Creighton’s Non-Conference Schedule is a Regional Showcase

The Creighton Bluejays released their non-conference slate this week, and it leans heavily on regional talent. Head Coach Jim Flanery takes the lead with scheduling. “I try to play almost all regional games and then take one warm-weather trip,” Flanery stated in an AMA on Reddit last season, “I want to be fiscally responsible but provide that one really nice trip for players.”

Jays Head Coach Jim Flanery enters is 17th season leading the Bluejays.

This season is certainly showcasing the regional flavor. Let’s have a look at the non-conference opponents:

Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (D2, Exhibition)

2017-18 Record: 21-7 (13-6 MIAA)

Series: UNK leads 6-4

About the Lopers: UNK is coming off their best record in a decade, finishing the year 21-7, but ending in a first-round exit in the MIAA conference tournament. The Lopers will have to resupply their roster, after losing their top 3 scorers from last season.

The last official game between Creighton and UNK came in 1984, a 79-48 Bluejay victory. The fewest points ever scored in a home game by Creighton was 25, in a 38-25 loss to UNK in 1974.

South Dakota Coyotes

2017-18 Record: 29-7 (14-0 Summit)

Postseason: WNIT Quarterfinals

Series: Creighton leads 12-11

About the Yotes: South Dakota has hardly missed a beat since Head Coach Amy Williams left for Nebraska after winning a WNIT championship in 2016. Dawn Plitzuweit is 52-16 in two seasons, finishing an undefeated 14-0 in conference play last season. South Dakota will be looking for more this year as the Summit League battles to be a 2-bid conference in March.

This game is a return trip after Creighton visited last season, a 73-68 victory for South Dakota in Vermillion. The Yotes return 4 starters, as well as their top three scorers for the 2018-19 campaign.

North Dakota State Bison

2017-18 Record: 9-20 (2-12 Summit)

Series: Creighton leads 8-1

About the Bison: NDSU is not a particularly strong program, with their lone win over the Bluejays coming in 2005 on a night in Albuquerque, NM. The last 10+ win season for NDSU was 2014-15. The last season with a winning record was 2009-10.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

2017-18 Record: 26-7 (12-2 Summit)

Postseason: NCAA 1^st Round

Series: Creighton leads 7-3

About the Jacks: SDSU is coming off its 3^rd NCAA Tournament bid in 4 seasons, and it took an upset over South Dakota to get there. Creighton topped SDSU earlier in the year72-65 in Omaha.

The Jacks will be dangerous once again this year as they return 5 of their top 6 scorers, led by senior Macy Miller.

Northern Iowa Panthers

2017-18 Record: 19-14 (13-5 Missouri Valley)

Postseason: WNIT 1^st Round

Series: Creighton leads 38-17

About the Panthers: UNI has qualified for 4 consecutive postseasons, including an NCAA Tournament bid in 2017. Last season the Panthers fell in the MVC Championship Game to Drake.

This is a return game for UNI and Creighton; the Bluejays defeated the Panthers 89-78 in 2OT in Omaha last season. The Panthers are equipped for another great season, returning 4 starters including team MVP Megan Maahs.

Drake Bulldogs

2017-18 Record: 26-8 (18-0 Missouri Valley)

Postseason: NCAA 1^st Round

Series: Drake leads 38-27

About the Bulldogs: Since becoming regular conference opponents in 1993, the series has been a much tighter 28-27 Drake lead, highlighted by the 4 OT marathon last year in Des Moines, in which Creighton finished on top 108-100. The Bulldogs didn’t let that setback slow them down as they dominated their way through the Valley en route to an NCAA Tournament berth.

The Bulldogs are geared for another run, as they return 10 of 11 players that saw action, including their top 9 scorers. They will be led by their 6-foot scoring duo Becca Hittner and Sara Rhine; the two combined for 30 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2017-18 Record: 21-11 (11-5 Big Ten)

Postseason: NCAA 1^st Round

Series: Nebraska leads 30-13

About the Huskers: The ship was quickly righted coming off the worst season in program history; Amy Williams led the Huskers to a 3^rd place tie in the Big Ten standings in her second season. Last season, Creighton picked up just their second road win over Nebraska in series history in a 64-49 victory. The previous road win came in 1993.

Nebraska returns their top five scorers from last season, led by junior Hannah Whitish, who led the team in scoring (12.6 PPG), steals (41), and assists (150).

Omaha Mavericks

2017-18 Record: 12-16 (3-11 Summit)

Series: Omaha leads 15-13

About the Mavericks: Omaha is still looking to establish themselves in their new home in Division 1, with a sprinkling of great wins and tough losses. The highs include wins over South Dakota, South Dakota State, and Northern Iowa in the past two seasons, which are offset by their 3-11 finish in conference play.

The Mavericks are hitting a hard-reset this year, losing their top four scorers. Amber Vidal, who led the team in points and assists, transferred to Lamar for her senior season. Sophomore Claire Killian will have to spearhead the offense this season.

Wichita State Shockers

2017-18 Record: 14-17 (9-7 American)

Series: Creighton leads 34-25

About the Shockers: Wichita State had quite the roller coaster of a season under first-year Head Coach Keitha Adams. Respectable efforts against Tennessee and Illinois and a win against South Florida were offset by baffling games such as a nail-biting escape from hapless Chicago State at home, and a game in which UConn scored almost as many points in the first quarter (41) as the Shockers scored in 40 minutes (43).

The Shockers must replace almost everything they had from last season; they have 9 freshman and two JuCo transfers on their roster this year.

Florida State Seminoles

2017-18 Record: 26-7 (12-4 ACC)

Postseason: NCAA 2^nd Round

Series: Florida State leads 1-0

About the Seminoles: The Seminoles were shocked by the 2^nd best team in the MAC when they got bounced 86-65 by Buffalo in the 2^nd round of the NCAA Tournament. Florida State must replace all five starters, including their top 3 scorers from last season.

This game is a return trip for Creighton; the Jays hosted Florida State last season, a 92-82 Seminole victory.

South Florida Bulls *Sunshine Classic*

2017-18 Record: 26-8 (13-3 American)

Postseason: NCAA 1^st Round

Series: Creighton leads 1-0

About the Bulls: South Florida was the first victim of Buffalo Uprising in the NCAA tournament, falling 102-79 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulls will have some key pieces to replace, but will build around senior scoring leader Kitija Laksa.

Vanderbilt Commodores *Sunshine Classic*

2017-18 Record: 7-24 (3-13 SEC)

Series: Vanderbilt leads 1-0

About the Commodores: Success feels like it was so long ago for the Commodores. Vanderbilt is coming of their worst season in program history; the only season in which they’ve ever won fewer than 11 games. Head Coach Stephanie White hopes to right the ship in her 3^rd season.