Creighton University has edged past DePaul University by four points after a thrilling double-overtime battle on March 13, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, advancing them through the second round of the Big East Tournament. This nail-biting contest showcased the determination of both teams, but it was Creighton's last-minute heroics and solid execution under pressure which held the day.
Initially, it seemed DePaul, coming off a surprising upset against Georgetown, could pull off another shocker as they quickly established themselves early on. The Blue Demons took control of the game early, leading 4-2 just after the tip-off. A three-pointer from Layden Blocker and another quick basket put them at 11-5 with less than nine minutes on the clock, marking the start of what would be an intense battle.
Despite some key foul trouble for DePaul's CJ Gunn, who logged 14 points before fouling out, the team rallied behind standout performances from Layden Blocker and Isaiah Rivera, both of whom contributed significantly on both ends of the court. At halftime, DePaul held the lead comfortably at 36-21, showcasing exceptional shooting, including five of their seven three-point attempts, shooting 71.4% from deep. The Blue Demons displayed strong rebounding as well, dominating the boards 21 to 16.
Creighton, led by 7-foot-1 center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who would go on to change the tide of the game, struggled, shooting only 2-12 at one point. Coach Greg McDermott’s squad seemed out of sorts for much of the first half, but began to turn things around as the second half kicked off with increasing urgency.
Despite trailing for large portions of the game, Creighton made sure to keep their composure. They were down by as many as 15 points at one stage but fought vigorously through determined play from their stars, including Kalkbrenner, who led with rebounds and scoring. With less than two minutes left on the clock, Creighton would make their run. They clawed back from being down 62-54 with 1:55 left, as Kalkbrenner hit the layup to tie the game at 62, forcing overtime.
At the end of the first overtime, it remained tightly contested. DePaul fought back to keep the game close, with both teams exchanging leads. The final seconds saw Ty Davis come off the bench to sink key free throws, putting Creighton up 83-78 with less than 60 seconds remaining. His composure under pressure was pivotal, especially moments after Blocker had cut the lead to just one possession with yet another three-pointer.
Blocker’s tenacity throughout the game was apparent. With 44.6 seconds remaining, he finished strong with another basket, narrowing Creighton’s lead to 73-71. This back-and-forth battle demonstrated both teams' grit and heart, where not even the 12.5-point favorite tag on Creighton could shake off DePaul's relentless spirit. Instead of folding under pressure, DePaul's performances rang true to their season-long mantra: resilience. Reported by various sources, the phrase, 22Somehow, some way, DePaul keeps fighting,22 encapsulated the spirit displayed by the Blue Demons.
The nail-biting contest continued with various highlight moments as the clock ticked down during the overtime periods. Creighton had to rely heavily on defensive efforts, especially as Calvin block shots and rebounds helped stall DePaul's offensive rhythm down the stretch.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric. The incredible display of skill from both teams kept fans on the edge of their seats, culminating with the overtime drama where shots felt as if they could swing the momentum at any moment. Both teams matched each other defensively, leading to pivotal turnovers and clutch shots over the 80 minutes played.
With this victory, Creighton moves forward, embracing the next challenge. Their win set the stage for them to face other strong contenders as they continue through the Big East Tournament. This high-stakes game served not just as another statistic but reflected the hard work and perseverance of both teams. DePaul, though exiting the tournament, showcased their growth and potential, leaving fans with hope for their future seasons.
Fans of both Creighton and DePaul celebrated their teams' valiant efforts, with the sportsmanship on display underscoring the sheer passion and dedication found within collegiate basketball. The narrative of the game will echo through the tournament as players prepare for the next matchups, filled with key lessons learned from this intense showdown. We can only expect even more excitement as the Big East Tournament continues its thrilling march to the championship.