Creighton Men’s Basketball reclaimed their winning form as they held off No. 23 Providence at CHI Health Center on Saturday. Lead by the dynamic efforts from junior guard Trey Alexander and senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Jays (10-4) stifled the Friars, limiting them to just 60 points compared to their season average of 74 points per game to secure a much needed win in BIG EAST play.
The 69-60 victory marked a crucial moment in the Bluejays’ 2023-24 campaign. After being ranked as high as No. 8, the Jays desperately needed a win after suffering losses to No.10 Marquette and Villanova in overtime to start 1-2 in conference play.
Providence faced the challenge of missing key player Bryce Hopkins, whose absence was keenly felt after suffering an ACL injury. Despite the Friars’ determination to adapt to this setback, Creighton took control from the beginning. The game started with the Jays establishing Kalkbrenner’s inside presence, along with a well-executed offense that showcased the versatility of the Bluejays’ lineup.
“[Ryan] is the key to our offense, and the key to our defense,” senior guard Steven Ashworth said. “We are really grateful to have a guy like Ryan Kalkbrenner manning the home for us.”
The contest evolved into a tight contest as the Friars, guided by junior guard Devin Carter, fought valiantly to stay alive in the face of Creighton’s relentless offensive and defensive efforts. However, the Bluejays, buoyed by the by the inside dominance of Kalkbrenner and the finesse of Alexander, managed to maintain a slim 37-30 lead heading into halftime.
“Without Bryce Hopkins, guys like Devin Carter and [graduate student Josh] Oduro are going to be a bigger role for [Providence] on offense,” Kalkbrenner said, “so just going into the game, a big thing, me guarding Oduro and Trey guarding Carter. Trey did a really good job on Carter. I was able to limit Oduro. That was just the big focus. Once you take care of the little things, the other stuff starts to go. I was able to get a few easy baskets because my teammates found me in really easy situations.”
The turning point came early in the second half when Creighton embarked on a formidable 9-0 run. Three-pointers from redshirt sophomore and forward Mason Miller and senior guard Baylor Scheierman, along with an explosive and-one play from Kalkbrenner, propelled the Jays to a commanding 46-30 lead within the first three minutes of the half.
“The key to the game was the start of the second half,” head coach Greg McDermott said. “For us to create some separation there, that was the key to the game.”
Providence, undeterred, mounted a comeback, narrowing the game and bringing the game within one point after a deep dagger from Devin Carter. The Jay’s resilience was put to the test, and in a pivotal moment, Trey Alexander deliver a crucial three-pointer extending Creighton’s lead to 59-55 with just over three minutes remaining.
“We just let Trey do what he does,” McDermott said. “He had the confidence to shot that three off the dribble. Trey works on his game, so he’s ready for moments like that because of the work he has put in.”
As the clock wound down, Ashworth, displaying unwavering confidence after struggling in the past few games, hit a step-back three and sunk two critical free throws to ice the win for the Jays.
“I think that this time prides itself in everybody staying ready for when their moment is called. I think we’ve got eight or nine guys that were comfortable taking different shots in different situations, and so, tonight, it was my opportunity to make a play there,” Ashworth said. “Coach Mac has always been great about keeping my confidence high and my positivity there and I’m confident in those shots going in furthermore.”
Looking ahead, the Bluejays will take on DePaul tomorrow night in the Windy City of Chicago before facing off a talented 11-4, 3-1 in BIG EAST play, St. John’s squad Saturday afternoon at CHI Health Center. The upcoming matchups will undoubtedly test Creighton’s newfound momentum, providing them with crucial opportunities to solidify their position in the competitive BIG EAST conference.