The Creighton Bluejays delivered a statement win on Wednesday night, toppling the Villanova Wildcats 76-72 in a gripping Big East showdown at Finneran Pavilion. This result not only handed Villanova their first home loss of the season but also shifted the balance near the top of the conference standings, as Creighton improved to 10-6 overall and 4-1 in Big East play, while Villanova dropped to 12-3 overall and 3-1 in the league.
Coming into the matchup, the Wildcats were riding high, favored by 5.5 points and boasting a 12-2 record under new head coach Kevin Willard. Their defense had been a bright spot, ranking 25th nationally in adjusted efficiency, and they featured a balanced attack with five players averaging double figures. Bryce Lindsey, leading the squad with 17 points per game and a sizzling 44.7% from beyond the arc, was expected to be a difference-maker. Villanova’s slow, methodical pace—352nd nationally in adjusted tempo—was designed to grind opponents down, and many experts predicted a low-scoring affair.
Creighton, meanwhile, had been searching for consistency. The Bluejays entered with a 9-6 record (3-1 Big East) and were coming off a tough road loss to Seton Hall, where they squandered a 14-point lead and managed just 11 points in the final 13 minutes. Head coach Doug McDermott credited Seton Hall’s defense but was candid about his team’s lackluster finish, saying, "We just didn’t play with the edge we needed down the stretch." The loss highlighted ongoing concerns about Creighton’s shooting, particularly from deep—a recurring theme in their setbacks this season. Still, their defensive discipline, especially in avoiding fouls and forcing low-percentage shots, had kept them competitive.
The stage was set for a classic Big East battle, and the first half didn’t disappoint. Villanova jumped out to a 25-15 lead, buoyed by Acaden Lewis’ aggressive play, including a pair of free throws. The Wildcats looked poised to control the tempo, but Creighton refused to wilt. The Bluejays clawed back with a 13-4 run over six minutes, slicing the deficit and injecting new life into the contest. By halftime, Villanova clung to a 34-30 advantage, but the momentum was clearly shifting.
The second half opened with Villanova’s Tyler Perkins drilling a three-pointer to stretch the lead to seven. Yet, Creighton’s resilience shone through. Josh Dix, the Bluejays’ leading scorer at 12 points per game, nailed a critical three to knot the score at 41 with 16:33 remaining. The teams traded blows, with ties at 43 and 45, before Villanova mounted a 6-1 spurt to regain control.
But the Bluejays weren’t done. Blake Harper, a key contributor on the boards, gave Creighton its first lead at 55-53 and later extended it to 64-57—their largest edge of the night. Villanova, known for its ability to rally at home, pushed back, but it was Creighton’s night. Austin Swartz, who has been quietly efficient all season and shooting nearly 40% from three-point range, erupted for 20 points to lead all scorers. His timely buckets and poise under pressure were instrumental in sealing the win.
Statistically, the game played out much as analysts predicted—tight defense, limited fast-break opportunities, and a deliberate pace. The total points (148) slightly exceeded the pregame over/under of 143.5, a testament to both teams’ ability to execute in half-court sets when it mattered most. Creighton’s defense, particularly their knack for defending without fouling and forcing Villanova into tough shots, proved decisive. The Bluejays also held their own on the glass, countering Villanova’s perceived interior advantage led by Duke Brennan (11.7 rebounds per game).
Villanova’s offense, which had exploded for 55 second-half points in their previous outing against Butler, struggled to find the same rhythm against Creighton’s disciplined schemes. Bryce Lindsey finished below his season average, and while Acaden Lewis and Tyler Perkins contributed, the Wildcats couldn’t generate enough second-chance points or open looks from deep. Coach Willard’s commitment to a slower tempo—so effective all season—may have played into Creighton’s hands, as the Bluejays excelled in half-court defense and capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
For Creighton, the victory marked their fourth straight over Villanova, including last season’s 62-60 thriller, and further solidified their status as a legitimate Big East contender. The win also provided a much-needed confidence boost after the Seton Hall heartbreaker. As Doug McDermott noted earlier in the week, "We have to learn how to close out games and keep our composure when things get tough." Against Villanova, his team answered the call, outscoring the Wildcats in the crucial closing minutes and executing their game plan to perfection.
Looking at the broader implications, the win propels Creighton up the conference standings and sends a message to the rest of the Big East. The Bluejays’ blend of disciplined defense and timely shooting—highlighted by Swartz’s breakout performance and Harper’s clutch plays—makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. Meanwhile, Villanova will need to regroup quickly if they hope to reclaim their early-season dominance. The Wildcats’ first home loss under Kevin Willard is a setback, but with a talented roster and a proven system, they remain a force in the league.
As the dust settles, both teams will look ahead to their next challenges. Creighton returns home to face St. John’s on Saturday, aiming to build on their momentum. Villanova, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back and reinforce their defensive identity. For now, though, the spotlight shines on the Bluejays, who left Villanova, PA with a hard-earned victory and plenty of reasons to believe this could be a special season.