Kansas basketball vs Creighton prediction: 3 things to think about as matchup nears

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LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball will go up against Creighton on Wednesday, in the Big 12-Big EAST Battle, in what will also be the Jayhawks’ first true road test of the season.

This will be the first time the two sides have played since KU topped the Bluejays during the 2022 NCAA tournament, on the way to coach Bill Self’s latest national championship. No. 1 Kansas (7-0) will look to remain undefeated this season. Creighton (5-3) will look to regain some momentum after losing three of its last four games.

Here are a few things to think about, as well as a prediction, prior to the 7:30 p.m. (CT)-scheduled tip-off on Wednesday in Omaha, Nebraska:

Kansas basketball’s Hunter Dickinson addresses his ejection during win against Duke

Bill Self explains the challenge Creighton presents

Although Creighton hasn’t been shooting 3s as well as Self thinks the Bluejays are capable of yet this season, at 31.4% so far as a team from behind the arc, he still highlighted that as something it will be important for Kansas to defend. It’s something that is a significant part of Creighton’s offense, and Self isn’t looking to be caught off guard if the Bluejays continue to go to that — especially considering the talent of their lead trio of guards. It’s just one element of the game Wednesday, on top of the fact Creighton will be operating with home-court advantage.

Bluejays senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner, one of the best players in his conference in recent seasons, did not play in his team’s most recent game. Self, who noted he isn’t sure if Kalkbrenner will play, outlined though that the Jayhawks are preparing as if Kalkbrenner will participate in the game. It would be a key matchup between Kalkbrenner and KU graduate center Hunter Dickinson, as Dickinson and the Jayhawks attempt to battle Kalkbrenner’s ability to score, block shots and more.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kansas-basketball-vs-creighton-prediction-090603085.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-12-03 09:06:00

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