The Creighton Bluejays women's basketball team is set to open their 2024-25 home schedule with a highly anticipated matchup against the Drake Bulldogs, a team that reached the NCAA Tournament last season. This clash between two powerhouses in the Midwest promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle on the hardwood.

Poised for a Thrilling Showdown: Creighton Bluejays vs. Drake Bulldogs

Renewing a Storied Rivalry

The Creighton Bluejays and Drake Bulldogs have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to 1977, with the Bulldogs holding a 43-29 advantage in the all-time series. However, the Bluejays have found recent success against their conference foe, downing the Bulldogs 89-78 in their most recent matchup last season in Des Moines. This game will mark the 73rd meeting between the two programs, and the Bluejays will be looking to continue their momentum and even the score on their home court.

Scouting the Bulldogs: A Formidable Opponent

The Drake Bulldogs are coming off a strong 2023-24 campaign, finishing the season with a 29-6 record and earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Allison Pohlman, the Bulldogs have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Missouri Valley Conference. They were picked to repeat as conference champions after going 19-1 in league play last season.The Bulldogs have gotten off to a fast start in the 2024-25 season, with wins over North Dakota State and Saint Louis. Senior Anna Miller has been a standout performer, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game in the early going. Courtney Becker, Katie Dinnebier, Abbie Aalsma, and Ava Hawthorne have also been contributing double-digit scoring efforts, showcasing the depth and balance of the Bulldogs' roster.

Creighton Bluejays: Seeking Redemption and Home Court Advantage

The Creighton Bluejays opened their season with a tough road test against South Dakota State, falling to the Jackrabbits in their first game. Despite the setback, the Bluejays showed flashes of their potential, with Lauren Jensen leading the way with 23 points and Kiani Lockett making a strong impact in her first start, scoring 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting.The Bluejays will be eager to bounce back and capitalize on the home court advantage when they host the Bulldogs. Under head coach Jim Flanery, Creighton has been dominant at home, winning 16 of their last 22 home openers. The Bluejays will look to their experienced roster and the energy of their home crowd to propel them to victory and even the series with the Bulldogs.

A Clash of Styles: Contrasting Approaches to the Game

The matchup between the Creighton Bluejays and the Drake Bulldogs promises to be a clash of contrasting styles. The Bulldogs have found success through their relentless rebounding and ability to get to the free-throw line, averaging 40.5 rebounds and 59 free-throw attempts per game in their first two contests.In contrast, the Bluejays will look to counter with their perimeter-oriented offense and stifling defense. Led by the sharp-shooting of Jensen and the all-around contributions of Lockett, the Bluejays will aim to disrupt the Bulldogs' rhythm and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities.This stylistic clash will undoubtedly make for an entertaining and hard-fought battle, as both teams strive to gain the upper hand and secure a crucial early-season victory.