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Creighton looks like they haven't lost a beat since the departure of Doug McDermott. The undefeated Bluejays open the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, FL with their first-ever meeting against the Rebels of Mississippi. Here's a three-point preview of tonight's matchup between Creighton and Ole Miss.
Creighton must match up physically
Out-rebounding teams by eight per game, Ole Miss relies on its physical presence to overcome its opponents. Creighton has shown an ability this season to match the physicality of their opponents, holding their own in the rebounding battle against teams known for their rebounding, like Oklahoma. Creighton will have to limit the Rebels' second-chance opportunities and grab offensive rebounds of their own if they want to control this game.
Creighton needs to hit shots
The Bluejays have yet to display the kind of shooting they know they're capable of. Outside of guard Isaiah Zierden, the team's shooters have been underwhelming except for stretches against Oklahoma and Eastern Illinois
One of the key players in tonight's game against Ole Miss will be redshirt freshman Toby Hegner. Hegner has started all five games so far for the undefeated Bluejays, and has shown he can compete in the frontcourt and hold his own on defense. However, he was brought in for his shooting and ability to stretch the defense. He's done it in stretches, but he must knock down open shots from downtown if the Bluejays want to come away with two wins this weekend.
Guard play
Ole Miss is led by guards Jarvis Summers (14.3 ppg) and Stefan Moody (11.8 ppg). Both aren't particularly known for their shooting prowess, but rather their ability to drive and create offense. Creighton's Austin Chatman and Devin Brooks will need to be on their game defensively. Moody and Summers are both quick, physical guards that like to get up and down the court. If Creighton can contain these two dangerous guards, the Bluejays should have no problem moving to 6-0 and facing either Cincinnati or Middle Tennessee State in the finals of the Emerald Coast Classic.