Matthew Foyt
Guest Reporter
The Creighton men’s basketball team took the lead on their first possession of the game and never looked back in a 65-52 route of the Indiana State Sycamores Tuesday night.
The Bluejays had a combined 21 assists on 25 baskets and center Kenny Lawson Jr. had 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the team.
“Kenny’s a big part of our team. He’s developed,” Coach Dana Altman said. “When he plays well, we play better. No doubt about it.”
Indiana State began and played most of the game in the 2-3 zone defense in an attempt to slow Creighton’s post presence, which opened up the perimeter shooting. However the Bluejays were only 5-19 from the three-point line while taking a 31-24 lead into the half.
One of those threes came from freshman Ethan Wragge, who has hit a 3-point basket in 12 straight games, tying Rodney Buford for the longest streak by a freshman in school history. Wragge ended the game 3 of 6 from behind the arch to end the contest with nine points.
Lawson came out in the second half determined to put pressure on an undermanned Indiana State team that only suited eight players.
“He (Lawson) anchors them,” said Indiana State Coach and former Creighton basketball player Kevin McKenna said. “If he can command some double teams and he’s getting good position, they will spread you out with good shooters.”
Guards Harry Marshall, Dwayne Lathan and Jake Kelly were all out with injuries for the Sycamores. They are three of the top four scorers on the Indiana State team.
Darryl Ashford and Justin Carter combined for 14 points and 10 assists to help the Jays. Creighton shot 41.7 percent for the game, 34.5 percent from 3-point range while outrebounding the Sycamores 38-31.
Carl Richard led Indiana State, with 15 points and Rashad Reed had 13 in a losing effort. The Sycamores hit 37.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from behind the arch.
Creighton is now 13-12 on the season and tied for third in the Missouri Valley Conference with Illinois State at 8-6. Indiana State is 14-11 on the season and 6-8 in the MVC.