Northwestern Basketball: Ranking toughest non-conference games

4. Creighton, Home, 11/15

Northwestern will host Creighton in the annual Gavitt Games. While Creighton is not as strong as they were last season, the Blue Jays are still a top 50 team and would give Northwestern a coveted marquee win.

Starters Maurice Watson, Justin Patton, and Cole Huff are gone, but standouts Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas return. Foster was the team’s leading scorer last season at 18.2 per game and he could lead the Big East in scoring this year. Thomas averaged 12.3 points per game but is known more for his tenacious defense.

The Wildcats will have a major advantage against Creighton’s frontcourt since the Blue Jays do not have anyone who can replace Justin Patton’s production. Seniors Manny Suarez and Toby Hegner will most likely see a bulk of the playing time at center until freshman Jacob Epperson is ready to take the reigns. Suarez is a DII transfer from Adelphi University and while he was super productive at that level, he has yet to prove himself against Big East competition. Hegner is a great three point shooter but seems more comfortable as a power forward than as a center.

Northwestern would be thrilled with earning a quality win in the first week of the season and playing Creighton at home will give them that opportunity.