Saturday, January 20
Providence, R.I.
2:00 PM
Creighton University
at
Providence
Manny Suarez
Photo by: Joe Willman
Men's Basketball Opens Road Trip at Providence on Saturday
1/19/2018 8:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Bluejays seek third straight victory over the Friars
Download Notes as a PDF
Game #20: Creighton Bluejays at Providence Friars
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 • 2:05 p.m. CST
Dunkin' Donuts Center (12,410) • Providence, R.I.
Radio: KOZN (1620 AM); www.1620thezone.com
Television: CBS Sports Network
Series History: Providence leads, 13-8
Last Meeting: Creighton 83, Providence 64 on Dec. 31, 2017 in Omaha, Neb.
Next Game
Creighton (15-4, 5-2 BIG EAST) opens a two-game road swing at Providence (13-6, 4-2 BIG EAST) on Saturday. Tip off at Dunkin' Donuts Center (12,410) in Providence, R.I., is set for 2:05 p.m. Central.
Radio Broadcast Information
KOZN (1620 AM) will broadcast all Creighton men's basketball games during the 2017-18 season, while KOOO (101.9 FM) will also broadcast all home games.
   John Bishop and former Bluejay Taylor Stormberg will call the action. The audio is also webcast live at www.1620thezone.com.
Television Broadcast Information
Saturday's game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. The announcers for the game will be Tom McCarthy and Jordan Cornette.
Video Webcast Information
To stream Saturday's game on CBS Sports Network, visit http://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbssportsnetwork and enter your provider for cable authorization.
   It is available on mobile devices using the CBS Sports App with the same info.
Live Stats Information
All of Creighton's games this season will have free live stats. Visit www.gocreighton.com and click on the small bar graph icon on the scoreboard at the top of the page for the event of your choosing.
   Home games can also be followed by those who have mobile devices with internet capability at www.gocreightonstats.com.
Scouting Creighton
Creighton is 15-4 this year (5-2 BIG EAST) and the top team among those "also receiving votes" in both polls. All four losses have come to teams that were ranked at the time (No. 22 Baylor, No. 15 Gonzaga, No. 23 Seton Hall, No. 10 Xavier), but the Bluejays are also one of eight teams nationally with three wins over top-25 teams.
   Creighton is a perfect 12-0 at home, with nine double-digit victories, outscoring foes 92.4 - 66.5 in those contests in Omaha.
   Senior guard Marcus Foster (19.2 ppg.) was a unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST pick last season, when he scored 18.2 points per game. Foster led the BIG EAST in field goals made last winter and has earned Preseason All-BIG EAST acclaim this winter. He is the nation's active leader in career field goals made and seventh in career points as well.
   Lockdown defender Khyri Thomas (14.0 ppg., 4.2 rpg.) was named an Honorable Mention Preseason All-BIG EAST choice in October. Thomas was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year last season and scored a career-high 24 points in the win at Northwestern.
   Sophomore big man Martin Krampelj has made a huge improvement from last year in the middle, averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in his first year as a starter, including double-doubles in four of the first seven league contests, but tore the ACL in his left knee Wednesday's win over No. 19 Seton Hall and w ill miss the rest of the season.
   Senior Toby Hegner ranks fourth on the team in scoring at 9.3 points per game and had a season-high 19 points in CU's win at Georgetown on Jan. 6.
Creighton is averaging 88.3 points per game this season (sixth nationally), shooting 51.0 percent from the floor (ninth nationally), and 38.4 percent from three-point range. CU also owns a 1.67 assist/turnover ratio (fourth nationally) to date, a +4.7 rebound margin and leads the country with 31.16 defensive rebounds per game.
Scouting Providence
Providence has battled through a season ravaged by injuries to post a 13-6 mark, including a 4-2 BIG EAST record. The Friars are always tough at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, where they are 9-2 this season, with five games being decided by five points or less.
   Rodney Bullock averages 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game to pace the team in all three categories.
   Also scoring in double-figures a Alpha Diallo (11.4 ppg.), Kyron Cartwright (11.1 ppg., 6.4 apg.) and Jalen Lindsey (10.1 ppg.).
   The Friars are averaging 76.5 points per game while surrendering 71.5 points per contest. Providence is -0.1 rebounds per game on the glass and shoot 46.7 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three-point range, as well as 68.8 percent at the line.
The Coaches
Greg McDermott (Northern Iowa, 1988) is in his eighth season as head coach at Creighton. He is 181-86 with the Bluejays. McDermott has previously been a head coach at Iowa State (2006-10), Northern Iowa (2001-06), North Dakota State (2000-01) and Wayne State (1994-2000). He owns a career mark of 461-281 in his 24th season and is 330-217 in his 17th Division I campaign. McDermott is assisted by Darian DeVries, Preston Murphy and Alan Huss.
   Ed Cooley (Stonehill, 1994) is 228-155 in his 12th year as a head coach, including a 133-86 mark in his seventh year at Providence. He has led Providence to the NCAA Tournament each of the past four seasons. He was previously coach at Fairfield before heading to Friartown. Cooley is assisted by Ivan Thomas, Brian Blaney and Jeff Battle.
The Series With Providence
Providence owns a 13-8 lead in a series that dates back to 1961, including a 7-2 lead in Rhode Island.
   Overall, Providence has won seven of the 11 meetings since the two became BIG EAST foes, but Creighton won 2-of-3 meetings last winter against the Friars and defeated PC 83-64 on Dec. 31, 2017 in Omaha.
   Greg McDermott is 4-7 against Providence and Ed Cooley. Cooley is 7-5 against the Bluejays, as his Fairfield team fell on March 22, 2010 in a CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament game that was the last Bluejay game ever played at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
How You Can Help
There are two ways you can help support some causes that mean a great deal to Creighton Basketball.
   The program's seventh annual Creighton vs. Cancer Pink Out auction is underway now through Sunday evening, and is an opportunity to bid on jerseys, shooting shirts, basketballs, and Greg McDermott's tie and shoes from the Jan. 27 Pink Out game vs. Georgetown. To bid, visit GoCreighton.com/PinkOutAuction.
   McDermott is one of 48 Division I men's basketball coaches participating in the eighth annual Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge, as announced by Infiniti and partners the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the NCAA and ESPN. The Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge is a four-round online bracket tournament in which coaches represent charities and compete for fan votes.
   McDermott will represent and compete on behalf Abide, an amazing charity that is an inner city nonprofit with a mission to transform Omaha one neighborhood at a time.
   To vote for McDermott each day, visit GoCreighton.com/VoteCoachMac.
With A Win...
- Creighton would win for the 11th time in 13 games, and move into a tie for first place in the BIG EAST (though percentage points behind 5-1 Villanova, which plays UConn on Saturday).
- Creighton would earn a regular-season sweep of Providence for the first time.
- Creighton would win at Dunkin' Donuts Center for the second straight year after losing its first three BIG EAST trips there.
Krampelj Out For Season With Torn ACL
Sophomore forward Martin Krampelj will miss the rest of the 2017-18 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Creighton's win over No. 19 Seton Hall on January 17th.
   Krampelj was widely regarded as one of the BIG EAST's most improved players in 2017-18, as he was averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game on 67.1 percent shooting after averaging 2.8 points,.2.2 rebounds and 5.9 minutes last year.
   This is the third torn ACL for Krampelj, and second time he's injured his left knee.
Harrell Steps Up
Ronnie Harrell Jr. scored a career-high 18 points in Wednesday's victory over No. 19 Seton Hall, adding five rebounds, four assists and two steals in 28 minutes of work.
   Harrell tied or exceeded his previous season-highs in field goals made, field goals attempted, steals, points and steals.
   Harrell also had the No. 9 play on SportsCenter's top 10 on Wednesday night for a transition bucket in which he went behind-the-back before laying it in.
Jays Hold Serve
One of the keys for any team with BIG EAST title aspirations is to hold serve at home, and find a way to win road games in conference play.
   Creighton is a perfect 12-0 at home this year, and 4-0 in league play in Omaha.
   The top seven teams in the BIG EAST standings entering this weekend are a combined 72-6 overall at home, and a collective 20-3 in league play.
   The only three home losses in conference action have come by Providence (Marquette 95-90 in OT), Marquette (Xavier 91-87) and Butler (Seton Hall, 90-87).
Foster Reaches 1,000 Points at Creighton
Marcus Foster owns 1,002 points at Creighton through 54 career games, surpassing the 1,000 mark on Jan. 17 vs. No. 19 Seton Hall with a three-pointer in the final minutes. That doesn't include the 875 points that Foster scored at Kansas State his first two years of college.
   Foster is the 40th player overall to score 1,000 career points as a Bluejay.
   Here's the top 50 career scorers in Creighton history. In addition to Foster's chase for 1,000 points, it's worth noting that Khyri Thomas also moved into the top-50 on Wednesday.
Most Career Points, Creighton History
   Rank   Pts.   Name   Years
   1.   3,150   Doug McDermott   2010-14
   2.   2,116   Rodney Buford   1995-99
   3.   2,110   Bob Harstad    1987-91
   4.   1,983   Chad Gallagher    1987-91
   5.   1,876   Bob Portman    1966-69
   6.   1,801   Kyle Korver   1999-03
   7.   1,754   Nate Funk   2002-07
   8.   1,682   Rick Apke    1974-78
   9.   1,661   Paul Silas   1961-64
   10.   1,654   Vernon Moore    1981-85
   11.   1,575   Benoit Benjamin    1982-85
   12.   1,526   John C. Johnson   1975-79
   13.   1,500   Kevin McKenna   1977-81
   14.   1,437   Eddie Cole   1951-55
   15.   1,369   Gene Harmon   1971-74
   16.   1,361   Duan Cole   1987-92
   17.   1,342   Antoine Young   2008-12
   18.   1,313   Kenny Lawson Jr.   2006-11
   19.   1,309   Ryan Sears   1997-01
   20.   1,303   Elton Tuttle   1951-54
   21.   1,272   Bob Gibson   1954-57
   22.   1,267   Wally Anderzunas   1965-67, 1968-69
   23.   1,254   Gary Swain   1983-87
   24.   1,238   Ben Walker   1997-01
   25.   1,196   Ray Yost   1951-54
   26.   1,172   Dick Harvey   1956-59
   27.   1,155   Ethan Wragge   2009-14
   28.   1,152   Dane Watts   2004-08
   29.   1,116   Kenny Evans   1982-87
   30.   1,115   Doug Brookins   1972-75
   31.   1,115   Daryl Stovall   1978-82
   32.   1,093   Tim Powers   1964-67
   33.   1,050   Reggie Morris   1982-86
   34.   1,031   Johnny Mathies   2003-06
   35.   1,024   P'Allen Stinnett   2007-10
   36.   1,023   Rod Mason   1986-88
   37.   1,013   Austin Chatman   2011-15
   38.   1,006   Gregory Echenique   2010-13
   39.   1,004   Anthony Tolliver   2003-07
   40.   1,002   Marcus Foster   2016-Pres.
   41.   994   Chuck Officer   1960-62, 1963-64
   42.   979   Terrell Taylor   1999-02
   43.   967   David Wesely   1975-79
   44.   965   Fritz Pointer   1963-66
   45.   939   Cyril Baptiste   1969-71
   46.   931   Cornell Smith   1973-77
   47.   921   Jim Berry   1955-59
   48.   915   Darryl Stovall   1978-82
   49.   914   Francis (Ick) Miller   1948-51
   50.   909   Khyri Thomas   2015-Pres.
Foster's Race To 1,000
Wednesday was the 54th game of Marcus Foster's Creighton career, reaching 1,000 points in fewer games than any Bluejay since Bob Portman did it in a school-record 43 games on Feb. 8, 1968.
   The only players in Creighton history to score 1,000 points or more in their first two seasons are  now Doug McDermott (1,382), Portman (1,195), Paul Silas (1,124), Rod Mason (1,023), Rodney Buford (1,010) and Foster (1,002).
   Foster leads Creighton with 19.2 points per game and has averaged 18.6 per contest in his Bluejay career. He's scored seven points or more in every game since arriving at CU, and owns a career-high of 35 points (last season vs. Georgetown).
   Foster is the second Bluejay transfer from a four-year school to reach 1,000 career points at CU, joining Gregory Echenique (Rutgers). Two other junior college transfers (Mason and Johnny Mathies) have also scored 1,000 points after joining the Bluejays.
Games To 1,000 Points, Last 16 Bluejays
Name   CU Games to 1,000 pts.    Date
Marcus Foster   54   01/17/18
Austin Chatman   138   03/11/15
Ethan Wragge   132   01/18/14
Gregory Echenique   101   03/24/13
Doug McDermott   57   01/15/12
Antoine Young   115   12/10/11
Kenny Lawson Jr.   108   11/21/10
P'Allen Stinnett   86   01/16/10
Dane Watts   115   01/22/08
Anthony Tolliver   124   03/16/07
Johnny Mathies   91   03/03/06
Nate Funk   92   02/28/05
Kyle Korver   81   01/30/02
Ben Walker   105   01/06/01
Ryan Sears   97   12/01/00
Rodney Buford   59   03/01/97
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Marcus Foster, Bucket Getter
Marcus Foster ranks among the nation's best when it comes to putting the ball in the hole and scoring.
   Foster ranks first among the nation's active Division I players in field goals made, third in double-figure scoring games, and seventh in points. Former Bluejay Doug McDermott owns the NCAA record with 135 career double-figure scoring games.
   Here's that list, through games of Jan. 17:
Most Career Field Goals, Nation's Active Leaders
   Rank   FG   Name, School   Next Game
   1.   676   Marcus Foster, Creighton   1/20
   2.   668   Jordan Howard, Central Arkansas   1/20
   3.   641   Peyton Aldridge, Davidson   1/19
   4.   638   Jonathan Stark, Murray State   1/18
   5.   637   Trevon Bluiett, Xavier   1/20
Most Career Points, Nation's Active Leaders
   Rank   Points   Name, School   Next Game
   1.   2,126   Jordan Howard, Central Arkansas   1/20
   2.   2,047   James Daniel III, Tennessee   1/20
   3.   2,010   Andrew Rowsey, Marquette   1/24
   4.   1,972   Trevon Bluiett, Xavier   1/20
   5.   1,889   Mike Daum, South Dakota St.   1/20
   6.   1,878   Jonathan Stark, Murray State   1/18
   7.   1,877   Marcus Foster, Creighton   1/20
   8.   1,840   Wesley Person, Troy   1/18
Most Career Games, 10+ Points, Active Players
   Rank   10+ Games   Name, School   Next Game
   1.   104   Jordan Howard, Central Arkansas   1/17
   2.   104   Trevon Bluiett, Xavier   1/20
   3.   98   Marcus Foster, Creighton   1/20
      98   Wesley Person, Troy   1/18
He Shoots, He Scores!
Marcus Foster is shooting 50.7 percent from the field (on all shots) this year despite shooting 6.6 three-pointers per game.
   Per stats from Basketball-Reference.com, Foster is one of four Power Conference players since 1992-93 that has shot 49 percent or better overall despite attempting 6.5 three-pointers per game.
   Each of the other three men were named consensus All-Americans.
50% FG & 6.5 3FGA/Game Since 1992-93, Power Leagues
Name, School   Year   FG%   3FGA/G
Shan Foster, Vanderbilt   2007-08   .523   8.4
Marcus Foster, Creighton   2017-18   .507   6.6
Salim Stoudamire, Arizona   2004-05   .504   6.6
Buddy Hield, Oklahoma   2015-16   .501   8.7
Strong League Start Projects To Postseason
Creighton has started 5-2 or better in league play for the sixth time in Greg McDermott's eight seasons at the helm.
   His first three teams that started 5-2 or better not only reached the NCAA Tournament, but won a game in the Big Dance. The 2015-16 team opened 5-2 and won a pair of NIT games before falling in the quarterfinals. Last year's team reached the NCAA's but lost in the First Round.
   Each of Creighton's 13 teams since 1988-89 to start 5-2, 6-1 or 7-0 in league play have reached the postseason, a stretch that includes eight NCAA Tournaments and five NIT's.
What's Your 20?
Saturday's game will be Creighton's 20th contest of the season. With 15 wins already, Creighton has assured itself of being .500 or better after 20 games in 22 of the last 23 seasons (including 2017-18).
   Even more impressive, Creighton has now won at least 13 of its first 20 games in 19 of the last 21 seasons (including 2017-18)
Creighton -- First 20 Games, Last 23 Years
Year   First 20 W-L   Final W-L   Postseason
2017-18   15-4 so far   ? ? ?   ? ? ?
2016-17Â Â Â 18-2Â Â Â 25-10Â Â Â NCAA
2015-16Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 20-15Â Â Â NIT
2014-15Â Â Â 9-11Â Â Â 14-19Â Â Â --
2013-14Â Â Â 17-3Â Â Â 27-8Â Â Â NCAA
2012-13Â Â Â 17-3Â Â Â 28-8Â Â Â NCAA
2011-12Â Â Â 18-2Â Â Â 29-6Â Â Â NCAA
2010-11Â Â Â 13-7Â Â Â 23-16Â Â Â CBI
2009-10Â Â Â 10-10Â Â Â 18-16Â Â Â CIT
2008-09Â Â Â 15-5Â Â Â 27-8Â Â Â NIT
2007-08Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 22-11Â Â Â NIT
2006-07Â Â Â 13-7Â Â Â 22-11Â Â Â NCAA
2005-06Â Â Â 15-5 Â Â Â 20-10Â Â Â NIT
2004-05Â Â Â 13-7Â Â Â 23-11Â Â Â NCAA
2003-04Â Â Â 17-3Â Â Â 20-9Â Â Â NIT
2002-03Â Â Â 18-2Â Â Â 29-5Â Â Â NCAA
2001-02Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 23-9Â Â Â NCAA
2000-01Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 24-8Â Â Â NCAA
1999-00Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 23-10Â Â Â NCAA
1998-99Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 22-9Â Â Â NCAA
1997-98Â Â Â 14-6Â Â Â 18-10Â Â Â NIT
Unranked Success
Creighton is a perfect 12-0 this season against unranked teams as it enters a three-game stretch against unranked Providence, St. John's and Georgetown.
   Marcus Foster has scored 20.1 points per game against unranked foes, shooting 56.4 percent from the field and 49.4 percent from three-point range, to pace a Bluejay attack that has outscored foes by an average of 93.2 - 66.8.
   In the 12 games against unranked foes, Creighton has trailed just 8.4 percent of the time (for a total of 40:16 of 480 minutes), and did not trail at any point in six of those victories.
   Through games of January 18, only four teams (of 351) are still unbeaten against unranked foes this season. That list consists of Cincinnati (16-0), Virginia (16-0), West Virginia (13-0) and Creighton (12-0).
   No team has finished the season unbeaten against unranked foes since Kentucky (30-0) and Virginia (26-0) in 2014-15.
How They Rank?
Wednesday's game vs. No. 19 Seton Hall was Creighton's seventh game of the season against a top-25 team, the most in the country. Creighton is 3-4 in those contests, including a 2-4 mark away from home.
   In the seven games against ranked foes, Creighton averaged 79.9 points per contest, lost the rebound battle by 1.4 caroms per game, and had 110 assists against just 88 turnovers.
   Marcus Foster (17.6), Khyri Thomas (14.1), and Martin Krampelj (11.7) have each averaged in double-figures.
   CU has led for 194:30, trailed for 72:51 and were tied for 12:39 in those 280 minutes against top-25 foes.
   Below is a list of schools with the most games this season played against AP Top 25 teams (at time of game), through January 17:
   Games   School
   7   Creighton
   6   Oklahoma
   6   Savannah State
   6   Texas Tech
   5   Baylor
   5   Butler
   5   Kansas
   5   Marquette
   5   North Carolina
   5   Oklahoma State
   5   Rutgers
   5   SMU
   5   Texas
   5   Vanderbilt
   5   West Virginia
   5   Wisconsin
Loaded Schedule Under McDermott
Wednesday's contest against No. 19 Seton Hall was Creighton's seventh different game this season against a team ranked in the top-25. This is the fourth straight season that the Bluejays have faced at least seven ranked teams in one season, after never having done it prior to Greg McDermott's arrival in 2010-11.
Most Games vs. Top 25 Teams, Season
   Games   Season   Coach
   8   2014-15   Greg McDermott
   8   2015-16   Greg McDermott
   7   2016-17   Greg McDermott
   7   2017-18   Greg McDermott
   6   1971-72   Eddie Sutton
   5   1968-69   Eddie Sutton
   5   1969-70   Eddie Sutton
   5   1981-82   Willis Reed
Top 25 Success
Creighton had four wins over top-25 teams last season, twice as many as any previous campaign in program history. This year's team owns three wins over the top-25, second-most in program history.
   This year's team is 3-4 against ranked teams, beating No. 20 Northwestern on Nov. 15th, No. 23 UCLA on Nov. 20th and No. 19 Seton Hall on Jan. 17th. The victories over the Wildcats and Bruins marked the first time in program history that CU has ever beaten top-25 foes in consecutive games.
Most Top-25 Wins, Season
   Wins   Season   Top-25 Victims
   4   2016-17   #9 Wisconsin, #12 Butler,
         #16 Butler, #22 Xavier
   3   2017-18   #20 Northwestern, #23 UCLA,
         #19 Seton Hall
   2   1973-74   #6 Marquette, #16 Louisville
   2   2001-02   #15 Florida, #17 Western Kentucky
   2   2006-07   #11 Southern Illinois, #24 Xavier
   2   2013-14   #4 Villanova, #6 Villanova
   2   2015-16   #5 Xavier, #18 Butler
Rank And File
Creighton made some school history when it defeated top-25 teams in consecutive games for the first time in November with victories over No. 20 Northwestern and No. 23 UCLA.
   Through games of January 17th, Creighton is one of eight teams nationally with three or more top-25 wins this season.
   Ranked Wins   School   Home   Road   Neutral
   5   Oklahoma   2   2   1
   5   Texas Tech   3   1   1
   4   Duke   1   1   2
   3   Creighton   1   1   1
   3   Florida   0   1   2
   3   Kansas   1   1   1
   3   NC State   2   0   1
   3   Xavier   3   0   0
   2   Alabama   2   0   0
   2   Arizona   1   0   1
   2   Arizona State   0   1   1
   2   Arkansas   2   0   0
   2   Auburn   1   1   0
   2   Clemson   1   0   1
   2   Colorado   2   0   0
   2   Florida State   1   1   0
   2   Miami (Fla.)   1   1   0
   2   Michigan State   1   0   1
   2   North Carolina   1   1   0
   2   Purdue   1   0   1
   2   Seton Hall   0   1   1
   2   SMU   0   1   1
   2   Tennessee   1   0   1
   2   Texas   2   0   0
   2   Texas A&M   0   1   1
   2   Villanova   1   0   1
   2   West Virginia   2   0   0
   1   Ball State   0   1   0
   1   Boston College   1   0   0
   1   Butler   1   0   0
   1   Georgia   0   0   1
   1   Georgia Tech   1   0   0
   1   Gonzaga   1   0   0
   1   Indiana   0   0   1
   1   Kansas State   1   0   0
   1   Louisville   0   1   0
   1   Loyola (Chicago)   0   1   0
   1   LSU   0   1   0
   1   Marquette   1   0   0
   1   Michigan   0   1   0
   1   Minnesota   0   0   1
   1   Mississippi State   1   0   0
   1   Missouri   1   0   0
   1   Nebraska   1   0   0
   1   New Mexico State   0   0   1
   1   Notre Dame   0   0   1
   1   Ohio State   1   0   0
   1   Oklahoma State   0   0   1
   1   Oregon   0   1   0
   1   Providence   1   0   0
   1   Rhode Island   0   0   1
   1   Rutgers   1   0   0
   1   San Diego State   1   0   0
   1   Seton Hall   1   0   0
   1   South Carolina   1   0   0
   1   TCU   0   0   1
   1   UCF   0   1   0
   1   Virginia   1   0   0
   1   Washington   0   0   1
   1   Washington State   0   0   1
   1   Western Kentucky   0   0   1
   1   Wichita State   0   1   0
   1   Wofford   0   1   0
More Top 25 News
Creighton owns seven wins against the Top 25 since the start of last season, a figure that ranks tied for seventh-most nationally through games of January 17th.
   Ranked Wins   School
   13   Duke
   12   North Carolina
   9   Villanova
   9   Kansas  Â
   8   Florida State
   8   Texas Tech
   7   Creighton
   7   Arizona
   7   Butler
   7   Gonzaga
   7   Purdue
   7   South Carolina
   7   West Virginia
   7   Xavier
Ranked vs. Ranked
Creighton is 6-12 all-time as a ranked team when facing a ranked team, including an 0-3 record this year, a 4-2 mark last year and a 4-8 overall mark under Greg McDermott.
   Here's those games:
Date   CU Rank   Opponent Rank   Result
03/04/1974   #16   #14 South Carolina   L 69-78
03/14/1974   #19   vs. #14 Kansas   L 54-55
03/16/1974   #19   vs. #16 Louisville   W 80-71
03/08/1975   #13   #5 Marquette   L 60-64
12/31/2002   #15   at #19 Xavier   L 73-75
03/18/2012   #19   vs. #4 North Carolina   L 73-87
03/24/2013   #22   vs. #6 Duke   L 50-66
02/16/2014   #18   #6 Villanova   W 101-80
03/23/2014   #16   vs. #23 Baylor   L 55-85
11/15/2016   #22   #9 Wisconsin   W 77-69
12/31/2016   #10   #1 Villanova   L 70-80
01/11/2017   #8   #12 Butler   W 75-64
01/16/2017   #7   at #22 Xavier   W 72-67
01/31/2017   #22   at #16 Butler   W 76-67
02/25/2017   #23   at #2 Villanova   L 63-79
12/01/2017   #25   at #15 Gonzaga   L 74-91
12/28/2017   #25   at #23 Seton Hall   L 84-90
01/13/2018   #25   at #10 Xavier   L 70-92
The 1 For Sports
Tuesday's game at St. John's will air nationally on FS1, a channel that has been quite kind to Creighton in recent seasons.
   Creighton is 9-1 on FS1 this winter, and last year went 12-1 on the network.
   Creighton is 54-23 when appearing on FS1 since the network formed in 2013. CU is also 12-1 when appearing on FS2 in program history.
   Creighton went 4-1 last season on CBS Sports Network (which is televising Saturday's game), including a 78-64 win at Providence last January.
Foster On Midseason List For Wooden Award
Senior guard Marcus Foster landed a spot on the Midseason Top 25 for the John R. Wooden® Award presented by Wendy's®. Chosen by a poll of national college basketball experts, the list is comprised of 25 student-athletes who are the early front-runners for college basketball's most prestigious individual honor. Â
   Foster is the third Bluejay in the last five seasons to represent the Bluejays on the Wooden Award Midseason 25 list. Creighton's Doug McDermott won the Wooden Award following the 2013-14 season, while Maurice Watson Jr. was on the list of 25 last season but did not advance to the final cut.
Overtime Optional
Creighton has played 100 games in program history that have gone to overtime, going 55-45 in those contests.
   However, the Bluejays have completed 98 straight games since last going to overtime, the longest stretch without an extra session for the program since 136 straight games from 1939-47.
   CU's last overtime contest came Feb. 4, 2015 at Xavier, a 79-72 win at Cintas Center.
   Creighton is 5-1 under Greg McDermott in overtime games, including a 4-0 mark in conference play.
   Twelve of Creighton's last 13 games have been won by the team to score first in the extra session.
My Favorite Martin
Martin Krampelj owned a double-double in three straight games from Jan. 3-9, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds vs. St. John's, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds at Georgetown, and adding 14 points and 14 boards vs. Butler. The streak was snapped last Saturday at Xavier, when he had four points and four rebounds.
   Since the 1994-95 season, Krampelj and Doug McDermott are the only two Bluejays to record three straight double-doubles. McDermott had a streak of three straight double-dips from Feb. 9-16, 2013, as well as a streak of four straight double-doubles in 2011-12. Both of McDermott's streaks came while CU was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
   Besides Krampelj, the only other Bluejay to ever have four or more double-doubles in one season of BIG EAST play is McDermott, who had four such games in CU's inaugural season in the league in 2013-14.
Krampelj Replaces Patton
One of Creighton's biggest question marks entering the season was how the team would replace NBA First Round Draft pick Justin Patton. To date, Martin Krampelj has answered the questions.
   Here's a look at the stats for the two men:
Stat   Patton   Krampelj
Year   2016-17   2017-18
PPGÂ Â Â 12.9Â Â Â 11.9
RPGÂ Â Â 6.2Â Â Â 8.1
BPGÂ Â Â 1.4Â Â Â 0.7
APGÂ Â Â 1.2Â Â Â 1.2
FG%Â Â Â .676Â Â Â .671
FT%Â Â Â .517Â Â Â .623
Double-Doubles   3   6
Dunks/Game   2.06   1.74
Playing With A Lead
Creighton has done a good job of starting the game strong this season and playing with a lead.
   The Bluejays have led for 81.6 percent of the time this season while trailing just 14.9 percent of the time.
   Creighton has trailed for just 113:07 of 760 possible minutes this season. By comparison, last year's club trailed for 87:54 (11.6%) over the course of its first 19 games while starting 18-1 a year ago.
   Creighton has not trailed in four of its five BIG EAST wins this season.
Opponent   Leading   Trailing   Tied
Yale   39:29   0:20   0:11
Alcorn State   36:22   2:45   0:53
at #20 Northwestern   36:21   1:54   1:45
vs. #23 UCLAÂ Â Â 31:42Â Â Â 5:09Â Â Â 3:09
vs. #22 Baylor   31:48   6:00   2:12
SIU Edwardsville   39:46   --   0:14
at #15 Gonzaga   22:06   16:28   1:26
North Dakota   38:11   --   1:49
Nebraska   15:53   19:20   4:47
Maryland Eastern Shore   39:43   --   0:17
UT Arlington   37:18   1:22   1:20
USC Upstate   38:32   0:55   0:33
at #23 Seton Hall   32:24   6:02   1:34
Providence   39:03   --   0:57
St. John's   22:01   15:34   2:25
at Georgetown   39:30   --   0:30
Butler   39:55   --   0:55
at #10 Xavier   0:51   37:18   1:51
#19 Seton Hall   39:19   --   0:41
Total   620:14   113:07   27:29
More On The Score
As if the above note isn't impressive enough, keep in the mind the following...
   Creighton has trailed after the second media timeout in just two home games this season (Nebraska and St. John's), and has not trailed in the final 9:31 of any home game this year.
   Creighton's first BIG EAST team in 2013-14 went a perfect 16-0 and never trailed in the second half of any home game.
   In 251 all-time games at CenturyLink Center Omaha, Creighton has not trailed 73 different times, including 21 of its last 48 home games and six of its last 10 home contests.
A Great Start
Creighton is off to a strong start with a 15-4 record.
   In fact, it's the seventh time in the last 16 years that Creighton has started 15-4 or better through 19 games.
   By comparison, before that stretch, Creighton did not have any 15-4 starts or better in the 25 seasons from 1977-78 to 2001-02.
Let It Fly
Creighton has made 10 or more three-pointers in 10-of-12 games at CenturyLink Center Omaha this season.
   The Bluejays own 114 three-pointers in their last 10 games at all sites, an average of 11.4 per game. In the same time period, CU has made 117 free throws, an average of 11.7 charity throws per game.
Release, Rotation, Splash, Repeat
Creighton has made at least one three-pointer in 802 straight games since a 59-53 loss at Illinois State on Feb. 20, 1993. The streak is the nation's 19th-longest active streak.
   Creighton's last win without making a three-point basket came on March 3, 1991 when the Jays went 0-for-2 from three-point range in a 71-66 win over Southern Illinois in the championship game of the MVC Tournament.
   Below is a list of the nation's longest active three-point streaks, through January 17th.
Longest Active 3-Point Streak, Through 1/17
   Rk.   Streak   School   Next Game
   1.   1,031   Kentucky   1/20
   2.   1,024   UNLV   1/20
   3.   1,017   Vanderbilt   1/20
   4.   1,002   Duke   1/20
   5.   960   Arkansas   1/20
   6.   954   Western Kentucky   1/18
   7.   944   East Tennessee State   1/18
   8.   936   Pacific   1/18
   9.   923   Oakland   1/20
   10.   911   Texas   1/20
   11.   892   Princeton   1/28
   12.   861   Marshall   1/18
   13.   852   Baylor   1/20
   14.   832   Gonzaga   1/18
   15.   828   LIU-Brooklyn   1/18
   16.   816   Cornell   1/20
   17.   812   Mount St. Mary's   1/18
   18.   803   Tennessee State   1/18
   19.   802   Creighton   1/20
   20.   800   East Carolina   1/20
Triple Trivia
During Creighton's current streak of 802 straight games with a three-pointer, the Bluejays have drained 6,124 trifecas, an average of 7.64 treys per game.
   That's not surprising since during the streak, Creighton has made exactly 7 three-pointers 127 times, more than any figure.
   Only four times in the streak has Creighton made just one three-pointer, but on 200 occasions the Bluejays have made 10 or more trifectas, including a BIG EAST record 21 on Jan. 20, 2014 at Villanova.
Team 3FG During Creighton's 3-Point Streak
1: 4 times   11: 41 times
2: 15 times   12: 41 times
3: 30 times   13: 32 times
4: 67 times   14: 9 times
5: 94 times   15: 6 times
6: 85 times   16: 6 times
7: 127 times   19: 1 time
8: 108 times   20: 1 time
9: 72 times   21: 1 time
10: 62 times
  Â
Scoring In Bunches
Creighton has scored 1,678 points through 19 games, to rank sixth nationally with 88.3 points per contest.
   The 1,678 points are nine shy of the most points the team has ever scored in its first 19 games of any season, trailing only the 1965-66 club.
Most Points Through 19 Games, Creighton History
   Points   Year   Final W-L (Postseason)
   1,687   1965-66   14-12
   1,678   2017-18   15-4 so far
   1,648   2016-17   25-10 (NCAA)
   1,634   1970-71   14-11
   1,587   2015-16   20-15 (NIT)
CenturyLink Center Omaha Success
Creighton has played 251 regular and postseason contests at CenturyLink Center Omaha all-time in the 15-year-old facility.
   The Bluejays own a 209-42 (.833) record all-time at the facility, and have never lost there on a Thursday (7-0) or Friday (14-0).
   Creighton's Nov. 25 win over SIU Edwardsville was the program's 200th at the facility, coming in its 242nd home game. CU's 100th win came on Nov. 17, 2010, a 63-58 win over Louisiana.
   Creighton has outscored its opponents 19,450-16,275 in games at CenturyLink Center Omaha, an average margin of 12.65 points per game. Creighton has not trailed 73 different times, including 21 of its last 48 home games.
   Creighton is also 26-24 all-time in the 50 games at CLCO in which it's fallen behind by double-figures at any point, 7-9 when down by 10+ points at halftime at The Link, and 33-22 when trailing at halftime at CenturyLink Center Omaha.
   Creighton is 112-24 (.824) at CenturyLink Center Omaha under Greg McDermott, including a 65-4 record vs. non-conference teams.
   Factor in a 17-0 home mark at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in 2002-03 and two wins at the Civic in the 2010 CIT, and the Bluejays are 229-42 (.845) at home since the start of the 2002-03 campaign.
All The Three's
Creighton drilled 19 three-point shots in its Dec. 20 home game vs. USC Upstate, third-most in a game in program history. That's one of three games this season with 16 or more three-pointers.
   Here's a list of the games with 16 or more treys.
Most 3FG in a Game, Creighton History
   Rank   3FG   Opponent   Date   Score
   1.   21   at #4 Villanova   1/20/2014   W 96-68
   2.   20   Chattanooga   2/19/2005   W 100-69
   3.   19   USC Upstate   12/20/2017   W 116-62
   4.   16   Evansville   1/4/1999   L 79-84
      16   Drake   1/8/2013   W 91-61
      16   Chicago State   12/29/2013   W 90-58
      16   vs. Ole Miss   11/21/2016   W 86-77
      16   Alcorn State   11/12/2017   W 109-72
      16   at Georgetown   01/06/18   W 90-66
Foster Does It All
Marcus Foster is averaging 19.2 points and 2.8 assists per game this year. Only two previous Creighton players have averaged more than 19.0 points and 2.5 assists per game for a full season.
Seasons With 19 PPG, 2.5 APG, Creighton History
Name   Year   PPG   APG
Rick Apke   1976-77   19.8   2.9
Rod Mason   1987-88   20.3   3.4
Marcus Foster   2017-18   19.2   2.8
Big Deficits, No Big Deal
Creighton owns 17 victories under Greg McDermott after trailing by double-figures at some point, and overcame a pair of second half 10-point deficits on Jan. 3 vs. St. John's. Nine of those comebacks have come away from home.
   On the other hand, CU is 158-14 under McDermott when putting together double-digit leads, including wins 146 of the last 156 times.
Double-Digit Comebacks Under Greg McDermott
Deficit   Opponent   Date
18   #18 Oklahoma   11/19/14
17   at San Diego State   11/30/11
16   at Evansville   02/16/13
14   Evansville   02/21/12
13   at Saint Joseph's   11/16/13
13   Xavier   01/12/14
12   Saint Joseph's   12/11/10
12   at DePaul   01/17/16
11   at Wichita State   12/31/11
11   Northern Iowa   01/10/12
11   vs. Alabama   03/16/12
11   vs. Ole Miss   11/21/16
10Â Â Â UABÂ Â Â 11/14/12
10   vs. Drake   03/02/12
10   at Nebraska   12/07/14
10   South Dakota   12/09/14
10   St. John's   01/03/18
Foster A Candidate For Senior CLASS Award
Marcus Foster is one of 30 NCAA men's basketball student-athletes who excel both on and off the court that were selected as candidates for the 2017-18 Senior CLASS Award® in collegiate basketball.
   To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition. The complete list of candidates follows this release.
   An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School ®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
   Each of the 30 candidate classes will be narrowed to fields of 10 finalists in February, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select one male candidate and one female candidate who best exemplifies excellence in the four Cs of community, classroom, character and competition.
   Foster is the eighth Creighton Men's Basketball student-athlete to make the Senior CLASS cut in recent seasons, joining Kyle Korver (2002-03), Anthony Tolliver (2006-07), Dane Watts (2007-08), Josh Dotzler (2008-09), Kenny Lawson Jr. (2010-11), Doug McDermott (2013-14) and Maurice Watson Jr. (2016-17). Former Creighton men's soccer goalkeeper Brian Holt won the 2011 Senior CLASS Award, while McDermott won the 2014 Senior CLASS Award on the hardwood.
   The Senior CLASS Award winners will be announced during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four® and NCAA Women's Final Four® this spring. For more information on each of the candidates, visit seniorCLASSaward.com.
Nationally Elite
Creighton ranks in the top 20 of 12 categories nationally, through games of Jan. 17.
   Perhaps the most impressive figure on the list is in defensive rebounds per game, where CU is first with 31.16 per game. No team nationally has finished a season averaging more than 31.30 defensive rebounds per game in the last five seasons, and last year CU was 63rd with 26.69 per game.
Category   Rank   Stat
Defensive Rebounds/Game   1st   31.11
Assist/Turnover Ratio   4th   1.67
Assists Per Game   4th   19.5
Total Assists   4th   370
Scoring Offense   6th   88.3
FG Percentage   9th   .510
Scoring Margin   9th   +15.7
Total 3FG Made   13th   204
Personal Fouls/Game   16th   15.3
3FG/Game   16th   10.7
3-Point Field Goal Attempts   16th   531
3-Point FG Percentage Defense   20th   .303
Both Ends Of The Floor
Creighton gets much of its attention for its offensive proficiency, but the Jays are also doing some noteworthy things on the defensive end of the court.
   In league play only, Creighton leads the BIG EAST in scoring defense, three-point field goal percentage defense and defensive rebounds, is second in defensive rebounding percentage, scoring margin, and in field goal percentage defense.
We Can Play Defense, Too
Creighton limited Maryland Eastern Shore to just 36 points and 23.6 percent shooting on Dec. 15.
   Creighton had not held an opponent under 40 points since Indiana State (38) on March 2, 2008, and the 36 were the fewest by a Bluejay opponent since Illinois State scored 35 on Jan. 13, 1986.
   Indiana State (10-43, 23.3%), in that same 2008 game, had also been the last CU foe to shoot 25 percent or less from the field.
   Both the points scored and the field goal percentage are the lowest marks in the 270 game history of Century Link Center Omaha, which includes 21 tournament games that did not involve Creighton.
   While Creighton's offense gets all the attention, the Bluejay defense has made huge strides in recent seasons, especially when you consider the move to the BIG EAST. Here's where CU has ranked in KenPom.com's adjusted defensive ratings under Greg McDermott.
Year   Adj. D   Adj. D Rating   Team W-L
2010-11   103.5   174th   23-16 (CBI)
2011-12   102.7   166th   29-6 (NCAA)
2012-13   96.5   66th   28-8 (NCAA)
2013-14   102.5   124th   27-8 (NCAA)
2014-15   102.6   138th   14-19
2015-16   97.6   49th   20-15 (NIT)
2016-17   96.5   46th   25-10 (NCAA)
2017-18   95.3   32nd   15-4 so far
Against The BIG EAST
Since joining the BIG EAST in 2014, Creighton is unbeaten at home against St. John's, the only league team it can say that for.
   DePaul is the only school where Creighton has not lost a road game.
Team   CU Home Games   CU Road Games
Butler   4-1   2-2
DePaul   3-1   4-0
Georgetown   3-1   1-4
Marquette   2-2   2-2
Providence   2-3   1-3
Seton Hall   3-2   2-3
St. John's   5-0   2-2
Villanova   1-3   1-3
Xavier   2-2   2-3
Total   25-15   17-22
We're Jamming!
Creighton owns 64 dunks already this season, which its second-most in any season under Greg McDermott, but still well behind the 144 last season that ranked fourth-most nationally.
   Here's a look at the Creighton student-athletes with 20 or more dunks in a season, and 19 or more dunks in a career, under McDermott:
Most Creighton Dunks, Season, Since 2010-11
Dunks   Name   Year
72   Justin Patton   2016-17
36   Gregory Echenique   2012-13
33   Martin Krampelj   2017-18
30   Gregory Echenique   2011-12
24   Gregory Echenique   2010-11
23   Marcus Foster   2016-17
22   Kenny Lawson Jr.   2010-11
Most Creighton Dunks, Career, Since 2010-11
Dunks   Name   Years
90   Gregory Echenique   2010-13
72   Justin Patton   2016-17
47   Martin Krampelj   2015-Pres.
39   Khyri Thomas   2015-Pres.
38   Will Artino   2011-15
38   Marcus Foster   2016-Pres.
32   Zach Hanson   2013-17
25   Geoffrey Groselle   2012-16
22   Kenny Lawson Jr.   2010-11
19   Doug McDermott   2010-14
Most Creighton Dunks, Team, Season, Since 2010-11
Dunks   Year   Team W-L
144Â Â Â 2016-17Â Â Â 25-10 (NCAA)
64Â Â Â 2017-18Â Â Â 14-4 so far
58Â Â Â 2015-16Â Â Â 20-15 (NIT)
56Â Â Â 2010-11Â Â Â 23-16 (CBI)
54Â Â Â 2012-13Â Â Â 28-8 (NCAA)
42Â Â Â 2011-12Â Â Â 29-6 (NCAA)
35Â Â Â 2013-14Â Â Â 27-8 (NCAA)
29Â Â Â 2014-15Â Â Â 14-19
Chairmen Of The Boards
Martin Krampelj (153 rebounds) and Ronnie Harrell Jr. (131) both have more rebounds this season than they in their careers before 2017-18, by a large margin.
   Harrell had 49 rebounds last year (in 26 games) and entered this season with 125 career caroms in 55 games played.
   Krampelj owned 69 rebounds in 29 games a year ago and entered this season with 89 rebounds in 36 career contests.
   Krampelj, who had 26 points and 19 rebounds in Creighton's 21 games against BIG EAST foes last year (including 5 DNP's), had 86 points and 62 rebounds in CU's first seven league games this season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Baker's Dozen
Creighton has won 13 straight home games dating to last season. It's CU's fifth-longest home win streak ever at CenturyLink Center Omaha, as seen below:
Longest Home Win Streaks at CenturyLink Center
Streak   Dates   Snapped by
   24   Feb. 19, 2013 - Dec. 9, 2014   Saint Mary's
   16   Feb. 9, 2005 - Jan. 31, 2006   Southern Illinois
   16   Jan. 19, 2011 - Dec. 22, 2011   Missouri State
   14   Feb. 2, 2008 - Dec. 28, 2008   Northern Iowa
   13   Feb. 28, 2017- Present   ? ? ?
   11   Nov. 22, 2003 - Feb. 4, 2004   Southern Illinois
   11   Feb. 28, 2016 - Dec. 31, 2016   #1 Villanova
Ronnie On The Spot
Ronnie Harrell Jr. continues to provide a spark off the bench, with much of his best work coming on the glass.
   Harrell owned 10 or more rebounds in consecutive games against Nebraska and Maryland Eastern Shore, both in a reserve role. Harrell is the only Bluejay reserve with consecutive games of 10 or more rebounds in the last 25 years.
   Harrell is one of six Creighton players to have 10 or more rebounds off the bench in a game under Greg McDermott, and the only player to do it more than once in a season or three times in a career.
Most Rebounds Off The Bench Under McDermott
   Reb.   Min.   Player   Date
   14   20   Will Artino   02/14/15
   11   25   Ronnie Harrell Jr.   12/21/15
   11   30   Ronnie Harrell Jr.   12/09/17
   10   25   Wayne Runnels   11/14/10
   10   22   Will Artino   02/13/14
   10   29   James Milliken   11/25/14
   10   23   Devin Brooks   01/21/15
   10   17   Toby Hegner   12/07/16
   10   22   Ronnie Harrell Jr.   12/15/17
   10   28   Ronnie Harrell Jr.   12/28/17
A Reason To Yell For Harrell
On a national basis, Ronnie Harrell Jr. ranks tied for fourth nationally with three games of 10+ rebounds off the bench this season.
   Here's that list, through games of January 17th.
10+ Rebounds Off The Bench in 2017-18 (thru 1/17)
   Rank   10+ Reb.   Name, School  Â
   1.   5   Chris Clarke, Virginia Tech
   2.   4   Malik Petteway, Robert Morris
      4   Pablo Rivas, North Carolina Central
   4.   3   Ronnie Harrell Jr., Creighton  Â
      3   E.J. Anosike, Sacred Heart
      3   Zion Cousins, Howard
      3   Christian Cunningham, Jacksonville St.
      3   Wenyen Gabriel, Kentucky
      3   Moses Greenwood, S'eastern Louisiana
      3   Nate Grimes, Fresno State
      3   Londell King, Morehead state
      3   Cameron Lard, Iowa State
      3   T.J. Maaston, Baylor
      3   Jalen McDaniels, San Diego State
      3   Eli Scott, Loyola Marymount  Â
Krampelj's Quick Route To 20 & 10
Martin Krampelj scored a career-best 23 points and added 10 rebounds in 20 minutes at Seton Hall on Dec. 28th.
   Krampelj is just the seventh player under Greg McDermott with games of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Doug McDermott did it an incredible 25 different times from 2010-14, while six others have done it once.
   Krampelj is the only player on that list to have a 20 & 10 contest in 25 minutes or less.
20+ Point & 10+ Rebound+ under Greg McDermott
   Rank   20 & 10 Games   Name   Years
   1.   25   Doug McDermott   2010-14
   2.   1   Kenny Lawson Jr.   2010-11
      1   Geoffrey Groselle   2012-16
      1   Cole Huff   2015-17
      1   Justin Patton   2016-17
      1   Khyri Thomas   2015-Pres.
      1   Martin Krampelj   2015-Pres.
100 And Counting...
Creighton's 116 points against USC Upstate on Dec. 20th were its most since 1964, and the third-highest scoring game in program history.
   The 116 points were also a CenturyLink Center Omaha record, and third time this season that the Bluejays have scored 109 or more points.
Creighton's Highest Scoring Games, By Points
Date   Opponent   W   L   CU   Opp.
02/10/64Â Â Â at Miami (Fla.)Â Â Â WÂ Â Â Â Â Â 124Â Â Â 94
12/21/62   Nevada   W      120   76
12/20/17   USC Upstate   W      116   62
01/19/85   Indiana State   W      115   80
02/02/66   Memphis   W      115   82
12/09/16   Longwood   W      113   58
11/20/16   vs. North Carolina State   W      112   94
03/11/08Â Â Â Bradley (2OT)Â Â Â WÂ Â Â Â Â Â 111Â Â Â 110
12/05/17   North Dakota   W      111   68
12/17/07   Houston Baptist   W      110   73
12/16/67   Wisconsin-Milwaukee   W      109   81
11/12/17   Alcorn State   W      109   72
Double-Digits x 15
Marcus Foster scored in double-figures in each of Creighton's first 15 games of the season, the first Bluejay to start his senior season with 15 straight games of 10 or more points since Bob Harstad had 27 straight in 1990-91.
   Doug McDermott had been the last player with nine straight double-figure games to start any season, doing so in all 35 games of his 2011-12 sophomore season that ended with First Team All-America accolades.
   Below is a list of Creighton's longest double figure scoring streaks to start a season since 1979-80, where you can see that Foster (2016-17 and 2017-18) and McDermott (2010-11 and 2011-12) are the only men to start consecutive seasons with eight or more double-figure contests since 1979-80.
CU's Consecutive Double-Figure Scoring Games
To Start Year, Since 1979-80
   Consec.   Name, Class   Year
   all 35   Doug McDermott, So.   2011-12
   all 32   Vernon Moore, Sr.   1984-85
   28   Benoit Benjamin, Jr.   1984-85
   27   Bob Harstad, Sr.   1990-91
   16   Rod Mason, Sr.   1987-88
   15   Marcus Foster, Sr.   2017-18
   13   Rodney Buford, Sr.   1998-99
   12   Gary Swain, Sr.   1986-87
   10   Chad Gallagher, Sr.   1990-91
   9   Rodney Buford, So.   1996-97
   8   Benoit Benjamin, Fr.   1982-83
   8   Gregory Brandon, Sr.    1983-84
   8   Doug McDermott, Fr.   2010-11
   8   Justin Patton, Fr.   2016-17
   8   Marcus Foster, Jr.   2016-17
It's A WWWWWinning Streak
Creighton's season-best five-game winning streak was snapped at Seton Hall after the Bluejays swept a long homestand prior to the holiday break.
   Including this winter, Creighton has had at least one streak of five or more wins in 20 of the last 22 seasons.
   Last season's team won 13 straight games to open the year, with the final victory in that stretch coming on Dec. 28 against Seton Hall, before falling to No. 1 Villanova on New Year's Eve.
Top 25 Jays
Creighton is 26th in both polls this week, the top club 'also receiving votes' by each organization.
   Creighton is 113-43 all-time when playing as a ranked team in the AP poll.
   Creighton has been ranked in the AP poll 88 times in program history, with 60 of those under the direction of eighth-year head coach Greg McDermott. Creighton has also been ranked in the USA Today Coaches poll in 70 weeks under McDermott.
   Creighton has been ranked in the top-10 in 10 different weeks in program history, with eight of those coming last season when the Jays reached an all-time best of seventh the week of January 16th.
   Below is a list of the best weekly rankings in the AP poll in program history:
Best Weekly AP Rankings, Creighton History
7th - 1/16/17
8th - 1/9/17
9th - 3/1/14
9th - 12/19/16
10th - 1/20/03
10th - 11/28/16
10th - 12/5/16
10th - 12/12/16
10th - 12/26/16
10th - 1/2/17
Sharing The Sugar
Creighton distributed 32 assists on 42 field goals in its Dec. 20 victory over USC Upstate.
   The 32 helpers exceeded the previous school record of 31 done twice previously, most recently in 1990 vs. Siena.
   All 12 Bluejays in uniform dished at least one assist.
   For the season, Creighton ranks fourth nationally with 19.5 assists per game, which also leads the BIG EAST.
   All 12 Bluejays own an assist/turnover ratio this season of 0.92 or better, and CU's 1.67 assist/turnover ratio ranks fourth nationally.
Jays Sweep Weekly BIG EAST Honors
The Creighton men's basketball program swept the BIG EAST Conference weekly awards on Dec. 26th, as Marcus Foster was named BIG EAST Player of the Week and Mitch Ballock tabbed as BIG EAST Freshman of the Week.
   It's the third honor this season for Ballock, joining his similar accolades on Nov. 27 and Dec. 11th. It's Foster's first recognition this season, though he was honored by the BIG EAST last season on both Nov. 28th and Dec. 26th.
   Foster averaged nearly a point a minute in leading Creighton to a pair of wins. In 25.0 minutes per game, Foster averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals. He shot 66.7 percent (18-27) from the field, 58.3 percent (7-12) from downtown and also converted 83.3 percent (5-6) at the line.
   The Wichita Falls, Texas, native had a season-high 32 points in 35 minutes in a 90-81 win over Sun Belt Conference champion UT Arlington on Monday. Foster had 22 points in the first half, most by a Bluejay at intermission since Doug McDermott at the 2014 BIG EAST Tournament, as the Bluejays raced to a 52-32 halftime lead. Foster added six rebounds and two steals while matching his season-best with four assists.
   Foster capped his week with 16 points in just 15 minute of a lopsided win over USC Upstate. Foster made 6-of-7 shots, including 3-of-4 three-pointers, adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
   Ballock averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists off the bench in two victories. The Eudora, Kan., native shot 7-of-13 (53.8%) from three-point range and 9-of-19 (47.4%) from the field while also draining both free throw attempts.
   Ballock opened his week with 14 points, two rebounds, an assist and a blocked shot in a 90-81 win over Sun Belt Conference champion UT Arlington. He then scored 13 points and added four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes of a win over USC Upstate.
They Can All Shoot
All 12 Creighton men to see the floor this season have made four or more three-pointers, and each of them have also attempted at least nine trifectas.
   All 12 Bluejays in uniform attempted at least one three-pointer on both Dec. 15 and Dec. 20.
   As a team, Creighton has made 204 treys this season (13th nationally), good for 10.74 per game (16th nationally).
Friendly Confines
Creighton has scored 103 points or more in four of 12 home games this season, and 75 points or more in all 12 home contests.
   Creighton is averaging 92.4 points per home game this season, outrebounding foes by 8.4 caroms per contest, shooting 54.0 percent from the floor, and holding foes to 39.3 percent shooting.
   In the second half of home games this season, Creighton has outscored teams 573-415 (47.8-34.6) and shot 55.5 percent from the field. In the second half, Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas are a combined 27-for-52 from three-point range (51.9 percent), compared to CU's opponents who are 34-for-144 (23.6 percent) from downtown after the break.
   Below is a list of seasons with the most 100+ point games in Creighton history
Most 100 Point Games in a Season, Creighton History
   Rank   Games   Year   Team W-L
   1.   7   1965-66   14-12
   2.   5   1971-72   15-11
      5   2017-18   15-4 so far
   4.   4   2015-16   20-15
      4   2016-17   25-10
   6.   3   1989-90   21-12
100 Grand Passed
Creighton has drawn 196,237 home fans this season, an average of 16,353 per contest.
   This season marks the 16th straight season of 100,000 or more home fans for the program, a streak that started in the final season (2002-03) of the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
   Creighton has led its conference in home attendance each of the last 14 completed seasons, and is once again leading the way in the BIG EAST in 2017-18.
McDermott Earns 175th Win at Creighton
With a Dec. 18 win over UT Arlington, Greg McDermott became the second coach in program history to record 175 wins on the Bluejay sideline, as only Dana Altman (327) has previously reached that milestone.
   McDermott reached the mark in his 259th game on the Bluejay sideline, whereas Altman didn't win his 175th game at CU until his 274th contest.
  McDermott needed 71 games at Creighton to win his 50th contest and 134 games to earn his 100th win.
McDermott's Milestone Wins at Creighton
W-L Milestone   Opponent   Date
25-16   Chicago State   11/13/11
50-21   vs. Evansville   03/03/12
75-29   at Bradley   02/27/13
100-34   at Butler   02/15/14
125-58   vs. Massachusetts   11/25/15
150-72   at Nebraska   12/07/16
175-84   UT Arlington   12/18/17
Give Me Five
Creighton has had four or more players score 10+ points in all 17 of 19 games (all but UT Arlington and at #10 Xavier) this season.
   In Creighton's last non-conference game on Dec. 20 vs. USC Upstate, six men scored in double-figures for the first time since on Dec. 20, 2016 at Arizona State.
   In Creighton's Dec. 31 win over Providence, the Bluejays had all five starters finish in double-figures for the first time since last year's BIG EAST home opener on Dec. 28, 2016 vs. Seton Hall.
   Creighton has had four men average in double-figures in each of the last two seasons.
   Last year, Marcus Foster (18.2), Justin Patton (12.9), Maurice Watson Jr. (12.9) and Khyri Thomas (12.3) all put up double-digits on a nightly basis.
   In 2015-16 it was Watson (14.1), Cole Huff (11.3), Geoffrey Groselle (11.2) and Isaiah Zierden (10.2).
   Before 2015-16, Creighton had not previously had four men finish the year scoring in double-figures since 1979-80, when Kevin McKenna, Jim Honz, George Morrow and Daryl Stovall did so.
My Favorite Martin
Martin Krampelj did not have a double-double in the first 44 games of his career, but turned in consecutive double-doubles on Dec. 5 (North Dakota) and Dec. 9 (Nebraska).
   Krampelj became the first Creighton player with point/rebound double-doubles in consecutive contests since Doug McDermott on March 1 and March 4, 2014.    Krampelj leads CU with six double-doubles this season.
   McDermott's performance on Feb. 9 and 13 of 2013 was also the last previous time a Bluejay had 11 or more rebounds in consecutive games. Krampelj also had 11 rebounds in three straight games from Jan. 3-9, 2018, the first Bluejay to accomplish that since McDermott from Nov. 30-Dec. 10, 2011.
Full House
Creighton is averaging 16,353 fans per home game this season, good for seventh-best nationally.
   Last season Creighton averaged 17,413 fans per home game, fifth-best in the country, and a figure that would have ranked 17th best in the NBA, ahead of 14 franchises.
   Last year was the 12th straight season that CU has been among the nation's top 25 in average home attendance, and the sixth straight season in the top-10 nationally in attendance, as well.
2017-18 Attendance Leaders (through 1/17)
   Rk.   School   Average   Next Home
   1.   Kentucky   21,445   1/20
   2.   Syracuse   19,881   1/24
   3.   Louisville   17,600   1/21
   4.   Wisconsin   17,263   1/19
   5.   North Carolina   16,466   1/16
   6.   Kansas   16,373   1/20
   7.   Creighton   16,353   1/27
   8.   Tennessee   16,211   1/23
   9.   Arkansas   15,505   1/20
   10.   Nebraska   15,272   1/18
2016-17 Attendance Leaders (FINAL)
   Rk.   School   Average  Â
   1.   Kentucky   23,462  Â
   2.   Syracuse   21,181  Â
   3.   Louisville   20,846  Â
   4.   North Carolina   18,067  Â
   5.   Creighton   17,413  Â
   6.   Wisconsin   17,286  Â
   7.   Maryland   16,628  Â
   8.   Kansas   16,395  Â
   9.   Indiana   16,364  Â
   10.   North Carolina State   15,907  Â
Ty-Shon Time
Ty-Shon Alexander made his first career start on Dec. 9 against Nebraska, coming through with three assists, one rebound and one steal in 19 minutes of a double-digit victory.
   Alexander is just the second true freshman point guard to start a game for Creighton in the last 10 seasons, joining Davion Mintz (12 starts in 2016-17).
   Like Alexander, Mintz also won his starting debut by double-figures (beating DePaul 83-66).
   Mintz returned to the starting line-up vs. Maryland Eastern Shore on Dec. 15.
Tough At Home
Creighton has won 22 straight non-conference home games dating to a Dec. 2, 2015 loss to Arizona State.
   On a national basis, that ranks as the 13th-longest streak, per recent research from the NCAA
Non-Conference Home Win Streaks (Through 1/26)
   Rank   Streak   School   Next Home N-C Game
   1.   139   Duke   Next Season
   2.   47   Arizona   Next Season
   3.   43   Butler   Next Season
   4.   38   Texas Tech   Next Season
   5.   35   Villanova   Next Season
   6.   32   SMU   Next Season
   7.   29   Evansville   Next Season
   8.   28   Seton Hall   Next Season
   9.   26   South Dakota State   Next Season
      26   Florida State   Next Season
   11.   23   William & Mary   Next Season
      23   West Virginia   1/27
   13.   22   Creighton   2/13
      22   IPFW   Next Season
   15.   18   Marshall   Next Season
On The Rebound
Martin Krampelj (8.1) and Ronnie Harrell Jr. (6.9) are each putting together some of better Creighton rebounding figures in recent memory.
   Harrell had 15 rebounds against UCLA on Nov. 20th, while Krampelj snared 14 caroms on Dec. 5 vs. North Dakota. Both men finished with 11 rebounds vs. Nebraska on Dec. 9th.
   Since the start of the 1994-95 season, only one Bluejay player has averaged more than 7.4 rebounds per game over the course of a season. That player, Doug McDermott, did it twice.
   Here's Creighton's single-season rebounds per game leaders since 1994-95.
   Rank   RPG   Name   Season
   1.   8.2   Doug McDermott   2011-12
   2.   8.1   Martin Krampelj   2017-18
   3.   7.7   Doug McDermott   2012-13
   4.   7.3   Rodney Buford   1997-98
      7.3   Gregory Echenique   2011-12
   6.   7.18   Doug McDermott   2010-11
   7.   7.16   Rodney Buford   1998-99
   8.   6.97   Doug McDermott   2013-14
   9.   6.89   Ronnie Harrell Jr.   2017-18
   10.   6.83   Nate King   1994-95
Shooters Shoot
Since Greg McDermott was hired eight years ago at Creighton, the Bluejays have shot 50 percent or better from the field in 120 games. That ranks third nationally, trailing only Gonzaga (136) and Kansas (124), Saint Mary's (117) and Kentucky (111) round out the top five.
   In those eight years, Gonzaga has shot 49.6 percent from the field, just ahead of Kansas (48.4%) and Creighton (48.2%). Belmont (48.1%) and Saint Mary's (48.0%) round out the top five.
Dunk You Very Much
Creighton ranked fifth nationally last year with 144 dunks, with half of those coming from future NBA First Round Draft pick Justin Patton. Of Patton's 72 dunks last year, 32 came on alley-oops.
   This year's Bluejay squad owns 64 dunks through 19 games this season, including nine against SIU Edwardsville. Five of the dunks against SIUE came from Martin Krampelj, who leads this year's club with 33 slams.
Putting Up The Points
Creighton scored 116 points on Dec. 20th vs. USC Upstate, third-most in school history, and the-most ever recorded by the Bluejays at CenturyLink Center Omaha.
   Creighton has now scored 116 points or more four times in the last 13 months (113 vs. Longwood; 112 vs. North Carolina State, 111 vs. North Dakota and 116 vs. USC Upstate), after not doing it a single time from 2008-09 to 2015-16.
   The school record for points in a game by Creighton is 124, done on Feb. 10, 1964 at Miami (Fla.) in a 30-point win.
   Per Basketball-Reference.com, Creighton's 20 games of 100+ points since 2010-11 (when Greg McDermott was hired) are third-most in the nation, as seen below.
Most 100+ Point Games Since 2010-11 (thru 1/17)
   Rank   100 Pt. Games   Team
   1.   28   VMI
   2.   23   North Carolina
   3.   20   Creighton
   4.   19   Indiana
      19   Charleston Southern
Silas Enters College Hoops Hall of Fame
Creighton alum Paul Silas was enshrined into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in Kansas City on Sunday, November 19th.
   In addition to Silas, the elite class included Gonzaga's John Stockton, Wake Forest's Tim Duncan, Winston-Salem State's Cleo Hill, Indiana's Scott May, Purdue's Rick Mount, and Duke's Jay Williams join former Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Wisconsin-Platteville coach Bo Ryan to form the Class of 2017.
   Silas remains one of the most dominant rebounders in college basketball history. Following a season with the freshman team, Silas pulled down 1,751 rebounds for Creighton from 1961 to 1964 – a number that currently ranks sixth in Division I history and first among three-year players.
   He's also third all-time at Creighton with a career average of 20.5 points per game, and earned various All-America accolades in each of his three varsity seasons, including Academic All-America recognition from CoSIDA. The Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Famer won three NBA titles as a player in the 1970s, and later coached four different NBA franchises.
   Silas' No. 35 jersey was retired by Creighton, and he joins Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Kermit Washington and Artis Gilmore as one of five players in NCAA history to average at least 20 points (20.5) and 20 rebounds (21.6) during his college career.
   Silas owns the top 22 single-game rebounding totals in Creighton history, with a high of 38 vs. Centenary on Feb. 19, 1962.
   Silas owns more rebounds (1,751) than any player in the last 55 years (by comparison, Lehigh's Tim Kempton led all active rebounders at the end of 2016-17 with 1,095 career rebounds).
   Last year, across all of Division I, there were only 36 games where an individual grabbed 20+ rebounds. Purdue's Caleb Swanigan led all of college hoops with four games of 20+ boards.
Silas Not The First
Paul Silas is the fifth person with Creighton connections to enter the College Basketball Hall of Fame. He joined the following...
   Eddie Hickey, a 2006 inductee into the coaches wing, won 126 games as head coach at Creighton from 1935-43 and 1946-47.
   Willis Reed, a 2006 inductee as a player (at Grambling State), won 52 games as head coach at Creighton from 1981-85.
   Arthur A. Schabinger, a 2006 inductee as a contributor, won 165 games as head coach at Creighton from 1922-35.
   Eddie Sutton, a 2011 inductee into the coaches wing, won 82 games as head coach at Creighton from 1969-74.
Road Openers
Creighton improved to 5-3 under Greg McDermott in its first true road game of the season with this year's win at Northwestern, and 14-10 in the last 24 years in the initial road game.
   The road opener has been the barometer for Creighton's postseason plans in the previous nine years. Creighton has made the NCAA Tournament the four times it has won the road opener, and missed the tournament the other five seasons.
Creighton in Road Openers, Last 9 Years
Year   Opponent   Score   CU in NCAA's?
2008-09   Ark.-Little Rock   L 69-71   No (NIT)
2009-10   #21 Dayton   L 80-90   No (CIT)
2010-11   Northwestern   L 52-65   No (CBI)
2011-12Â Â Â UABÂ Â Â W 70-60Â Â Â Yes
2012-13   Nebraska   W 64-42   Yes
2013-14   Saint Joseph's   W 83-79   Yes
2014-15   Tulsa   L 64-77   No
2015-16   #14 Indiana   L 65-86   No (NIT)
2016-17   Nebraska   W 77-62   Yes
2017-18   #20 Northwestern   W 92-88   ? ? ?
Happy Birthday, Old Man(ny)
Manny Suarez turned 24 on November 12th. He's nearly 14 months older than his next-closest teammate, Tyler Clement (Dec. 25, 1994).
   Per a list compiled by Northwestern State SID Doug Ireland, Suarez is the nation's 14th-oldest active player, with six men above him having served a church mission while in school.
NCAA's Oldest Players (as of 11/12/17)
Age (Yrs-Days)   Name, Current School   Key
   25-309   Josh Boutte, Sam Houston State
   25-275   Gibson Johnson, Hawai'i   C
   25-145   Zach Nelson, Utah Valley   C
   24-354   Isaac Neilson, Utah Valley   C
   24-347   Kyle Brown, Cornell   C
   24-298   Ron Patterson, IUPUI
   24-284   Dusty Baker, Weber State   C
   24-228   Ronald Delph, Florida Atlantic  Â
   24-215   Jalan West, Northwestern State  Â
   24-175   David Collette, Utah   C
   24-132   Kevin Mickle, Ohio  Â
   24-27   Isaiah Brock, Oakland  Â
   24-5   Peter Ryckbosch, DePaul
   24-0   Manny Suarez, Creighton  Â
   23-346   Quinn Taylor, Utah State   C
KEY: C = served church mission
Foster Up For Naismith Award
Creighton men's basketball senior Marcus Foster has been named one of 50 candidates for the Citizen Naismith Trophy, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced. A list of 30 midseason candidates will be released on Feb. 14, 2018 before the 50th presentation of the award April 1, 2018.
   A senior from Wichita Falls, Texas, Foster was a unanimous All-BIG EAST selection last year after leading Creighton with 18.2 points per game a year ago. He ranked among the league leaders in scoring after posting the highest scoring average for a Bluejay newcomer since 1970. Foster's 638 points were the 10th-most in CU history and the most ever by a Bluejay newcomer in their debut season on the court.
   Creighton has had one previous winner of the Naismith Trophy, as Doug McDermott collected the hardware for both following the 2013-14 campaign.
Foster Up For Jerry West Award
Creighton men's basketball guard Marcus Foster is one of 20 preseason candidates for the 2018 Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award, which is bestowed by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
   Last year Foster was one of five finalists for the award.
   Named after Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player Jerry West, the annual honor in its fourth year recognizes the top shooting guards in Division I men's college basketball.
   Previous winners of the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award include Malik Monk, Kentucky (2017) Buddy Hield, Oklahoma (2016) and D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State (2015).
Heeeeeeerrrrrreeeeee's Ronnie
Ronnie Harrell Jr.'s 15 rebounds vs. No. 23 UCLA on Nov. 20th were three more than his previous career-high, and the most by a Bluejay in any game since Doug McDermott had 15 boards vs. Tulsa on Nov. 23, 2013.
   Harrell's 14 defensive rebounds were the most by any Bluejay since Kenny Lawson Jr. had 18 rebounds (14 defensive) vs. Saint Joseph's on Dec. 11, 2010.
Nifty Fifty Leads To Postseason?
Creighton shot 58.8 percent from the floor on November 10th, the program's best mark in a season-opener since blistering UT Arlington 106-50 on 59.4 percent shooting to open the 2002-03 season.
   Creighton has made the postseason all eight times in the previous 25 seasons in which it has made at least 50 percent of its field goal attempts to open the year. The last time that didn't hold true was 1991-92, when CU shot 51.0 percent in the opener but finished just 9-19.
CU Season-Opener Field Goal Percentage Over 50%
Since 1992-93
FG%   Year   Opponent   Postseason
.541Â Â Â 1997-98Â Â Â UMKCÂ Â Â NIT
.524   1998-99   Towson State   NCAA
.569   2000-01   Western Illinois   NCAA
.594   2002-03   UT Arlington   NCAA
.500   2012-13   North Texas   NCAA
.556   2013-14   Alcorn State   NCAA
.528   2015-16   Texas Southern   NIT
.508Â Â Â 2016-17Â Â Â UMKCÂ Â Â NCAA
.558   2017-18   Yale   TBD
Big Margin Can Lead To Big Things
Creighton beat Yale, 92-76, in the season-opener.
   Of Creighton's 20 all-time NCAA Tournament teams, nine have scored 90 or more points in their season-opener.
   Here's a look at Creighton's last eight teams to score 90 or more in a season-opener.
            Final   Post-
   Score   Opponent   Date   W-L   Season
   92-76   Yale   11/10/17   TBD   TBD
   93-70   Texas Southern   11/14/15   20-15   NIT
   104-77   Central Arkansas   11/14/14   14-19   --
   107-61   Alcorn State   11/08/13   27-8   NCAA
   97-65   N. Carolina A&T   11/11/11   29-6   NCAA
   106-50   Texas-Arlington   11/17/02   29-5   NCAA
   96-50   Western Illinois   11/20/00   24-8   NCAA
   93-48   Towson State   11/14/98   22-9   NCAA
   93-47   UT-San Antonio   11/30/90   24-8   NCAA
CenturyLink Center Omaha Dramatics
Creighton is 7-7 in games with a game-winning go-ahead score in the final 10 seconds at CenturyLink Center Omaha, which opened in the fall of 2003.
Creighton's Go-Ahead Scores in Wins at CLCO, Last 10 Seconds
Date   Opponent   Score   Player/Score   Time
11/26/05   Dayton   W 91-90*   Funk FG   :5.7
01/28/06   Wichita St.   W 57-55   Tolliver FG   :0.0
11/25/06   George Mason   W 58-56   Watts FT   :7.5
03/18/08   Rhode Island   W 74-73   Witter 3FG   :3.2
01/13/10   Southern Illinois   W 71-69   Young FG   :1.3
02/18/12   Long Beach St.   W 81-79   Young FG   :0.3
01/28/14   St. John's   W 63-60   McDermott 3FG   :2.8
*double-overtime
Opponent Go-Ahead Scores in CU Losses at CLCO, Last 10 Seconds
Date   Opponent   Score   Player/Score   Time
03/20/06Â Â Â Miami (Fla.)Â Â Â L 53-52Â Â Â G. Diaz FTÂ Â Â :2.6
01/20/07   Southern Illinois   L 58-57   B. Mullins FG   :4.1
01/10/15   #19 Seton Hall   L 68-67   S. Gibbs 3FG   :2.2
02/16/15   #19 Butler   L 58-56   R. Jones FG   :1.9
03/07/15   Xavier   L 74-73   D. Davis FT's   :6.3
01/12/16   #12 Providence   L 50-48   K. Dunn FG   :0.0
02/22/17   Providence   L 68-66   K. Cartwright 3FG   :2.4
Two Of The Best
A pair of Creighton players were ranked among the best in college basketball in preseason rankings of top-100 players.
   CBSSports.com lists Marcus Foster as the nation's 31st-best player and Khyri Thomas as 70th-best.
   NBCSports.com listed Foster as the No. 21 player, and Thomas as 67th-best nationally.
   ESPN.com did a list of the nation's top 50 players, and Foster finished 30th in that voting.
#ProJays
For the first time since 1969-70, Creighton has four NBA players at the same time as Kyle Korver (Cleveland Cavaliers), Anthony Tolliver (Detroit Pistons), Doug McDermott (New York Knicks) and Justin Patton (Minnesota Timberwolves) are all in the league.
   Including 2017-18, Creighton has now had an NBA player in 34 of the last 35 years.
   Korver ranks fourth in NBA history with 2,151 three-pointers and is seventh in league history with 43.11 percent marksmanship from three-point range (through January 17). He set a single-season NBA mark that still stands with his 53.6 percent shooting from three-point range in 2009-10, and is the only player in league history to lead the NBA in three-point percentage four times. Korver is averaging 9.7 points per game this year and shooting 43.4 percent from downtown.
   Tolliver is averaging 7.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game this season for the Pistons, his 11th NBA organization.
   McDermott is in his fourth season in the NBA, and first with the New York Knicks. He was traded to the Knicks with Enes Kanter in exchange for All-Star Carmelo Anthony. McDermott is averaging 8.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game this season.
   Creighton's newest NBA product is Justin Patton, who is now with the Minnesota Timberwolves organization but currently healing a broken foot. Patton redshirted in 2015-16 before turning pro and being the 16th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. Patton was then part of the Jimmy Butler trade to end up in Minneapolis, and on December 24th was recalled to the Timberwolves from the G-League affiliate in Des Moines, only to be sent down two days later.
   Patton will become the 14th different player in history with Creighton ties to play in the NBA.
   The two-day stretch in December marked the first time since 1969-70 that Creighton has had four NBA players at the same time.
Racking Up The Victories
In 99 previous seasons of Bluejay Basketball, last season was the sixth team to earn 25 or more wins.
   Of Creighton's six seasons in history with 25 or more wins, Greg McDermott has coached four of those in the previous six years.
Most Creighton MBB Wins, Season
      Pre   Pre-Post   Postseason
Year   Final W-L   Tourney   Season   Tournament
2002-03Â Â Â 29-5Â Â Â 26-4Â Â Â 29-4Â Â Â NCAA
2011-12Â Â Â 29-6Â Â Â 25-5Â Â Â 28-5Â Â Â NCAA
2012-13Â Â Â 28-8Â Â Â 24-7Â Â Â 27-7Â Â Â NCAA
2008-09Â Â Â 27-8Â Â Â 25-6Â Â Â 26-7Â Â Â NIT
2013-14Â Â Â 27-8Â Â Â 24-6Â Â Â 26-7Â Â Â NCAA
2016-17Â Â Â 25-10Â Â Â 23-8Â Â Â 25-9Â Â Â NCAA
1990-91Â Â Â 24-8Â Â Â 20-7Â Â Â 23-7Â Â Â NCAA
2000-01Â Â Â 24-8Â Â Â 23-6Â Â Â 24-7Â Â Â NCAA
1921-22Â Â Â 23-5Â Â Â 23-5Â Â Â 23-5Â Â Â didn't exist
1973-74Â Â Â 23-7Â Â Â 21-7Â Â Â 21-7Â Â Â NCAA
2001-02Â Â Â 23-9Â Â Â 19-8Â Â Â 22-8Â Â Â NCAA
1999-00Â Â Â 23-10Â Â Â 20-9Â Â Â 23-9Â Â Â NCAA
2004-05Â Â Â 23-11Â Â Â 20-10Â Â Â 23-10Â Â Â NCAA
2010-11Â Â Â 23-16Â Â Â 18-14Â Â Â 19-15Â Â Â CBI
*Bold italics indicates Greg McDermott teams
Among The Nation's Best
Below is where Creighton ranks nationally in the since Greg McDermott took over in 2010-11, per Basketball-Reference.com, through games of January 17th.
2010-11 to Present
Category   Stat   NCAA Rank
FG Percentage   .482   3rd
3FG Percentage   .387   3rd
Assists   4,361   3rd  Â
3FG Made   2,283   4th
FG Made   7,225   11th
Wins   181   29th
Winning Percentage   .678   34th
All-Tourney Duo
Creighton's Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas were both named to the 2017 Hall of Fame Classic All-Tournament Team in November.
   Foster averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in two games in Kansas City, while Thomas averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the championship rounds.
   Foster has now played in three tournaments since coming to Creighton, and been named All-Tournament in each one, as he was recognized last season in the Paradise Jam (MVP) as well as the BIG EAST Tournament.
Going For 20, Again
Creighton has won 20 or more games in 17 of the last 19 seasons (including 2016-17), a feat that puts the Jays among an exclusive group, nationally.
   Just three schools nationally have had 20 or more wins each of the last 19 years: Duke, Gonzaga and Kansas.
   Kentucky and Florida have each done it in 18 of the last 19 seasons.
   Along with Arizona, Syracuse and Xavier, Creighton is one of four schools with 20 or more wins in exactly 17 of the past 19 years.
Some Loyal Fans
Creighton attracted 296.013 fans at home in 2016-17, surpassing 200,000 fans for the 12th straight season. CU's average of 17,413 was second-most in program history, while the 296,013 fans were the fourth-most ever.
   Creighton had never attracted more than 141,000 home fans in any season prior to the opening of CenturyLink Center Omaha, and now has done it in the past 15 seasons.
   Creighton has led its conference in home attendance every year since moving into CenturyLink Center Omaha, which is in its 15th season.
Highest Average Attendance, Creighton History
   Avg. Att.   School   Year
   17,896   Creighton   2013-14
   17,413   Creighton   2016-17
   17,155   Creighton   2012-13
   17,048   Creighton   2014-15
   16,665   Creighton   2011-12
Creighton's Most Home Fans, Season
Rk.   Year   G   Attendance   Average
1.   2015-16   19   302,887   15,941
2.   2008-09   19   302,676   15,930
3.   2010-11   22   297,161   13,507
4.   2016-17   17   296,013   17413
5.   2012-13   17   291,643   17,155
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go
Creighton averaged 81.83 points per game in 2016-17, and its 2,864 points a year ago were a school-record. This year's team is averaging 88.3 points per game.
   Greg McDermott is 53-2 as a Division I head coach when his teams score 90 or more points, including a 47-2 mark on the Creighton sideline.
   Creighton is 62-2 all-time when scoring 100 points or more, including 35 straight wins since a 1977 loss to North Texas State.
Preseason BIG EAST Poll
Creighton was picked to finish fifth in the BIG EAST Conference according to a preseason poll of league coaches. Villanova was picked first with 80 points and eight first-place votes, while Seton Hall and Xavier, Providence round out the top four. After Creighton, St. John's, Marquette, Butler, Georgetown and DePaul rounded out the bottom half.
   Creighton guard Marcus Foster was named Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team, while Khyri Thomas was picked to be a Preseason All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention choice.
   Since the reconfiguration of the BIG EAST in 2013, Creighton, Providence and Villanova are the only teams to meet or exceed their poll prediction each season.
McDermott Ranks Second On CU Wins List
Greg McDermott currently has 181 victories at Creighton, good for second place on CU's all-time wins list.
   McDermott's .678 winning percentage is Creighton's best since Arthur A. Schabinger's .714 win rate more 80 years ago.
   Below is a list of the most victorious Creighton coaches in program history.
Most Coaching Wins, Creighton History
Rk.   W-L   Name   Years
1.   327-176   Dana Altman   1994-2010
2.   181-86   Greg McDermott    2010-Pres.
3.   165-66   Arthur A. Schabinger    1922-35
4.   138-118   John J. "Red" McManus    1959-69
5.   130-64   Tom Apke   1974-81
Top-20 Crowds
Here's a look at Creighton's top-20 home crowds all-time.
    Rank   Att.   Opponent   Date
   1.   18,868   Providence   03/08/14
   2.   18,859   Georgetown   01/25/14
   3.   18,831   #1 Villanova   12/31/16
   4.   18,797   #6 Villanova   02/16/14
   5.   18,742   Seton Hall   02/23/14
   6.   18,735   Wichita State   02/11/12
   7.   18,613   Wichita State   03/02/13
   8.   18,525   Marquette   12/31/13
   9.   18,494   Illinois State   02/09/13
   10.   18,458   Evansville   12/29/12
   11.   18,436   Bradley   01/28/12
   12.   18,323   DePaul   02/07/14
   13.   18,160   Central Arkansas   11/14/14
   14.   18,145   Marquette   01/21/17
   15.   18,111   Bradley   02/02/13
   16.   18,084   Seton Hall   12/28/16
   17.   18,078   Tulsa   11/23/13
   18.   18,073   Drake   01/08/13
   19.   18,032   #12 Butler   01/11/17
   20.   17,971   #19 Butler   02/16/15
BIG EAST Playing Big
Though the BIG EAST may not be considered of the traditional "Football 5" Conferences due to its lack of big time football, the performance of the league has been big time for a long time.
   The league has owned a top-five RPI in the NCAA RPI rankings in every season since 2000-01, as seen below:
BIG EAST in Conference RPI Rankings (after 1/17)
2017-18:Â Â Â 3rd (via WarrenNolan.com)
2016-17:Â Â Â 3rd
2015-16:Â Â Â 4th
2014-15:Â Â Â 3rd
2013-14:Â Â Â 4th
2012-13:Â Â Â 2nd
2011-12:Â Â Â 2nd
2010-11:Â Â Â 1st
2009-10:Â Â Â 3rd
2008-19:Â Â Â 4th
2007-08:Â Â Â 5th
2006-07:Â Â Â 5th
2005-06:Â Â Â 3rd
2004-05:Â Â Â 2nd
2003-04:Â Â Â 4th
2002-03:Â Â Â 5th
2001-02:Â Â Â 3rd
2000-01:Â Â Â 3rd
Home Run
Since Greg McDermott took over in 2010, Creighton is averaging 80.33 points per home game (10,845 points in 135 home games), a figure that climbs to 85.19 points in non-conference home games (5,878 points in 69 home games).
   Creighton is 93-2 all-time at CenturyLink Center Omaha when scoring 80 or points and has won 88 straight non-conference home games when scoring 80 or more points, dating to a 90-85 loss to Nebraska on Dec. 7, 1991.
Eight Out Of 19 Tourney Titles
Creighton owns eight league tournament titles in the last 19 years. On a national basis, the only schools that can claim this are Gonzaga (15), Duke (11), Winthrop (10), Kentucky (9), Creighton (8), Kansas (8) and New Mexico State (8).
Ticket Information
Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season went on sale on October 18th.
   Fans can purchase single-game tickets at CenturyLink Center Omaha Box Office, Ryan Athletic Center, by calling Ticketmaster or visiting Ticketmaster.com, and charging by phone at (800) 745-3000. Only upper bowl seats will be available for any regular-season game.
   For more information, call the Creighton Ticket Office at (402) 280-JAYS.
Clear Bag Policy Now In Place
CenturyLink Center Omaha has adopted new clear bag regulations for all arena events, including Creighton University men's home basketball games. Bags permitted under the policy include clear plastic, vinyl or PVC totes.
   Additionally, small clutch-sized bags will also be allowed inside the arena after a proper security inspection. However, oversized bags or purses will no longer be allowed inside the premises.
   After observing the success and ease of transition with arenas and venues across the state, MECA and Creighton University believe the updated policy to be the best safety practice for the thousands of fans who loyally attend each basketball game, and countless concert-goers who walk through the doors at CenturyLink Center Omaha.
   Here are the main bullet-points of the new bag policy.
•   Clear plastic bags, measuring 12 inches tall, 12 inches long, and 6 inches wide.
•   Small or clutch-sized purses or wallets, not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches long.
•   One-gallon, clear plastic freezer bags are permitted (Ziploc bag or similar).
•   No large purses, bags, backpacks or fanny-packs will be allowed inside.
•   MECA staff members are not allowed to hold bags during an event.
•   Exceptions will be made for bags with medical necessity after appropriate inspection.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballMeet the Jays - MBB Blake Harper
Friday, August 15
Meet the Jays - MBB Austin Swartz
Friday, August 15
Meet the Jays - MBB Jasen Green
Friday, August 15
Meet the Jays - MBB Ty Davis
Friday, August 15
