Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Creighton Bluejays Prediction, Odds and Picks for Friday, 11/22/24

While it feels like the entire college basketball landscape is playing neutral-site MTEs (multi-team events) this weekend, Nebraska and Creighton will meet on the hardwood at CHI Health Center in Omaha – the home of the Bluejays. Creighton is a perfect 4-0 this season and has yet to leave the friendly confines of its home gym, while Nebraska faces its first true road test of the season. However, this isn’t the first time the Cornhuskers have left home, as they played in a neutral-site tilt in South Dakota against Saint Mary’s on Sunday. The ‘Huskers lost that game and are 3-1 this season, but playing the Gaels right before the Bluejays should serve as solid preparation heading into this in-state rivalry game. 

Creighton loves to play with pace and relies heavily on perimeter shots. However, the Bluejays haven’t been particularly efficient from deep outside of Steven Ashworth, connecting on just 31.5% of those attempts as a team. Their turnover rate is also a bit concerning given the level of competition they have faced to this point, as they rank 188th in that department despite playing a strength of schedule that ranks 356th per KenPom. Nebraska will be a significant step-up in class compared to the teams Creighton has played thus far, especially on the defensive end. The Cornhuskers have rangy defenders on the wings, and they have size in the frontcourt to match Ryan Kalkbrenner. On the other side of the court, Nebraska does not rely heavily on the three. However, the Cornhuskers should find success in the mid-range against Creighton’s drop coverage. Additionally, the turnover woes that plagued Nebraska against Saint Mary’s are unlikely to be as big of an issue against a Bluejay defense that has never been one to force a ton of turnovers under Greg McDermott. That trend has continued into this season, as the Bluejays rank 321st in turnover rate on the defensive end according to KenPom. If Ashworth is going to be the only reliable shooter for Creighton in this game, then Nebraska should have enough to stay within the number through its defensive efficiency and ability to disrupt the passing lanes. 

Nebraska vs Creighton prediction: Nebraska Cornhuskers +10.5 (-105) at the time of publishing. Playable to +10. 

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