first. Once Greg Lansing, who was/is popular in Terre Haute, was announced as the successor most of whatever surprise there was died down and everyone moved on.
WBR: People want to give McKenna a lot of credit for not leaving the cupboard bare based on the success Indiana State has had as the season has worn on. But in actuality, how many of those players were brought to Terre Haute by now head coach Greg Lansing and what has he done to bring this team together so quickly?
TG: Several of the current players were recruited by Lansing, but it’s easy to over-analyze that. Players may like an assistant coach that recruits them, but they ultimately commit to a head coach, or they should. McKenna deserves credit for building a roster Lansing could be successful with. McKenna really deserves credit for kick-starting the culture of redshirting at ISU, something many believed ISU wasn’t in a position to do in the past. I think redshirting several players to build depth is McKenna’s greatest legacy to the ISU program.
WBR: In the last meeting between these two teams, Carl Richard had the amazing put back at the end of the game to give the Sycamores the win. Then Jake Kelly was the hero against Missouri State. How confident is this team right now?
TG: After the 66-63 loss to Evansville on Wednesday, it would say any high ISU felt in its rise to first place has subsided. The team is confident, but it knows it has a lot of work to do to stay in the MVC hunt.
WBR: What weaknesses can Creighton take advantage of that they may not have exploited in last meeting?
TG: I didn’t think Creighton played poorly when they came to Terre Haute. The primary problem Creighton had was avoiding turnovers, especially in the paint. If Creighton can do that, they will be fine.
WBR: Who has been the player that has been the biggest surprise this conference season?
TG: Not to be a homer, but I don’t think anyone projected that Indiana State point guard Jake Odum would be such a vital cog to ISU’s success. He’s mature beyond his years and runs the motion offense very well.
WBR: Aaron Carter has seemed to have some big games against Creighton. What strengths does he bring to the court?
TG: Carter does a good job getting himself into position for 3-pointers and he has no fear. He will not hesitate to take a three with a defender in his face … one reason why he’s been fouled 14 times in the act of shooting a 3-pointer and why he has a Division I-high eight career 4-point plays. He also can drive to the basket and has greatly improved his defense this season.
WBR: Can you give us an update on the injury front? I know that Jake Kelly and Dwayne Latham have had some injuries to deal with?
TG: Other than typical bangs and bruises, everyone is healthy enough to play. Kelly is still playing limited minutes in games, but he played 27 at Wichita State, so he’s able to be a factor.
WBR: At this point where do you see both Creighton and Indiana State ending up in the conference race?
TG: Both will be in the middle of the pack. Creighton has already dug itself a hole with a 5-5 record. Even though its schedule lightens in the second half, they have too many teams to leap-frog to truly be a contender. ISU is the other way around, they have a very difficult schedule ahead, but have build a record to give itself some cushion.
WBR: Saturday’s game is a Pink Out. Will you be wearing pink on press row?
TG: To sort of paraphrase the old store clerk from Raising Arizona, “if maroon is pink, then I’m wearing pink.” I love pink, but I don’t think I own a single scrap of pink clothing.
WBR: What is your final prediction? What does Indiana State need to do to keep their momentum going?
TG: Creighton is going to be tough to beat at home, especially considering it’s in must-win mode at 5-5. ISU needs to regain momentum and that won’t be easy. I think the Bluejays win, but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t close. ISU proved they can compete on the road in its triple overtime loss at Wichita State. The Sycamores won’t likely be fazed by the big crowd at Qwest.