When Creighton and UNO met last Thursday, it was the first time since 2009 that the two Omaha-based schools had played in men’s basketball. It was also an exhibition game, with UNO still being a division II school at that point. In the eight years since, UNO has transitioned into a Division I school, playing in the Summit League. Last season, UNO was two points away from the NCAA Tournament, losing to South Dakota State 77-79 in the Summit League Championship game.
Although Creighton walked away with a 96-67 win, the game was for more than the bragging rights. The game was a charity exhibition to benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. There were 8,280 people in attendance, and all three referees donated their game checks to the American Red Cross.
Normally, Division 1 schools can’t play exhibitions against each other. This is the first year that the NCAA made it known that it would grant exceptions to schools looking to host charity exhibition games.
This is a game that Creighton and UNO should start to play every year. The advantages to playing this game outweigh any drawback. Men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s basketball and baseball all play UNO during their regular season. A charity exhibition allows for the two Omaha schools to play each other and continue to build rivalry while benefitting a good cause.
Coach Greg McDermott also thought this game should continue. “I hope it’s something that the NCAA will allow us to continue to do,” he said. “It’s for a great cause, number one. It’s great for our team. I think it’s great for UNO. It’s great for our fan bases.”
Most of Creighton’s games in October are closed-door scrimmages, like the one against Minnesota on Oct. 22. Giving the players a highly anticipated game in front of almost 9,000 fans is beneficial as the teams try to build their chemistry. Playing a closed-door scrimmage can help the coaches see the talent that they have on the team, but an exhibition game helps recreate an atmosphere that the team will be seeing throughout the regular season. Also, exhibition games are typically against Division II opponents. As the players are building chemistry, playing against a Division I team gives the Jays experience against talent that they will see throughout the regular season.
This game is also great for the fans in Omaha. Creighton and UNO are the only Division I schools in Omaha. As the teams continue to face each other in more sports, the rivalry will only improve. Rivalry is good for players and fans. As a rivalry grows, games will become more emotional. Rivalry games bring out the most team spirit and passion for teams.
Pam Hopkins, a season ticket holder since 2003 when CenturyLink Center opened, was excited when she found out Creighton and UNO would be playing again.
“I like the idea of an inner-city rivalry between Creighton and UNO,” Hopkins said. “Creighton hasn’t had a steady rival since moving to the Big East, and playing UNO every year could help fill that void.”
Before their move to the SEC, Missouri and Kansas had one of the biggest rivalries in sports. When they met for the first time since 2012 on Oct. 22 for a charity exhibition game, the two teams sold out the Sprint Center in Kansas City and raised over $2 million for hurricane relief. Creighton and UNO may not ever get to that level, but if they continue to play each other, fans will become increasingly passionate about the rivalry.