Creighton to face Wisconsin in Vegas
Creighton's nonconference schedule for the upcoming season got a bump on Thursday when it was announced that the Jays will play Wisconsin in the semi-final round of the 12th Annual Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational on Friday, November 23rd. The game will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN 2.
The Jays will play either Arizona State or Arkansas in the next tournament game, which will be held at the Orleans Arena.
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According to several college basketball experts currently in Vegas for the Adidas Super 64, Creighton and Wisconsin are the two best teams in the tournament and the hosting committee wanted to guarantee that the two programs faced off. It will be a classic case of contrasting styles.
CU was second in the nation last year in field goal percentage at a blistering 50.4 percent, while Wisconsin led the country in scoring defense, giving up a miniscule 53.2 points per game. The Jays averaged 79.2 points per contest last year.
Both teams went to the NCAA tournament last year and won over 25 games. Wisconsin went to the Sweet 16 while Creighton lost to North Carolina in the third round.
"It was the best case scenario for us, " head coach Greg McDermott said. "Wisconsin has had remarkable success during the last decade. It will be a great test for us and will provide us a strong RPI game that will enhance our strength of schedule. It will be a great game for our fans as well."
Wisconsin, out of the Big 10 conference, and Creighton have met once before, in 1949. The Badgers took that game in Madison. The Jays went 3-0 last season against the Big 10, beating Iowa, Nebraska, and Northwestern.
CU will host two games against either Longwood, Florida A&M, Cornell or Presbyterian before heading to Vegas.