Creighton Routs Kansas City in Huss Debut

Alan Huss earned his first win as Creighton head coach in a 76-61 season-opening victory in Omaha.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in blue driving past a defender in red, with visible brushstrokes and arena lights blurred overhead. — Creighton opened Alan Huss's first season as head coach with a 76-61 win over Kansas City on Tuesday in Omaha, led by Wes Enis's 25 points. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Creighton defeated Kansas City 76-61 in its season opener in Omaha, Neb. Wes Enis scored 25 points as the Bluejays pulled away after halftime.

Why it matters

The win marks the first game for Alan Huss as Creighton head coach following Greg McDermott's retirement after 16 seasons. It gives Omaha fans an early read on the new coaching staff's direction.

Creighton made 19 free throws to Kansas City's 4, and Kansas City committed 22 turnovers. Enis made five 3-pointers and 6 of 8 free throw attempts on his way to 25 points.

The players

Alan Huss

Huss made his head-coaching debut with Creighton in the season opener, earning his first win at the helm.

Mark Turgeon

Turgeon made his head-coaching debut with Kansas City, a Topeka native who previously coached several major college programs.

Greg McDermott

McDermott retired after 16 seasons as Creighton head coach, having built the program over that span.

The details

Creighton erased a six-point halftime deficit with a 17-0 run to open the second half. B.J. Davis added 13 points and four steals, while Jaylen Smith led Kansas City with 15 points in Mark Turgeon's head-coaching debut with the Jayhawks.

Game played November 2, 2026 in Omaha, Neb.

Season Trajectory

The opener opens a new chapter for Creighton after McDermott's 16 seasons as head coach. How Huss builds on that foundation will shape the program's direction for the rest of the season.

Creighton's early win gives Omaha fans a read on the new coaching staff before the rest of the schedule unfolds. Fantasy managers tracking Wes Enis can note his 25-point opener as a signal of his role.

The takeaway

A coaching transition is often judged first by early results, and Creighton's opener offers a strong start for Huss. Following how the new staff develops through the season will show whether that start holds.