12:05 a.m.: Creighton basketball players had some free time on their hands Thursday afternoon, thanks to Justin Carter.

The Bluejays had opened practice with a session in the weight room. From there, they hit the practice floor and, after conducting a series of drills, coach Dana Altman gathered his players around him and announced that if Carter made a shot from halfcourt, practice would be over.

Seconds later, the Bluejays were celebrating as Carter swished the attempt.

“I guess he thought I wouldn't make it,'' Carter said. “But I practice those shots all the time. Coach knows that, and everyone else does, too.

“This one was nothing but net.''

Carter does like to test his shot-making skills after practice. Visitors have seen him make an array of long-distance shots from all over the court, although he can't match the one I saw Booker Woodfox make last season.

Standing near the ball basket off to the side of midcourt, Woodfox launched a one-handed hook shot that found its mark. When told he couldn't do that again, Woodfox's next attempt was right on target but rimmed out.

Although Carter's shot brought an official end to practice, the players stayed around to work on their shooting. They did so with an extra bounce in their steps.

“When I hit it, everyone was jumping around,'' Carter said. “I think Coach was kind of mad, but he did say that he hadn't seen us that happy the whole year. Knocking down that shot was one of those fun things that can bring us together.''

The Bluejays will return to the practice floor Friday to continue preparing for Saturday's game against Illinois State. With a game in 24 hours, Altman might have to wait a couple of days to spring his next surprise on the player.

“They don't know it yet,'' Altman said with a sly smile, “but we'll get it (time) back.''

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