Tonight at the Omaha Sports Academy fans will be treated to the final week of games before the teams gear up for the first round of the Metro Summer League Tournament, which kicks off next Thursday, July 18.
Teams are already showing that competitive fire and desire to win as last week saw buzzer-beating, game-winning shots from Creighton’s Austin Chatman and UNO’s C.J. Carter. For Carter, it was already his second walk-off of the regular season. It’s safe to say that if you have been putting off attending these games now is the time to check them out.
Tonight’s games will begin at 6 p.m. with the second session tipping off around 7 p.m.. The evening will conclude with a third session beginning at 8 p.m.
Here is a preview of what you can expect to see. We’ll begin with the games featuring current and former members of the Creighton Bluejays:
Tonight’s Games featuring Creighton Bluejays
6:00 p.m. (Court 1) EQ School of Hair Design (3-1) vs Narmi Group @ Baird (1-3)
Bluejays to Watch: Austin Chatman (EQ), Avery Dingman (EQ), Ethan Wragge (NGB), Darian Harris (NGB)
Last week Chatman hit a game-winning three-pointer from the top of the key as time expired to propel EQ to an 80-77 win over Chris Carder Agency. This week he and Dingman will welcome Bluejay newcomer Darian Harris to Omaha. Harris introduced himself to the Bluejay faithful last week in an 87-78 win over Zurlo’s. Harris had 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in his debut. Wragge is still recovering from offseason wrist surgery and is questionable for tonight’s match-up.
7:00 p.m. (Court 1) Judd Knispel Agency (2-2) vs Thompson Basketball Camp (2-2)
Bluejays to Watch: Jahenns Manigat (JKA), Devin Brooks (JKA), Alex Olson (JKA), Steve Ferrarini (JKA), Zach Hanson (TBC), Livan Pyfrom (TBC)
Manigat and Brooks have been one of the most productive backcourt duos so far this summer. They combined for 38 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and 8 steals in their 81-65 win over Slice on Monday. Creighton fans will also get a look at Hanson, their new big man from South Dakota.
Thompson also features scoring machine and clutch performer Carter from UNO, who already has two game-winners in his back pocket this summer. The match-up between him and Manigat is sure to draw a lot of attention.
7:00 p.m. (Court 2) Paragas Law Firm (2-2) vs Andy’s Lawn and Landscape (1-3)
Bluejays to Watch: Will Artino (PLM), Toby Hegner (PLM)
Much to the joy of Jays fans, Artino has been a force this summer despite the league’s reputation for not being very friendly to big men. Already with a pair of 30-point games under his belt, Artino is the anchor for Paragas. Newcomer Hegner has had back-to-back impressive showings and Jays fans won’t want to miss their chance to see the young man in action before the summer is over.
8:00 p.m. (Court 1) Zurlo’s (2-2) vs Bank of Nebraska (4-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Isaiah Zierden (Z), Geoff Groselle (Z), Nick Bahe (Z), Matthew Dorwart (Z), Ross Ferrarini (Z), Justin Carter (BoN)
Zierden has been an offensive force this summer. The redshirt freshman dropped 37 and 41, including a game-winning 25-footer in the first two weeks. He’s averaging 29.5 points per game through four games. This week he goes up against the undefeated defending Summer League champs in Bank of Nebraska, led by former Creighton standout Carter.
8:00 p.m. (Court 2) Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan & Gordon (3-1) vs Shanks Law Firm (1-3)
Bluejays to Watch: Grant Gibbs (WOMG), Kenny Lawson, Jr (WOMG)
W.O.M.G suffered their first defeat of the summer on Monday thanks to C.J. Carter’s heroics. They’ll look to bounce back against Shanks with the postseason tournament looming.
8:00 p.m. (Court 4) No Sweat, No Glory (0-4) vs Chris Carder Agency (1-3)
Bluejays to Watch: Antoine Young (NSNG)
Back home after his first professional season overseas, the former Creighton point guard is the featured attraction for No Sweat, No Glory.
Other Games
- 6:00 p.m. (Court 2) ABIDE (1-3) vs UNO Alumni (4-0)
- 7:00 p.m. (Court 3) Stangs (2-2) vs Slice (2-2)
- 7:00 p.m. (Court 4) Higgins Weatherguard, Inc (2-2) vs Mavs (1-3)
- 8:00 p.m. (Court 3) Cape Truck Acc. (4-0) vs Free N’ Clean (2-2)
Last Week’s Scores
- Thompson Basketball Camp def. Walentine, O’Toole, McQuillan & Gordon (91-90) (OT)
- UNO Alumni def. Shanks Law Firm (96-82)
- Andy’s Lawn & Landscape def. No Sweat, No Glory (86-76)
- Bank of Nebraska def. Free N’ Clean (80-78)
- Narmi Group @ Baird def. Zurlo’s (87-78)
- Cape Truck Acc def. Paragas Law Firm (94-64)
- EQ School of Hair Design def. Chris Carder Agency (80-77)
- Judd Knispel Agency def. Slice (81-65)
- Higgins Weatherguard, Inc def. ABIDE (101-92)
- Stangs def. Mavs (88-73)