Creighton University’s basketball team achieved a significant victory over top-ranked Kansas, triumphing 76-63 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. This game marked the first loss of the season for the Jayhawks, who had maintained their No. 1 status in the AP poll until now.
Under the guidance of Coach Greg McDermott, Creighton’s players demonstrated their resilience and skill, continuing a trend of significant wins against top-tier teams. The Bluejays celebrated heartily on the court, echoing the excitement from their previous upset over UConn last season, which was their first-ever victory against a No. 1 team.
McDermott shared his thoughts on the win, emphasizing the importance of validating the team’s hard work through victories. “I think with every team, you’re selling a dream, you’re selling a plan,” he stated. “Until you’re able to validate that plan with a victory like this, I’m not sure the buy-in is what it’s going to be now.”
Creighton led from start to finish, quickly taking charge with a strong opening. Steven Ashworth impressed fans with a deep three-pointer before halftime, allowing the Bluejays to head to the locker room with a 10-point lead.
Although Kansas made a comeback attempt at the beginning of the second half, Creighton quickly regained momentum with a run of their own. The Bluejays maintained their lead, showcasing solid defensive play that held Kansas scoreless for over four minutes towards the end of the game. This allowed Creighton to extend their lead to 16 points before sealing the win.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, recovering from an injury, played a key role in the victory. Despite his recent struggles, he secured a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds while effectively defending against Kansas’ All-American center, Hunter Dickinson, who was limited to just six points.
Coach McDermott praised Kalkbrenner for his bravery and determination in showing up to play despite not practicing all week. “It’s just a gutsy, gutsy effort,” he said.
Leading the Bluejays was Pop Isaacs, who scored 27 points, successfully hitting 6 out of 9 from beyond the three-point line. Ashworth contributed significantly as well, with 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. For Kansas, Dajuan Harris Jr. was the top scorer with 15 points while Zeke Mayo added 12.
Kansas entered this matchup undefeated with crucial wins under their belt and is expected to face Missouri in their next game, followed by NC State and Brown.
While the Jayhawks’ prowess in the Big 12 remains a topic of discussion, Creighton’s performance serves as a reminder that no team is invincible. For Coach McDermott and his players, this victory signals a resurgence after overcoming previous struggles.
