Creighton Edges Minnesota in Double Overtime Thriller
The Bluejays secured an 89-86 victory over the Golden Gophers during a hard-fought exhibition game in Omaha.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball
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Should college teams prioritize winning exhibition games to gauge their potential for the regular season?
Creighton outlasted Minnesota 89-86 in a double-overtime exhibition basketball game at the CHI Health Center. The contest featured a significant comeback by Minnesota, which stifled the Creighton offense to erase an 18-point second-half deficit.
Why it matters
The exhibition serves as a critical test for both teams to evaluate roster depth and chemistry before the upcoming regular season. Coaches often use these contests to identify early-season rotation gaps and test defensive durability against high-major opponents.
Minnesota managed only a 46% free-throw rate, hitting 13 of 28 attempts, with Malick Kordel struggling at 1 of 8. Isaac Asuma led all scorers with 32 points in the effort.
The players
Isaac Asuma
He is a guard who led all players with 32 points during the exhibition contest.
Kyan Evans
He is a Minnesota guard who left the game early due to a hip injury.
Malick Kordel
He is a player who faced significant shooting challenges at the free-throw line during the game.
The details
Creighton built a commanding 49-31 lead early in the second half before Minnesota mounted a defensive stand that held the Bluejays without a field goal for the final seven minutes of regulation. Minnesota guard Kyan Evans exited the game with a hip injury after playing 13 minutes.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Creighton defeated Minnesota in an exhibition game.
November 2, 2026: Minnesota starts the regular season against North Dakota.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition game highlights how programs test their depth against competitive peers before the regular season begins in early November. Results from these matchups often signal which rotation players are ready for expanded roles when league play commences.
Minnesota will need to address its high turnover count of 20 and inconsistent free-throw shooting before its regular-season opener against North Dakota. These statistical indicators often determine the floor for a team's offensive efficiency throughout the conference schedule.
The takeaway
Preseason exhibitions are essential for identifying vulnerabilities like free-throw shooting and turnover management before they impact conference standings. Coaches use these high-stakes practice environments to make final adjustments to their primary rotation.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate programs, visit the Basketball page.
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Should college teams prioritize winning exhibition games to gauge their potential for the regular season?
