Milwaukee was buzzing on Friday night as the No. 8 Marquette Golden Eagles played host to the Creighton Bluejays, securing a 79-71 victory. The game marked another chapter between two strong contenders within the Big East Conference, emphasizing the competitive spirit of collegiate basketball.
Marquette entered the contest riding high after dominating Providence with a 78-50 win earlier this week. With their record now at 13-2 and 4-0 within the conference, the Golden Eagles demonstrated their prowess. Head coach Shaka Smart praised his team, stating, "He's (Kam Jones) a willing passer, that's the most important thing." Jones's skill set was on full display during the match, and his performance reflected his ability to both score and facilitate plays.
Jones led the Golden Eagles with 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and registered five assists, making him instrumental to Marquette's success. Meanwhile, Stevie Mitchell chipped in 18 points, and David Joplin's timely 3-pointer solidified the win, showing the depth of scoring options on the Marquette roster. Joplin’s clutch shot came with just 35 seconds left on the clock, helping his team stave off Creighton’s attempts to rally.
Creighton faced their own challenges throughout the game. Despite starting strong with a 7-0 lead, they struggled initially against Marquette's defense, finding offensive rhythm hard to sustain. Coach Greg McDermott noted after the game, "Some days you just don't have your stuff and have to find a way." This sentiment echoed throughout their performance, especially with their difficulties maintaining possession. The Bluejays recorded 19 turnovers, including 10 from Steven Ashworth, who nevertheless managed to score 13 points and distribute 10 assists to lead his team’s effort.
After falling behind, Marquette rallied to seize control of the game, embarking on what proved to be pivotal runs. They entered halftime leading 39-35, bolstered by Zaide Lowery's buzzer-beater. Following the intermission, Marquette erupted with a 26-6 run, stretching their lead to 53-38, effectively flipping the momentum.
Creighton, not ready to capitulate, launched their comeback attempt, fueled by Ryan Kalkbrenner's performance. The Bluejays' big man led Creighton with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Jamiya Neal provided valuable support with 15 points, showing their scoring capability, but it wasn't enough to overcome Marquette's efficiency.
Both teams displayed equal shooting percentages around 40% for the second half, but it was Marquette’s effective scoring and strategic clock management late in the game which secured their victory. Jones’ free throws down the stretch, accompanied by Joplin's well-timed 3-pointer, ensured they hung on for the win.
This victory not only extended Marquette's winning streak over Creighton at home to three games but also illustrated their growing confidence as they push forward within the Big East schedule. Coach Shaka Smart expressed the significance of maintaining aggression and leadership passing, especially with the absence of some key players since the start of the season.
This game reaffirmed Marquette's strong standing within the conference, highlighted their potential for the rest of the season, and suggested they could pose serious threats to other teams as they strive for the postseason. Their performance against Creighton was not just about securing another win – it was about setting the tone for the upcoming challenges.
Creighton, on the other hand, will have to regroup and address their turnover issues if they hope to improve their standing after dropping to 9-6, with their conference record now at 2-2. The future matchup between these teams promises to be just as thrilling, as both squads showcase their evolution throughout the season.