Coyotes Fall to No. 23 Creighton 92-76 in Tough Road Test
OMAHA, Neb. — The South Dakota Coyotes faced a formidable challenge on the road Wednesday night, falling 92-76 to the No. 23 Creighton Bluejays in a non-conference basketball matchup at the CHI Health Center Omaha.
The game, which served as Creighton’s season opener, also marked a historic milestone for their head coach, Greg McDermott, who secured his 500th career Division I victory.
While the Coyotes battled, they were unable to overcome Creighton’s high-powered offense and size. The Bluejays established control early, taking a 48-35 lead into halftime and never looking back.
For South Dakota, the night provided a valuable, albeit difficult, experience for its new roster, particularly its promising freshman class.
Buzelis Shows Promise in Defeat
A bright spot for the Coyotes (0-2) was the performance of freshman guard Vince Buzelis. In a hostile environment against a nationally-ranked opponent, Buzelis was a key contributor on offense, finishing the game with 12 points.
He was one of two Coyotes to score in double figures, joined by Summit League preseason first-team selection Isaac Bruns, who led the team with 16 points.
Buzelis, a 6-foot-4 guard from Illinois, is a high-profile addition to the South Dakota program. He is the younger brother of Matas Buzelis, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and currently plays for the Chicago Bulls. The freshman’s poise and scoring ability against a Big East contender are positive signs for South Dakota as they navigate the early part of their season.
The Coyotes’ offense showed flashes of efficiency, particularly inside, but struggled to keep pace with Creighton’s balanced attack.
Creighton’s Depth and Power on Full Display
The Bluejays (1-0) demonstrated why they entered the season with a top-25 ranking. Their victory was a true team effort, with five different players scoring in double digits.
Creighton was led by Iowa transfer Owen Freeman, who made a significant impact in his Bluejay debut. Freeman posted a team-high 19 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-11 from the field.
The scoring didn’t stop there. Nik Graves added 15 points, freshman Jackson McAndrew had 13, Josh Dix contributed 11, and Isaac Traudt rounded out the effort with 10 points.
The Bluejays asserted their physical dominance throughout the contest, finishing the game with a total of eight dunks, including four from Freeman. They extended their 13-point halftime lead to as many as 21 points in the second half, putting the game firmly out of reach for the visiting Coyotes.
South Dakota, which opened its season with a narrow overtime loss to Utah Tech, now stands at 0-2. The tough early-season schedule is set to test the young team, but the experience gained by players like Buzelis and Bruns will be critical as they head toward Summit League play.
The Coyotes will look to regroup and hunt for their first win of the 2025-26 campaign in their upcoming games.
People Also Ask
How did Vince Buzelis play against Creighton?
Vince Buzelis, a freshman guard for South Dakota, scored 12 points in the Coyotes’ 92-76 road loss to No. 23 Creighton on November 5, 2025.
What was the final score of the South Dakota vs. Creighton basketball game?
The final score was 92-76 in favor of No. 23 Creighton. The game was played on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Who is Vince Buzelis?
Vince (Vincas) Buzelis is a 6-foot-4 freshman guard for the University of South Dakota Coyotes basketball team for the 2025-26 season. He is from Illinois and played at Hinsdale Central.
Is Vince Buzelis related to Matas Buzelis?
Yes, Vince Buzelis is the younger brother of Matas Buzelis, a professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls who was the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
What is the South Dakota Coyotes’ basketball record?
Following the loss to Creighton, the South Dakota Coyotes’ record fell to 0-2 to start the 2025-26 season.
Who was the leading scorer for South Dakota against Creighton?
Isaac Bruns was the leading scorer for South Dakota with 16 points. Vince Buzelis was second on the team with 12 points.
Who led Creighton in scoring?
Iowa transfer Owen Freeman led Creighton with 19 points in his debut for the Bluejays.
What major milestone did Creighton’s coach reach?
The win over South Dakota marked the 500th career Division I victory for Creighton’s head coach, Greg McDermott.
What college does Vince Buzelis go to?
Vince Buzelis attends and plays basketball for the University of South Dakota.
What position does Vince Buzelis play?
Vince Buzelis is listed as a 6-foot-4 guard for the South Dakota Coyotes.
