NCAA Basketball: 25 best team rivalries heading into 2019-20 season
By Joey Loose
16. Creighton Bluejays vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Creighton and Nebraska are another one of those interstate rivalries that becomes more important in basketball since Creighton doesn’t field a football team. These two aren’t exactly referred to as top programs in college basketball, but they’ve played every year for four decades and both sides bring the heat during those matchups.
Arguing which team has the upper hand is a difficult task these days, seeing as the rivalry is currently tied at 26 games apiece. Last season’s game was an easy home win for Nebraska, who not only won their first game over Creighton in eight years but were also ranked during the game for the first time since 1993.
These teams have never both been ranked during their matchup, nor have they faced off in the NCAA Tournament, but there have still been some exciting moments.
There have been risen tensions in recent years, though Nebraska has finally evened the rivalry with last season’s win. Back in 2013, Creighton annihilated the Cornhuskers, grabbing a 30-point lead in the first half.
On the other hand, Nebraska was victorious in both postseason games, winning opening round NIT games against Creighton in 1984 and 2004. Doug McDermott had some pretty good games against these Cornhuskers, though this isn’t a one-sided rivalry at all.
The arrival of Fred Hoiberg brings a lot of new promise for the Cornhuskers. Regardless, this Creighton team should contend for an NCAA Tournament bid, while Hoiberg rebuilds in his first year in the Big Ten.
Anything can happen in a rivalry game and the two will meet in Omaha in early December. Playing at home, it’s a great shot for Creighton to get back on track in the rivalry. However, if Hoiberg can put together success, look forward to this becoming a rivalry of Tourney level teams shortly.