No. 23 Creighton Faces No. 19 Gonzaga in Top 25 Showdown
The upcoming matchup between No. 23 Creighton and No. 19 Gonzaga promises to be an electrifying encounter. This Top 25 showdown will take place on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Both teams are preparing after their season-opening performances, with Creighton looking to improve and Gonzaga aiming to maintain their early-season momentum.
Recent Performance Insights
Creighton achieved a solid 92-76 victory over South Dakota last Wednesday. However, coaches expressed concern over the game despite the win. The Bluejays allowed 21 offensive rebounds to South Dakota, a statistic that raises eyebrows ahead of their clash with Gonzaga.
- South Dakota Paint Points: 48
- Creighton’s Offensive Rebounds Allowed: 21
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead. He mentioned the intensity of playing at Gonzaga’s home court, which he likened to a “hornet’s nest.” McDermott stated, “It’s not a lot of fun to play at that place.”
Coaching Perspectives
Creighton assistant Alan Huss emphasized the need for better performance against Gonzaga’s physical play. He noted the importance of being robust at the rim and in transition. “If we’re not prepared to fight a little harder… it’ll be ugly,” Huss warned.
Previous Encounters
Historically, both teams have faced off several times, with Gonzaga holding a significant advantage. In their most recent meeting, Creighton had a strong start but ultimately fell 103-92. Former player Zach Norvell Jr. played a pivotal role in that matchup, scoring 23 of his points in the second half.
Player Availability and Expectations
Creighton will look to integrate key players into their strategy. Starting forward Jasen Green is expected to return after missing the opener due to a concussion. Additionally, sophomore forward Kerem Konan, who missed the season opener, is anticipated to contribute against Gonzaga’s formidable frontcourt.
- Jasen Green: Expected to return
- Kerem Konan: Adding depth to the defense
Both teams possess exceptional talent. Gonzaga’s big men, Graham Ike and Braden Huff, displayed strength in their recent game against Oklahoma, collecting a combined 32 points and 20 rebounds. Creighton’s Owen Freeman emerged as a standout performer in their last game, contributing 19 points on efficient shooting.
Looking Ahead
This matchup marks just the fourth nonconference game between two Top 25 teams at the Kennel since 2015. Gonzaga has a strong record in these contests, having won five consecutive home games against ranked opponents.
As the Bluejays prepare for this crucial test, both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how they adapt to Gonzaga’s intense play style. The outcome will shed light on their potential for the remainder of the season.
