No. 23 Creighton Opens Season with 71-58 Win Over South Dakota
The No. 23 Creighton Bluejays began their 2025-26 campaign with a 71-58 victory over the South Dakota Coyotes Wednesday evening at CHI Health Center Omaha.
The game, which tipped off at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, saw the Bluejays overcome a slow start to pull away in the second half. Creighton returns two starters from last year’s team that reached the NCAA Tournament, but faces significant roster turnover with the departure of key players like Ryan Kalkbrenner, now with the Charlotte Hornets. Nine new players dot the Bluejay roster this season, including transfers Nick Graves and Blake Harper.
Jackson McAndrew led Creighton with 14 points, while Nik Graves added 12. Isaac Bruns paced South Dakota with 16 points. The Bluejays shot 48.3% from the field and controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Coyotes 42-28. This win marks the 34th consecutive season-opening victory for head coach Greg McDermott, extending his impressive streak and solidifying Creighton’s position as a consistent contender in the BIG EAST Conference.
Creighton’s next game is scheduled for November 12th against Western Illinois. “We have a lot of new faces, and it’s going to take time to gel,” McDermott said after the game. “But I’m pleased with the effort tonight and we’ll continue to build.” Fans in attendance enjoyed giveaways including season posters and “Opening Flight” t-shirts. Peacock broadcasted the game nationally.
