Creighton Basketball Triumphs Over Marquette

Creighton Basketball Secures Thrilling Victory Over Ranked Opponent, Bolstering NCAA Tournament Hopes

Omaha, NE — February 15, 2024 — In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball team delivered a statement win last night, defeating the No. 12-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles 78-72 at CHI Health Center Omaha. The victory not only solidified Creighton’s position in the Big East Conference but also bolstered their resume for a coveted spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The Bluejays, led by head coach Greg McDermott, showcased their trademark high-octane offense and tenacious defense, overcoming a slow start to dominate the second half. Senior guard Trey Alexander was the standout performer, pouring in 24 points, including a clutch three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to seal the win. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner anchored the defense with four blocks and added 18 points, while Baylor Scheierman contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

'This was a huge win for us,' said McDermott in a post-game press conference. 'Our guys showed tremendous resilience tonight. Marquette is a fantastic team, and to come out on top in a game like this speaks volumes about our character and determination.'

The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip, with Marquette’s Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro keeping the Golden Eagles in contention throughout. However, Creighton’s depth and ability to execute in critical moments proved to be the difference. The Bluejays outscored Marquette 22-12 in the final eight minutes, capitalizing on key turnovers and converting at the free-throw line down the stretch.

With the win, Creighton improved to 19-6 overall and 10-4 in the Big East, positioning themselves firmly in the hunt for a top-four seed in the conference tournament. The victory also marked their fourth consecutive win, further solidifying their case for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Fans packed the arena, creating an electric atmosphere that players credited as a key factor in their performance. 'The energy from the crowd was unbelievable,' said Alexander. 'When you have that kind of support, it gives you an extra boost to push through tough moments.'

Looking ahead, the Bluejays face a challenging stretch of games, including matchups against conference rivals UConn and Providence. With March Madness on the horizon, Creighton’s focus remains on maintaining momentum and fine-tuning their game for a deep postseason run.

As the final buzzer sounded, the sold-out crowd erupted in celebration, chanting 'Go Jays!' in unison. For Creighton basketball, the future looks bright, and last night’s victory was a testament to their potential to make noise on the national stage.

Stay tuned for more updates as Creighton continues its quest for a Big East title and a memorable NCAA Tournament run.

Creighton Basketball Triumphs Over Marquette

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