Nebraska vs. Creighton Expert Pick and Prediction – November 22, 2024

NEBRASKA VS. CREIGHTON EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – November 22, 2024 — Since Fred Hoiberg arrived in Lincoln, the biggest question in the annual rivalry between Nebraska and Creighton has been simple: can the Huskers slow down the Bluejays?

Most times, the answer has been no. Creighton wants to run in this matchup, and usually, it’s successful. In the teams’ past five meetings, the Bluejays have won four of them, and all four have seen Creighton hit at least 77 points.

Related: Pistols Misfiring: Why Oklahoma State is Struggling

And that could be a problem for Nebraska, which has shown a tendency to prefer a faster tempo. The Huskers actually play at a quicker clip than the Bluejays, a worrying thought given that Creighton averages 88 points a game.

Here’s the other problem for the Huskers: so far, they can’t shoot. And against Creighton, not being able to shoot is a death sentence. If the Huskers feel the sting of the Bluejay defense early, it’s likely to be more misery for the Big Red.

The Odds

Tipoff

When: Friday, November 22 at 8 p.m.

Where: CHI Health Center, Omaha, Neb.

TV: FS1

Public Bets: Unavailable

Public Money: Unavailable

Nebraska vs. Creighton In-Season Trends

These teams have two common opponent, and both won by 26 points against Fairleigh Dickinson and blew out UTRGV. The Huskers do have a much tougher game on the slate, having played and lost to Saint Mary’s by three on a neutral floor. Nebraska’s big issue is that it’s inconsistent, having barely escaped from Bethune-Cookman on a bad shooting night.

Related: Fixing the New York Giants

Creighton hasn’t had any issues with scoring, but nor have the Bluejays been tested at all this season. That said, Fairleigh Dickinson and Houston Christian are two of the worst teams in Division I, so that wasn’t much of a threat. Nebraska is easily the best team Creighton has seen, and the Huskers have had five days to recover from facing the Gaels.

The Difference-Makers

Brice Williams had a huge showing against Saint Mary’s, scoring 28 points to lead all scorers. But that might be tough to replicate in this game, because he got 11 of his points by going 11-for-11 at the free throw line. Creighton happens to lead the nation in not sending teams to the stripe, so Williams is going to have to shoot around as well as he shot in Sioux Falls.

Related: UMass Mess: How Football Ruined the School’s Athletics

Ryan Kalkbrenner represents a tough matchup inside for almost anyone. It’s tough to gauge his effectiveness given the weak schedule, but he’s coming off a double-double against UMKC. However, the Bluejays also turned the ball over 14 times that night. That can’t happen, especially because they barely force any turnovers themselves.

The Pick

The biggest issue here is that Nebraska’s shooting is inconsistent. If the Huskers were a little better at putting the ball in the basket, I’d feel really good about taking the Huskers and the points.

As it is, I think I still want Nebraska. The way that Creighton plays, Nebraska is going to be able to wait for its shot and look for something good. The Bluejays rank dead last in forcing turnovers and end almost every defensive possession with an attempt at the basket. If Nebraska can shoot anywhere close to a decent percentage, it stays in the game. Given that they’ve played a tight game before, I’m backing the Huskers with the points.