Game Details:
- Matchup: South Dakota Coyotes vs. Creighton Bluejays
- Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM EST
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Betting Lines: Creighton -28.5, Over/Under 167.5
Game Outlook
The Creighton Bluejays open their 2025-26 college basketball season at home in Omaha, hosting the South Dakota Coyotes in what oddsmakers expect to be a lopsided affair. The Bluejays, a perennial Big East contender, are tabbed as massive 28.5-point favorites against the Coyotes. However, Creighton will be testing its depth from the opening tip, as the team is slated to begin the season without a key player. The lofty game total of 167.5 points suggests a high-paced, high-scoring game, but injury concerns could dictate whether that potential is realized.
Creighton Bluejays Analysis
The Bluejays enter the season with high expectations but will immediately face adversity. According to multiple reports, the team will be without guard Pop Isaacs, who is out long-term following a second hip surgery (Busting Brackets, Anonymous Eagle). Isaacs’ absence is a significant blow, as his ball-handling and scoring will be missed.
Further complicating matters, forward Fedor Zugic is listed as probable with an ankle injury, though he is expected to play (Busting Brackets). On a more positive note for the frontcourt, forward McAndrew, who missed the team’s first exhibition game, is slated to suit up for the season opener (FOX Sports). Creighton’s ability to navigate these injuries and showcase its depth will be the primary storyline as they look to justify the heavy favorite status and start their season with a dominant win.
South Dakota Coyotes Analysis
The South Dakota Coyotes travel to Omaha as major underdogs. The provided search results offer little insight into the current makeup of the Coyotes’ roster, with most information referencing past seasons or the university’s football program. There are no significant injuries reported for the South Dakota basketball team based on the available information. Facing a Big East powerhouse on the road, South Dakota’s primary goal will be to slow the tempo, remain competitive, and challenge a Creighton squad that is not at full strength.
Injury Report
- South Dakota: No significant injuries were reported in the provided search results.
- Creighton:
- Pop Isaacs, G: OUT (Hip)
- Fedor Zugic, F: Probable (Ankle)
Prediction & Pick
This is a classic early-season matchup between a powerhouse and a mid-major, but the injury to Creighton’s Pop Isaacs significantly alters the betting landscape. A 28.5-point spread is enormous for any game, let alone a season opener where offensive rhythm and team chemistry are still developing. Without a key guard to run their offense, the Bluejays may not fire on all cylinders immediately, making it difficult to cover such a massive number. While Creighton should win comfortably, South Dakota has a strong chance to keep the final margin under 29 points.
The high total of 167.5 also feels ambitious given the circumstances. Isaacs’ absence removes a primary scorer and playmaker from the floor, which should negatively impact Creighton’s offensive ceiling. Furthermore, as a huge underdog, South Dakota is likely to struggle to score efficiently against Creighton’s defense. This combination points toward a game that fails to reach the high-octane pace implied by the total.
The Pick: South Dakota +28.5
The Pick: Under 167.5
Sources:
Injury Prevention | South Dakota Department of Health
Workers’ Compensation – First Report of Injury
Reporting an Injury | North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance
South Dakota Employer’s First Report of Injury
North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance: Home
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South Dakota Personal Injury Attorneys – Loos, Sabers & Smith, LLP
Injury Prevention | Health and Human Services North Dakota