In a commanding display of basketball prowess, Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner led his team to a decisive 79-54 victory over Seton Hall in an engaging Big East Conference matchup in Omaha, Nebraska. Kalkbrenner was the star of the show, contributing significantly with 23 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, underscoring Creighton's dominance on the court.
The Bluejays, advancing to a commendable 14-6 overall and 7-2 in the Big East Conference, were bolstered by Steven Ashworth's impressive performance. Ashworth scored 17 points, showing off a remarkable shooting precision with six successful field goals out of nine attempts and a notable five out of eight from beyond the arc, alongside providing nine assists. Isaac Traudt also played his part, finishing with 10 points, perfectly hitting all four of his attempts.
Although the Pirates fought valiantly, Seton Hall, now standing at 6-14 and 1-8 in the conference, couldn't match up to Creighton's fervor. Prince Aligbe was the leading scorer for Seton Hall, with 12 points, while Garwey Dual showed versatility by adding 10 points, five assists, and three steals. Emmanuel Okorafor also contributed with eight points.
The turning point in the game came late in the first half. The Bluejays seized the lead with just over two minutes remaining, going into halftime with a 38-34 advantage. Ashworth's first-half contribution was vital, as he topped his team's scoring with 14 points. Creighton's momentum was unstoppable in the second half, as they staged a commanding 9-0 run that expanded their lead to 47-34, further solidifying their win with Kalkbrenner scoring another 10 points in the latter half.
Looking forward, Creighton is set to face Xavier at home this Wednesday, a game that fans are eagerly anticipating after their recent victory. Meanwhile, Seton Hall will aim to regroup and refocus when they host Providence on Tuesday night.
This game was a clear indicator of Creighton's growing prowess in the Big East Conference, and it sets the stage for an exciting series of upcoming matchups. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Creighton can maintain their winning form in their next encounter.