Creighton Seeks Another Upset at No. 7 Alabama

Bluejays Soar into Tuscaloosa ⁣Seeking Another‍ Top-10 Upset

creighton, fresh off a stunning victory over‍ then-No. 1 Kansas, faces another top-10 challenge on Saturday night ⁢when they take ‍on ⁣No.7 Alabama in tuscaloosa.

The Bluejays (7-3) have found their stride after a mid-season slump, ‍reeling ⁣off three consecutive wins against Notre ‍Dame, Kansas, and‍ UNLV. This recent surge ⁤has transformed Creighton‘s ‍outlook heading into the⁣ showdown with the Crimson Tide.

“We’ve had the challenge of people having to step up all year,” said guard Jamiya Neal, who excelled ⁤with 19 ⁣points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in the UNLV victory.”Guys knew, once again, we had to step up (in Isaacs’ absence). Unfortunately, it’s going to be for ‍the rest of the season. I don’t think anybody is happy about that, but I know everybody’s prepared and mentally locked in ⁤to do what they need to do.”

The Kansas victory, fueled⁢ by a season-high 27 points from Pop Isaacs, was a turning point for Creighton. ⁤However, Isaacs’ surgically repaired hip flared up shortly after, ending his⁣ season. The loss of Isaacs, who ranks second on the team in scoring (16.3 points per game) and‍ 3-pointers ⁣(23), is a meaningful blow.

despite the setback, ⁢Creighton boasts a formidable lineup⁤ led by star big man Ryan Kalkbrenner. Kalkbrenner averages 17.3 points and 8.4 rebounds ⁢per ⁣game, anchoring the Bluejays’ offence and defense. Steven ‍Ashworth adds another scoring threat, averaging 15.9 points per game and leading the team with 30 3-pointers.Alabama (7-2) enters the matchup after a dominant 94-79 road win over ⁣then-No. 20 North Carolina on December 4th. Mark Sears led the Crimson Tide with 20 points and seven⁣ assists, while Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon chipped in 15 points apiece.

The victory was a statement win for Alabama,who lost guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon prior to the game. Wrightsell ⁣was averaging 11.5 points and shooting 42.2 percent from‍ 3-point ⁤range.

Holloway stepped up in Wrightsell’s absence, going 5 of 9 from behind the arc against North Carolina.

“We’ve seen him shoot ⁤it like this in practice for a⁢ long⁣ time,so ⁢we know what he’s capable of shooting the ball,”⁢ Crimson Tide coach nate Oats said of Holloway. “… wrightsell has been our best shooter all year so we need⁤ someone ⁤to‍ step up and make some threes.”

Alabama also pulled the redshirt ⁣from Pepperdine transfer Houston Mallette,who played nine minutes against North Carolina and contributed six⁤ points,three rebounds,and ⁣two steals. Mallette made both of his 3-point attempts.

Creighton has‍ a history of success against Alabama, winning all three previous ‍meetings, including an 85-82‍ victory last season in omaha. Kalkbrenner scored ⁣19 points‍ on 9-of-11 shooting in ⁢that game, while Sears had⁣ 19 for the Crimson Tide.

Saturday night’s matchup promises‍ to be‍ another thrilling chapter ⁣in ⁣this burgeoning rivalry.

Can Creighton’s Upset‍ Streak Continue Against Alabama?

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott joins us today in teh wake of the Bluejays ‍stunning upset of then-No. 1 Kansas to discuss their upcoming matchup against No. 7 Alabama. Coach, congratulations on that impressive victory. What was the key to your team’s success against the Jayhawks?

After the loss of Pop Isaacs, it ‍truly⁤ seems like the team has rallied around each other.How challenging has it been to overcome his absence, and ⁢what have you seen from your players in terms of stepping up?

Looking ahead to Alabama,‍ they’re coming off a⁤ big ⁣win against North Carolina. What are your thoughts on the Crimson Tide,and what do⁤ you consider to be the biggest matchup challenges they present?

How do you approach playing against⁤ a Crimson Tide‍ team ⁣that has been particularly strong‍ at home this season?

⁢ Alabama guard Mark Sears has been having a strong season. How do you plan to contain him and the Alabama offence?⁤

Ryan Kalkbrenner has been carrying a meaningful load for Creighton this season. How important will it be for him to have a big game against Alabama, and what can you tell us about his advancement?