In a thrilling basketball showdown in Omaha, Nebraska, Steven Ashworth became the star of the night as he led Creighton to a significant victory over No. 11 Marquette with a score of 77-67. Ashworth shone bright, scoring an impressive 22 points and hitting a season-high six 3-pointers. His performance was critical, especially in the closing moments, where he netted a pivotal 3-pointer that sealed the game for the Bluejays.
This victory marks Creighton's ninth consecutive win. Their current streak has pushed them closer to the top position in the Big East, trailing just behind the leader, St. John's. Creighton's remarkable run has shown a significant improvement since their previous loss to Marquette on January 3, where they were bested 79-71.
In addition to Ashworth's stellar contribution, Ryan Kalkbrenner played a vital role, adding 19 points and displaying defensive prowess with four blocked shots. Jamiya Neal also contributed significantly by scoring 10 of his 14 points during the second half, further cementing the Bluejays' path to victory.
Marquette's Kam Jones emerged as a primary contender for the Golden Eagles, scoring 27 points, while David Joplin added 22. However, the efforts of Marquette fell short as the team succumbed to its third consecutive loss, marking their longest losing streak since the 2021-2022 season.
In an intense encounter, Marquette managed to eradicate an 11-point deficit during the second half, momentarily gaining a lead at 61-60 with 6:34 left on the clock. However, Creighton's Kalkbrenner responded with a timely 3-pointer, pushing the Bluejays ahead with a 67-63 lead. Jamiya Neal further bolstered the lead with a pivotal basket followed by a defensive rebound that translated into Ashworth's game-clinching 3-pointer, ensuring a memorable win with only 43 seconds remaining.
For Ashworth, this game was a personal triumph. He came into this match struggling with his 3-point shooting, having landed just 3 of his last 26 attempts. Yet, he turned the tide, going 6 of 9 from beyond the arc, a stark contrast from his previous performance against Marquette.
Looking ahead, Marquette will seek to rebound as they host DePaul on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Creighton will prepare to face No. 19 Connecticut, also on Tuesday, hoping to extend their win streak and strengthen their standings further.
