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In a remarkable show of skill, Ryan Kalkbrenner led No. 19 Creighton to a 78-71 win against Xavier this Saturday, posting a personal tally of 28 points.
Supporting Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman put up 16 points helping the Bluejays (17-7, 8-5) to snap out of their potential first three-game losing streak in the Big East since 2019.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott expressed the significance of the win, especially when it comes to away games in the league. He highlighted the challenge presented by the home team, citing the exceptional form Xavier had exhibited recently.
After tough losses to Butler at home (99-98) and an overtime defeat at Providence (91-87), Creighton managed to bounce back. Scheierman emphasized the ‘next game mentality,’ attributing their recovery to focused preparation.
Missing this opportunity was significant for Xavier (13-11, 7-6), who were on a streak of three wins that were bolstering their NCAA Tournament aspirations. Desmond Claude and Dayvion McKnight were standout performers for Xavier, scoring 22 and 21 points respectively.
Xavier coach Sean Miller acknowledged Creighton’s superiority and the need for his team to be at their absolute best to stand a chance, a scenario he felt did not take place.
Despite a slow start with Creighton missing its initial eight 3-point shots, they finished the first half strongly and were ahead by nine points at the break. Kalkbrenner was dominant, scoring 14 in the half and finished just a point short of his season-high on an efficient 12-of-14 shooting.
Coach McDermott praised Kalkbrenner’s impact and noted the team’s ability to find scoring opportunities even when their 3-pointers weren’t hitting the mark.
A scoring drought for Xavier at the end of the first half carried on until Quincy Olivari’s three-pointer in the second half. Historical data shows the tight competition between these teams since they both joined the Big East in 2013.
A Kalkbrenner dunk lifted the score to 66-46 in favor of Creighton with 9:13 remaining. Xavier managed to cut the lead down to five points late in the game, but Creighton held firm for the win. Olivari from Xavier noted their disappointment, feeling that they had not done enough to secure a victory against a strong Creighton side.
TEAM COLLABORATION
Creighton’s team play stood out, with an impressive 23 assists on 31 field goals, compensating for their poorer shooting performance.
Steven Ashworth contributed a team-high nine assists, with Scheierman adding another eight.
OVERVIEW:
Creighton: Steven Ashworth continued his scoring streak, contributing 12 points and playing the complete game on Saturday.
Xavier: Known for their speed, Xavier is highly ranked in the Big East and nationally for fast-break points. However, Creighton limited them to just 15 on Saturday.
WHAT’S NEXT
Creighton is set to host Georgetown on Tuesday night.
Xavier faces a road game against Seton Hall on Wednesday night.
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FAQs:
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What was Ryan Kalkbrenner’s performance like against Xavier?
Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 28 points for Creighton, leading them to a 78-71 victory over Xavier.
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How did Creighton manage to win despite their three-point shooting struggles?
Creighton’s offensive efficiency and inside scoring, particularly by Kalkbrenner, helped them compensate for the less than stellar three-point shooting performance.
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What is the significance of this win for Creighton?
The win was crucial for avoiding their first three-game losing streak in the Big East since 2019 and maintaining their top 25 ranking.
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What does this loss mean for Xavier?
The loss halts Xavier’s three-game winning streak that was reviving their chances for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Conclusion:
In an intense Big East matchup, Creighton showcased their resilience by rebounding from a string of losses to secure an important win on the road. Ryan Kalkbrenner’s dominant display and the team’s overall unselfish play were fundamental to their performance, demonstrating their impressive depth and tactical flexibility. Xavier, on the other end, must regroup and look forward as they continue to vie for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Both teams will proceed to upcoming games with lessons learned and experiences gained from this competitive encounter.
