In a rare and exciting event not witnessed since 1985, the Creighton and Nebraska basketball programs squared off with both their men’s and women’s teams competing on the same day. The action began at the D.J. Sokol Arena for the women’s game, drawing a massive crowd of enthusiastic fans. This historic dual showdown celebrated the fierce in-state rivalry and set the stage for a memorable day of college basketball.
A Charged Atmosphere from the Start
The day’s events kicked off with the Nebraska women’s team taking the court. The atmosphere was emotional as the Huskers played without their leading scorer, Natalie Potts, who was watching from the sidelines. Potts suffered a season-ending ACL tear just days earlier, and her presence highlighted the team’s resilience.
Adding to the community feel, Millard West seniors Neleigh and Norah Gessert were in the stands. The talented twins were there to cheer on former teammates, showcasing the strong local ties within Nebraska’s basketball scene.
Bluejays and Huskers Trade Blows in First Half
Creighton wasted no time making an impact. Lauren Jensen scored the first basket of the game, giving the Bluejays an immediate offensive spark. Her performance was a key factor for Creighton throughout the contest.
Nebraska quickly answered back, with Alexis Markowski leading the charge. The Huskers battled hard to take a narrow 22-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. The key offensive players in the opening frame made their presence felt.
- Lauren Jensen: Set the pace for Creighton with the game’s opening points.
- Alexis Markowski: Provided leadership and scoring to give Nebraska an early edge.
- Britt Prince: Was a standout for the Huskers with eight points and two rebounds in the first quarter.
The competition remained intense as the game moved into the second quarter. Britt Prince continued his strong play for Nebraska, but Creighton refused to back down. Jensen and Morgan Maly worked together to keep the Bluejays in the fight.
A Game of Runs and Key Moments
The matchup was defined by several momentum swings that kept fans engaged. One of the most critical moments came just before halftime when Lauren Jensen hit a shot to tie the game at 35-35. This display of clutch shooting demonstrated her composure under pressure.
Despite Creighton’s push, the Huskers managed to regain a slight advantage. Nebraska went into the locker room with a 37-35 lead, capping off a thrilling and tightly contested first half.
Key Player Contributions
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Jensen | Creighton | 15 | 4 | 3 |
| Alexis Markowski | Nebraska | 12 | 6 | 2 |
| Britt Prince | Nebraska | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Morgan Maly | Creighton | 7 | 3 | 2 |
Looking Ahead for Both Programs
This historic day has important implications for both Creighton and Nebraska as they move forward with their seasons. For the Bluejays, competing at a high level in such an intense environment can provide a significant confidence boost for future conference games.
For the Huskers, the game was a test of their depth and determination. Building on this strong performance will be crucial as they navigate the rest of the season without a key player like Natalie Potts. The resilience shown by both teams suggests they are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The incredible fan support also proves that basketball is a major force in bringing the community together.
