As the NCAA tournament approaches, the Creighton Bluejays are once again in the spotlight. They have secured a No. 9 seed in the South Region. This comes after a strong season where they finished with a 24-10 record.
Creighton also placed second in both the Big East regular season and tournament. Their journey in the tournament will begin with a match against Louisville in Lexington, Kentucky.
With a consistent track record of success, the Bluejays are poised to make another deep run. Key players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth have been instrumental in their success. They have contributed significantly in both offense and defense.
Creighton Bluejays’ 2023-2024 Season Overview
The Creighton Bluejays have had a remarkable season. They continued their streak of winning at least 22 games for six consecutive seasons. This year, they finished with a commendable 24-10 record.
Their performance in the Big East was particularly notable, as they secured second place in both the regular season and the tournament. Despite a valiant effort in the Big East tournament final, they fell short against top-seeded St. John’s, losing 82-66.
Big East Tournament Performance
Creighton’s journey in the Big East tournament was a testament to their resilience and skill. They were leading 41-38 with less than 13 minutes left in the final game before St. John’s took control. Despite the loss, the Bluejays’ performance showcased their potential and set the stage for their NCAA tournament run.
Key Players: Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth
Two players have been particularly pivotal to Creighton’s success this season: Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth. Their contributions on both ends of the court have been crucial in propelling the Bluejays to their current standing.
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Ryan Kalkbrenner: Defensive Powerhouse
Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a cornerstone of Creighton’s defense. As a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, his impact on the game cannot be overstated. Kalkbrenner is second in program history in points, blocked shots, and field-goal percentage.
This season, he is averaging 19.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, making him a semifinalist for the prestigious Naismith Trophy.
Steven Ashworth: Offensive Maestro
On the offensive end, Steven Ashworth has been a driving force. Averaging 16.4 points per game, Ashworth is seventh in Division I in assists. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, coupled with his own scoring prowess, has made him indispensable to the team.
Notably, Ashworth has made 103 of Creighton’s 321 three-pointers this season, showcasing his sharpshooting skills.
Creighton’s NCAA Tournament Path
As a No. 9 seed, Creighton will face Louisville in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Their path to the tournament has been marked by consistent performance and key victories.
Last season, the Bluejays advanced to the Sweet 16, and two seasons ago, they made it to the Elite Eight. This experience will be invaluable as they navigate the challenges of this year’s tournament.
First-Round Matchup: Louisville
Creighton’s first-round opponent, Louisville, is a formidable team. The game will take place in Lexington, Kentucky, adding an element of regional rivalry to the mix. The Bluejays will need to bring their A-game to advance past this tough opponent.
Potential Challenges and Opportunities
While Creighton has shown they can compete with the best, the tournament is always unpredictable. Key to their success will be maintaining their defensive intensity and continuing to capitalize on their offensive opportunities.
Kalkbrenner and Ashworth will need to lead by example, and the supporting cast must step up when called upon.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Creighton’s recent history in the NCAA tournament has been impressive. Their ability to consistently perform at a high level is a testament to the program’s strength and the players’ dedication.
Looking ahead, the Bluejays have the potential to make another deep run, building on their experiences from previous seasons.
Building on Past Success
A year ago, Creighton won tournament games against Akron and Oregon before being eliminated by Tennessee. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped the team’s approach and mindset. With a balanced roster and a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Creighton is well-positioned for success.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Creighton. With a strong foundation and a proven track record, the Bluejays are poised to continue their success in the coming years.
The development of key players and the recruitment of new talent will be critical as they aim to sustain and build upon their achievements.
For more detailed insights and updates on Creighton’s journey in the NCAA tournament, visit the full article on Omaha.com.
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