In a challenging match against Kansas State, Greg McDermott introduced his fourth different starting lineup of the season for the Creighton men’s basketball team. The lineup adjustments were prompted by the team’s performance rather than injuries, particularly following disappointing starts in recent games, including a tough loss to Nebraska.
In a bid to jumpstart the team’s energy, McDermott opted to start Ty Davis, Austin Swartz, and Isaac Traudt with regulars Josh Dix and Jasen Green. This new configuration had minimal prior experience together, totaling less than five minutes on the court as a unit earlier in the season. Despite some defensive lapses at the outset, the lineup showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Kansas State 28-23 during their court time together, which included a promising 14-8 run to kick off the second half.
McDermott also increased Fedor Žugić’s playing time, giving him a season-high 21 minutes. In a crucial moment near the end of the game, he fielded a lineup made up of Dix and four returning players, bringing Creighton within three points of a tie before Kansas State managed to extend their lead once again. McDermott expressed the importance of having experienced players on the court, especially during difficult times, emphasizing the value they bring to the program in contrast with newer team members.
The performance of established players like Dix, who has been essential in multiple facets of gameplay, alongside Swartz, who notably hit four three-pointers in his first starting role, underlined the potential for improvement as the season progresses. However, the time on the court for newer team members such as Owen Freeman, Nik Graves, and Blake Harper was notably reduced, leaving the coaching staff contemplating whether to rely heavily on a shorter rotation.
As Creighton prepares to enter Big East play with a 5-5 record, the team is still on the hunt for its identity. The Bluejays have slipped to 72nd in KenPom’s rankings, and while they rank sixth within the conference, their offensive efficiency sits at 69th nationally, a clear indication of the challenges faced this season.
Looking ahead, Creighton’s next challenge will be against Xavier, who stands at 8-3 and is coming off a five-game winning streak. The matchup promises to be intriguing as both teams exhibit contrasting styles of play, particularly on the 3-point line where Xavier excels. The Musketeers boast the lowest turnover rate in the country and focus heavily on perimeter shooting, while Creighton has been effective at limiting their opponents’ 3-point attempts. This game will provide an opportunity for Creighton to solidify its strategies and ideally harness the lessons learned from earlier matches as it moves into a critical phase of the season.
The upcoming game will tip off Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. CT on FS1, offering fans a chance to witness how Creighton adjusts against a formidable opponent while looking to reclaim momentum.