South Dakota (0-1) vs Creighton (0-0)
- When: Nov 5 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: CHI Health Center Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
- Where to watch: Peacock
South Dakota vs (23) Creighton Preview & Prediction
Spread: Creighton -27.5
Moneyline: N/A
Total: 166.5
Creighton Bluejays Betting Outlook
The No. 23 Creighton Bluejays begin a new era without Ryan Kalkbrenner, their four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Greg McDermott faces the tough task of retooling a roster that also lost key contributors Steven Ashworth, Pop Isaacs and Jamiya Neal, but make no mistake, Creighton is still loaded with firepower.
Picked to finish third in the Big East preseason poll, the Bluejays bring in a mix of proven transfers and rising stars ready to keep the winning tradition alive. Iowa transfers Owen Freeman and Josh Dix headline the revamped lineup, alongside Charlotte transfer Nik Graves and sophomore Jackson McAndrew.
Freeman, a preseason All-Big East first-team selection, is working his way back from a lingering knee injury but returned to action in Creighton’s exhibition win over Colorado State. He’s expected to be a key interior force once fully healthy, providing rebounding and inside scoring presence.
Meanwhile, Josh Dix is set to be Creighton’s perimeter weapon. A career 42% three-point shooter at Iowa, Dix adds reliable range to McDermott’s system. Graves, who led the exhibition with 15 points and three triples, has shown early signs of being a breakout contributor. McAndrew, the top returning scorer and rebounder, will anchor the Bluejays’ offense until the newcomers fully settle in.
Creighton’s offense will continue to run at a fast pace, and at home in Omaha, they’ve been one of the most dominant scoring teams in college basketball. Expect the Bluejays to push tempo and use their depth to overwhelm the Coyotes early.
South Dakota Coyotes Betting Outlook
South Dakota enters this game looking for redemption after a heartbreaking 81-79 overtime loss to Utah Tech in its season opener. Despite the setback, the Coyotes showed flashes of potential that could make them a sleeper in the Summit League this year.
Preseason first-team selection Isaac Bruns put up a stellar performance with 23 points, 17 of those coming in the second half, reminding everyone why he’s the league’s top returning scorer. Bruns averaged 14.6 points per game last season and continues to be South Dakota’s most dependable offensive weapon.
Head coach Eric Petersen’s squad was picked to finish fifth in the Summit League, but there’s reason for optimism. The Coyotes’ press defense looked sharper in their opener, and Petersen believes his team’s conditioning and communication have both taken major steps forward. Bench scoring has also improved, with Evan Anderson adding 10 points and Vince Buzelis pulling down 11 rebounds against Utah Tech.
Still, facing a ranked Creighton team on the road is a different kind of test, one that will push South Dakota’s pace, discipline, and depth to the limit.
Expert Betting Prediction
Creighton has the talent, depth, and home-court edge to roll through this matchup comfortably. South Dakota may find early offensive rhythm behind Bruns, but the Bluejays’ firepower and tempo should bury them by halftime. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair with Creighton’s offense putting on a show in Omaha.
Final Score: Creighton 98, South Dakota 68
Lean: Creighton -27.5
Total: Over 166.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
