Nebraska Cornhuskers Stun No. 14 Creighton in Heated In-State Rivalry

In a clash of in-state rivals, the Nebraska Cornhuskers pulled off a significant upset on November 24, defeating No. 14 Creighton 74-63. The win not only marked Nebraska’s first victory over their highly-ranked foe in six years but also sent a message that the program is on the rise under head coach Fred Hoiberg.

The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Nebraska’s pressure defense disrupted Creighton’s usually efficient ball movement, forcing contested shots and limiting open looks from three-point range. Despite this, Creighton took a slim 32-30 lead into halftime.

The second half, however, belonged to the Cornhuskers. Nebraska went on a 14-2 run early in the period, flipping the momentum in their favor. Keisei Tominaga, Nebraska’s leading scorer, took over the game with his sharpshooting and playmaking, finishing with 21 points. The Cornhuskers’ perimeter defense also held Creighton to just 29% shooting from beyond the arc, neutralizing one of their biggest strengths.

Creighton’s offense, which had averaged over 80 points per game before this matchup, was held to a season-low 63 points. Point guard Ryan Nembhard struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 3-for-12 from the field, while Creighton’s frontcourt was outworked on the boards.

This victory was a defining moment for Nebraska, who has struggled against ranked opponents in recent years. It also provided a major boost to their NCAA Tournament hopes as they continue to build their resume in non-conference play.

Nebraska now turns its attention to the rest of the season, aiming to capitalize on this momentum and establish itself as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Creighton will need to regroup quickly as it prepares for the heart of its conference schedule.