The final score might suggest Nebraska simply held Creighton to a rough shooting night, but the deeper truth is how forcefully the Huskers dictated every possession. Nebraska’s defenders suffocated passing lanes, stayed tight on ball-handlers, and refused to give the Bluejays clean looks at the basket.
Every shot was challenged. Even simple passes between Creighton players were disrupted. Open attempts were rare, and Nebraska’s physical, connected defensive presence fueled their 9-0 start in front of a roaring Pinnacle Bank Arena crowd of 15,256 fans.
Assistant coach Nate Loesner designed the defensive plan, and head coach Fred Hoiberg praised his team for executing it flawlessly.
Commitment to Defense Becomes Nebraska’s Identity
Communication and Hustle Lead the Way
Great defense isn’t just technique — it’s desire. Nebraska showed it by diving for loose balls, switching seamlessly, and sticking to their assignments. Whether guarding man-to-man or fighting through screens, the Huskers stayed alert and disciplined.
Junior guard Pryce Sandfort, who collected a career-best three steals, credited Nebraska’s strong communication:
“It was five-as-one defense. Everyone talked, everyone rotated, and we moved together.”
Their teamwork showed immediately. Nebraska burst ahead 15–2, and Creighton never mounted a serious push. The Huskers extended their lead to 27 points at one stage.
Statistical Breakdown of Nebraska’s Dominance
Creighton struggled to generate any rhythm, shooting just 31% from the field (16-for-52) and 24.2% from three-point range (8-for-33). Nebraska, meanwhile, shot 44% overall and 37% from deep, while also dominating inside with a 24–12 advantage in paint points.
Creighton’s 50 points tied Nebraska’s lowest total allowed all season — a benchmark previously set on November 11 against Maryland Eastern Shore.
This win also marked Nebraska’s second straight victory over Creighton, the first time they have done that since their seven-game streak from 1990–1997. The 21-point margin was their biggest over Creighton since 1995.
Senior forward Rienk Mast led all scorers with 20 points, noting that the team’s preparation emphasized toughness and rebounding — practice drills he believes directly translated into game success.
Toughness on the Boards and in Transition
Nebraska won the rebounding battle 39–35, picked up seven steals, and limited their mistakes to just eight turnovers. Creighton finished with 12 turnovers and only two steals.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott admitted Nebraska controlled the game from the opening minutes:
“Nebraska was the tougher, more connected team… We needed a strong start, and we didn’t respond to their defense.”
Defense as Nebraska’s Reliable Weapon
When Shots Don’t Fall, Defense Still Wins
Shooting can fluctuate from game to game, but defense remains constant — and Nebraska is proving it can be their backbone. Fundamentally sound defensive teams are always difficult to beat, and the Huskers have shown they can rely on this strength against any opponent.
As Nebraska now prepares to enter the demanding Big Ten slate — starting with Wisconsin at home on Wednesday and Illinois on the road Saturday — their defense could become the key factor in navigating a conference stacked with elite programs.
Nebraska’s convincing win over Creighton was defined not by the score, but by the intensity, cohesion, and determination of their defense. The Huskers disrupted every part of Creighton’s offense, communicated with precision, and played with physicality from start to finish.
With Big Ten play approaching, this defensive identity may prove crucial as Nebraska aims to build on its unbeaten run and compete with some of the toughest teams in college basketball.
