There are games you get pumped up for and there are games where you could care less. You get excited for the tip and you are ready to see some basketball; some hardnosed basketball with energy from the team, energy from the crowd and you just kind of feel it. For the first time in a really long time, last night’s game was one of those that I really didn’t care if the Bluejays lost that game. And it appears everyone else did as well. I did have a lot of things on my mind last night that was not Creighton Basketball, but usually I can look past that and yell and cheer and get into the game. Not Tuesday night.
The crowd was still trying to get to their seats at tipoff, the scoreboard appeared to have more ads than usual and the student section was….well….there was a student section right? It was apparent to me that people have already stopped caring about Creighton Basketball. The 100 or so students that were there had some energy, but I think my section threw more newspaper up at the starting lineups than they did. I talked to a few friends during and after the game and they all said it was the most boring game they have ever seen. My cohorts that sit next to me that never leave early actually left before it was over. It was just a bizzaro night.
The Bluejays and Sycamores started the first 13 minutes really struggling to find the hoop. At the 7 minute mark the score was 17-6 and it was just a dreadful start to the game. If the Jays hit a few shots at the beginning they easily knock the game out of reach early. But starting off something like 1-of-11 from three and 5-of-19 for the first half, it was probably lucky for them that Indiana State only had eight players and their three top scorers were injured.
Fortunately the Bluejays started off the second half with a little more fire and were able to get a comfortable lead before sort of playing a little too relaxed for the last few minutes allowing Indiana State to be pesky, causing the Bluejay faithful to walk away still shaking their heads. Kenny Lawson was the only Bluejay in double figures for the evening scoring 11 of his 17 in the second half.
I hate giving a negative vibe on things, but people need to look up and see the positive. If you look at the big picture of things, amazingly the Bluejays are still tied for third in the conference race and actually only one game out of second with Wichita State giving Evansville their first conference victory Tuesday night. This sets up the battle with Illinois State on Saturday who have been a thorn in the Bluejays side now for the past few years. At 13-12 this is actually a BIG game.
What I am getting at, is that we as fans need to start bringing the energy. You watch schools all across the nation on TV who are whooping it up and creating a stir whether their teams are struggling or are one of the top teams in the nation. The Qwest Center has went from the lively crowd cheering for dives on the floor, a lot of effort and creating some noise for a defensive stance in a close game, to the “Library” everyone called it during the first season at the Phone Booth. I for one got a reality check last night and I hope everyone else that calls themselves a true Creighton fan gets one as well. Yes the Bluejays are currently one game over .500, the season has not turned out as hoped, and some injuries and distractions have taken away from the game of basketball. However, there are still things to get excited about:
- This Saturday can be a great basketball day. Start the day off over at Sokol Arena at 11AM to cheer on the Creighton Women’s Basketball team (who are having a great season by the way) against Evansville in a “Pink Out” to support breast cancer.
- In addition, you can see the results of the ‘Lil Jays Dance Clinic put on by the Jay’s Dancers as they all perform at halftime with the kids.
- When the game is over, you just go down the road and fill the Qwest Center to cheer on the Men’s team against Illinois State with third place in the Valley on the line with an opening for second place. Get a big win here with a fired up crowd, but the crowd has to bring it if the players are going to.
- Then it is a trip up to Northern Iowa. A little payback for the only loss at the Qwest Center this season.
- A later night 8:35 home Bracketbusters game against Loyola Chicago. It’s not on TV and it is later in the evening so may as well come out and get crazy at the Qwest.
- A trip to Southern Illinois to take on a rival. No Nick Evans but will still be a dogfight.
- Back at home to end the regular season on Senior Day against Bradley. Can’t let the seniors finish their careers at Creighton with a loss, right? Give your thanks to JC, Cavel and “The Wizard.”
- Get a few wins here and it sets up nicely for the MVC Tourney where it is anyone’s tournament in my mind.
- Whoa, did someone say NCAA Tournament?
OK, so a lot of the stuff above is one of those perfect scenario type of things and many of you may think I am crazy. However, my point is this– you look at that list and there are still reasons to get excited for Creighton Basketball. Still a lot of opportunities in the season of missed opportunities. As fans it is our job to bring it night in and night out. The question is, Are you still willing to support this team? After last night I know I am. I hope all of you do too.