LINCOLN — Nebraska basketball coach Doc Sadler, who has poked Creighton fans with a stick before, has stirred the rivalry pot again.

Three days ahead of the next meeting between the state’s only Division I basketball schools, Sadler was asked Thursday about the atmosphere at Qwest Center Omaha, Creighton’s home arena.

“It’s a great place to play,’’ he said. “It’s going to be full.’’

After a noticeable pause, Sadler added:

“The majority of the Creighton fans are Nebraska football fans. So they know what it’s like to have a home-court advantage, and they know how to participate.

“I’d like to thank Coach (Tom) Osborne and all those former (Huskers) for giving them that history. At the same time, they’ve got some very, very good basketball fans.’’

Two years ago, Sadler said NU’s game with Creighton is never more than the 17th-most important game of the season, following the Huskers’ 16 games in the Big 12.

Last year, Sadler discussed playing Creighton and how it could affect Nebraska’s strength of schedule with the NCAA:

“A loss to Creighton hurts us. A win over Creighton, the only thing it does is make our fans happy. It doesn’t help you come Selection Sunday.’’

Sadler on Thursday repeated his point about the in-state game on the fan bases.

“It’s a big game for our fans,’’ he said. “I think it’s a really big game for their fans, too, more so than their basketball team or our basketball team.’’

As for Sadler and Bluejays coach Dana Altman?

“Dana would tell you just like I would tell you,’’ Sadler said, “that at this time of year with his youth and my youth, I’m glad the season is not dependent on this game Sunday.’’

Contact the writer:

444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com

« Sports - Big Red Today

Share