2014 NCAA Tournament: Creighton Bluejays Prevail over Louisiana-Lafayette
By Cam Newton
Mar 21, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) shoots over Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns guard Steven Wronkoski (4) in the second half of a men
Creighton is fortunate enough to have Doug McDermott leading their charge in the NCAA Tournament this year, this time as a three seed in the likely player of the year’s senior season. McDermott is one of the best college players I’ve ever seen in my life and I am so glad we get to see him continue playing for at least one more game.
Throughout today’s game against Louisiana-Lafayette, Creighton managed to jump out to relatively large leads multiple times. Invariably, the Ragin’ Cajuns would make charge after charge at Creighton, chipping away their lead every time.
Louisiana-Lafayette, this year’s Sun Belt Tournament Champs, managed to stick close to Creighton until the end, when McDermott, Austin Chatman, and Ethan Wragge heated up their shots. All three hit a three point shot in the final few minutes, adding some separation from the Ragin’ Cajuns.
ULL played very well today, due in most part to an incredible offensive performance from guard Elfrid Payton, who scored 24 points and was seemingly doing it all for ULL. Unfortunately for the Ragin’ Cajuns, he just couldn’t do enough.
This game truly showed one of the hazards of picking Creighton, highlighting concerns many people had about the Bluejays. When McDermott and company is hot, they are unmatched by no one. When they go cold, it’s incredibly easy for a team to creep back into a game and have a solid shot at a victory. Nevertheless, Creighton got it done today against ULL, winning 76-66. The Bluejays will face Baylor on Sunday.