Creighton’s recent run puts Big East title in sight
A season that started with low expectations could finish at unprecedented heights for Creighton.
The 10th-ranked Bluejays are one of the hottest teams in the nation heading into their final three regular-season games. They’ve knocked off four Top 25 opponents while winning nine of their last 10. They sit one game behind first-place Seton Hall in the Big East.
“Right now, we’ve put the pieces together, we’re playing connected,” guard Mitch Ballock said. “When we do that, we have the ability to skyrocket.”
The Bluejays (22-6, 11-4) came into the season picked seventh in the 10-team Big East, and with two projected starters out for the year because of injuries. Since a 1-3 stretch in January, they’ve been nearly unstoppable.
Creighton, which didn’t appear in The Top 25 until Jan. 13, has its highest ranking since it was No. 7 in 2017. The Bluejays are No. 8 in the NCAA’s latest NET rankings. Most NCAA bracket projections list them as a No. 3 seed.
“It definitely puts a target on your back and you’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” 10th-year coach Greg McDermott said.
“At this stage of the season and in our league, you have so many teams fighting for seeding and for an NCAA bid, you’re going to get everybody’s best shot anyway.”
Ballock, Marcus Zegarowski and TyShon Alexander rank in the top five in Big East 3-point shooting, each making 40% or better in an offense that thrives in transition. Damien Jefferson, the fourth guard, stuffs the stat sheet with his versatility. The 6-foot-7 Christian Bishop, who was forced into the center’s role out of necessity, has become a major factor. Another weapon was added when transfer Denzel Mahoney became eligible in December.
Next up is Sunday’s game at St. John’s. Win there, and the Bluejays would return home for their final two games against Georgetown and Seton Hall with a chance to win the Big East regular-season title for the first time since they entered the league seven years ago.
Badgers stay hot, upset Michigan: D’Mitrik Trice scored 28 points and Wisconsin snapped No. 19 Michigan’s winning streak at five with an 81-74 road victory Thursday night.
The Badgers (18-10, 11-6 Big Ten) extended their own winning streak to five, never trailing in the game and repelling every Michigan push in the second half.
Aleem Ford had 18 points and eight rebounds and Micah Potter added 18 points and seven boards in the victory.
Zavier Simpson scored a career-high 32 points for the Wolverines (18-10, 9-8), who were without guard Eli Brooks because of a broken nose.