That’s my immediate take away from Tuesday night’s thriller/classic between Nebraska and Creighton volleyball teams at the Devaney Center.

These are two NCAA Final Four-caliber teams. That was on display in a near three-hour, five-set match that was breathless, high-level college volleyball.

The Jays didn’t clear their Big Red bar but they came closer than ever. After losing the first two sets, Creighton dug in — literally — and forced a fifth set with their own incredible defense on display and heroics from transfers Elise Goetzinger and Maddy Bilinovic.

Back and forth the two rivals went, attacking, diving on defense, hitting rockets, blocking, making impossible saves.

Great, great stuff. The spine-tingling end of the third set was iconic.

The Jays didn’t get the W but they made Nebraska dig deep into their well of talent and resolve. And in NU’s best match of the early season, the Huskers flashed the kind of game it’s going to take to get back to the national title game.

What Nebraska is attempting to do this season is extremely difficult: make it back to the national title game a second straight year. They have to not only fight off tough opponents with a target on NU, the Huskers have to fight off any urge to take a night off — like they did at SMU.

There was no chance of that Tuesday night. The Huskers had something to prove and they were going to get Creighton’s best shot.

This electric match was a preview of what we’re going to be treated to this fall: two top 10 teams in the same area code, blasting a path to Louisville. For Nebraska, it’s always an expectation. For Creighton, it could be reality. The Jays have that look.

What an incredible show. What an incredible volleyball state. The poster girls are Norah Sis of Creighton and Lindsay Krause of NU, best friends from Omaha. They embraced before the game, then went out and sent rockets at each other for three hours.

It’s what this series, and sport, are all about in Nebraska. May the two buddies meet again later this year.