The Creighton men’s basketball team did not need an invitation into the Big East tournament final, because they have already kicked in the door.
The No. 14 Bluejays will face Providence, headquarters of the old Big East, in New York City, headquarters of the new Big East, in the final Saturday night at 8:30 in Madison Square Garden. Creighton earned their spot by disposing of Xavier 86-78 on Friday night.
Despite it being the Bluejays’ first year in this conference, they are confident that they can win the league.
“I think in the back of our minds we felt like we could compete in this league, simply because, besides Doug being a fourth-year player, Jahenns being a fourth-year player, Ethan’s a fifth-year player, Grant’s a sixth-year player, Will Artino’s a fourth-year player. Austin Chatman is a two-year starter,” head coach Greg McDermott said. “We just have so much experience and guys that know how to play basketball.”
Senior forward Doug McDermott continued his torrid scoring pace with a game-high 32 points against the Musketeers.
McDermott is now the fifth all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. He is now 87 points behind Mississippi Valley State’s Alfonso Ford in fourth place.
McDermott was only 10-20 from the field, but he added 10 more points from the free-throw line. As a team, the Bluejays took 24 free throws while Xavier only attempted 12.
McDermott’s performances in the Garden during the tournament have been much better than his first trip to New York, when the All-American was held scoreless for the final 8:40 against St. John’s.
“We were kind of in shock mode when we got here the first time because we all just dreamed of playing here,” McDermott said. “So now to be here, we were a little more comfortable these last two games because we already saw the atmosphere, what it’s like shooting here, and what the crowd’s like. “
Creighton held a comfortable lead for most of the ballgame, but the Musketeers went on a 20-6 run in the final minutes to make it five-point contest with just under 90 seconds remaining. To add to the panic for Bluejay fans, many homes in Omaha lost coverage of the game for the final four minutes.
Creighton held their composure down the stretch, though. Nine made free throws and a clutch rebound from junior guard Austin Chatman sealed the victory for the Bluejays.
Chatman also added 11 points, while senior forward Ethan Wragge chipped in 17, including five 3-pointers.
Wragge reflected on the moment after the game.
“Five years ago, I was playing just in the Missouri Valley, and now today – or tomorrow at least, we’ll be playing for one of the most historic college tournaments of all time,” Wragge said. “It’s just an unbelievable feeling, unbelievable ride, and we’re excited for it.”
Senior forward Isaiah Philmore scored a career-high 23 points for Xavier, and sophomore guard Semaj Christon added 18.