The UNI basketball goes for their fourth consecutive win Wednesday night as the Panthers host 23rd ranked Creighton. The Bluejays are tied for the lead in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, even though they have lost their last two games.
Panther coach Ben Jacobson says that despite those losses, Creighton is still playing very well as they had won three in a row prior to the two loses. He says those loses came to good teams and he says that is not an indication of how they are playing.
Jacobson says that Creighton is a difficult team to prepare for because they are equally talented inside and outside.
The Bluejays are again led by All-American Doug McDermott, son of head coach Greg McDermott. Doug originally committed to UNI, and Jacobson says it’s clear that McDermott has worked to improve his game.
“Doug has always had a great feel and knack for scoring,” Jacobson says. Creighton coach Greg McDermott says that UNI is just a handful of plays away from being at the top of the Valley standings.
Wednesday’s matchup is set for a 7:00 tip-off at the McLeod Center. UNI has won each of their last three home meetings with the Bluejays.
Drake is on the road to take on Wichita State in the Valley. The Shockers are one of three teams tied at the top of the Valley standings with a 9-4 record.
Drake coach Mark Phelps says they have some really good players and seem to be back on track after losing a few games. The schedule does not get any easier for the Bulldogs who have dropped their last two games. Phelps says that’st he reality of playing in the MVC, you have tough games each time out.
Drake is 5-8 in the Valley and 11-13 overall.
Jesse Gavin, KCNZ Cedar Falls, contributed to this story.