Selection Sunday recap: Omaha, Creighton punch tickets to NCAA tournament

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – While the Huskers clinched their third NCAA tournament berth in the past four years, three other Nebraska teams officially punched their ticket Sunday.

Creighton men’s and women’s teams both landed No. 9 seeds in this year’s NCAA tournaments.

Greg McDermott and the men’s team are set to square off with No. 8 Louisville in Lexington, Kentucky.

Whereas, the women’s team will play No. 8 Illinois in Birmingham, Alabama.

It’s the Bluejays fifth consecutive tournament appearance, and Senior Ryan Kalkbrenner’s last ride.

“We’re going to into this game as prepared as we’re ever going to be for any game this year,” said Kalkbrenner. “It’s March, anything can happen I know that. I know it’s my last March, so I’m going to take it all in.”

Creighton faced adversity multiple times this season with injuries and sickness. But, battled it out all in preparation for the big dance.

“It’s certainly been an uphill climb for us with the way we started this year,” said Head Coach Greg McDermott. “Really thrilled about the opportunity to continue to coach these guys.”

Creighton will tip off vs. Louisville as the first round opener Thursday, at 11:15 a.m.

The women’s game will tip off 6:15 p.m. Saturday.

But, there was one other school close by that also heard their name called, for the first time ever.

The Omaha Mavericks men’s basketball team was granted a 15 seed in their first NCAA tournament appearance, and will play No. 2 St. Johns in Providence, Rhode Island.

In just three years at the helm, head coach Chris Crutchfield putting the Mavs on the map.

After their first summit league regular season and tournament titles, they’re headed to the big dance for the first time in program history.

“That was the goal from day one. To put our university on a platform like this, to get people excited,” said Crutchfield.

The Mavs are led by 6’8 senior Marquel Sutton, who averages nearly 20 points per game, and has been waiting for this moment.

“I’ve been eager for this moment for a while, just to see who we play and where we play,” said Sutton. “We’re all excited. We can’t wait to get to Providence.”

The Mavericks will tip off vs. the Red Storm 8:45 p.m. Thursday.