Nebraska at No. 7 Creighton: Fred Hoiberg, Sam Griesel preview matchup

Fred Hoiberg and his Nebraska squad are hoping to continue their winning ways after back-to-back wins over ACC foes Florida State and Boston College.

It won't come easy. A significant challenge lies ahead for the Huskers (5-3) as they must travel to Omaha to face No. 7 Creighton (6-2) for a 3:30 p.m. tip today (game available on FS1).

Greg McDermott and the Bluejays are looking to get back on track following two consecutive losses to No. 14 Arizona and No. 2 Texas.

Hoiberg spoke to the talent on the roster at Creighton and how they will challenge Nebraska.

"I think you saw that on full display against Texas the other night," Hoiberg said. "They shoot 4-for-27 and still had a chance to win that game against the No. 2 team in the country."

Hoiberg emphasized the importance of being smart, especially against elite center Ryan Kalkbrenner.

"When he blocks shots, it's basically a turnover that leads to a basket," Hoiberg said.

Hoiberg also stressed the importance of taking care of the basketball and not giving Creighton easy opportunities.

"Once they start playing downhill, they're unstoppable," he said.

Nonetheless, Hoiberg believes if his team can get off to a hot start and match Creighton's energy, they can withstand a hostile road environment.

"It's a team that's playing with some confidence right now," Hoiberg said of his own team. "They're doing a great job sharing the basketball. They play very unselfishly. They've gotten the ball to the right guy when he's gotten it going."

Sam Griesel has not faced Creighton in a Huskers' uniform, but the Lincoln, Neb., native understands the history of the rivalry and looks forward to the opportunity to play in it.

"Obviously, this has been circled on my mental schedule for a while now," the Lincoln East graduate said. "We can't let the moment get too big for us. It's just a basketball game at the end of the day."

Hoiberg recognizes the added significance of an in-state rivalry for players like Griesel. Hoiberg compared it to his days of playing in the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry, but he stressed the importance of not letting it affect how his team approaches the game.

Hoiberg believes the age and experience of his team will allow it to withstand adversity despite the hostile environment the Huskers are entering at CHI Health Center today.

"You can't change the way you play just because of all the hype that surrounds this game," he said. "They're a top-10 team in the country. When it's all said and done, that's a team that's going to be competing for a national championship."