On a five-game profitable streak, Creighton will attempt to keep inside attain of the Large East Convention leaders when it performs host to Xavier on Wednesday in Omaha, Neb.
The Bluejays (14-6, 7-2 Large East) have revived their season with a profitable streak that features a highway victory over two-time defending nationwide champion UConn. Additionally they have received seven of their previous eight video games, all in convention play.
Creighton rolled to a 79-54 dwelling win Saturday over Seton Corridor. Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 23 factors with 9 rebounds and three blocked photographs, whereas Steven Ashworth had 17 factors with 9 assists. The Bluejays shot 58.3 p.c from the ground.
“To win seven out of eight on this league is unquestionably one thing that may be a nice accomplishment, however on the similar time there’s a lot work to be finished and a lot we are able to be taught,” Ashworth stated. “… It is thrilling to have the ability to have that room to develop.”
Kalkbrenner grew to become the fifth participant in Creighton historical past to achieve 1,000 profession rebounds and is the 132nd participant in Division I historical past with 2,000 profession factors and 1,000 profession rebounds.
The 7-foot inside power has averaged 19.6 factors, 9.2 rebounds and 4.2 blocks through the win streak, above his season averages of 17.7, 8.4 and a couple of.9, respectively.
Xavier (13-8, 5-5) has been making its personal waves of late whereas profitable 4 of its previous 5 video games. The Musketeers additionally acquired previous UConn, pulling off a 76-72 dwelling victory on Saturday. They knocked off then-No. 7 Marquette 59-57 on the highway Jan. 18.
Xavier did lose to St. John’s final week, however that setback got here in extra time in opposition to the No. 20 staff within the nation, which moved as much as No. 15 this week.
In opposition to UConn, Zach Freemantle and Dailyn Swain every scored 15 factors for the Musketeers, whereas Dante Maddox Jr. had 14 whereas going 3 of 4 from 3-point vary. They held the Huskies to 31 second-half factors.
Regardless of ending off the victory, Xavier head coach Sean Miller might see clear areas the place his staff can enhance.
“Thrilled with the victory (however) we nonetheless did not end off the sport in addition to we might have,” Miller stated. “I want I might determine what button to press. I will keep at it to assist these guys be higher on the finish.”
–Subject Stage Media