Creighton Basketball: 3 takeaways from bounce back win over Boise State

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: The Creighton Bluejay looks to the crowd during a timeout against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Ty-Shon Alexander #5 of the Creighton Bluejays reacts after scoring during the National Collegiate Basketball Hall Of Fame Classic game against the UCLA Bruins at the Sprint Center on November 20, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

1. The young Bluejays don’t look so young

After losing their two top scorers in Marcus Foster and Khryi Thomas, the Bluejays came into the season looking for the youth to step up on offense. Thru four games, four of Creighton’s top five scorers are either sophomore or freshman.

Already taking a giant leap forward, sophomore guard Ty-Shon Alexander leads the team with 16.5 points per game (PPG). The former 4-star guard and Oak Hill Academy product have risen to the occasion and once again he led the Bluejays with 18 points.

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises thus far for the Bluejays has been freshman guard Marcus Zegarowski. The former ESPN top-100 recruit has lived up to his hype and shown poise, confidence and leadership when handling the ball. After trailing 35-32 late in the first half to Boise State, Zegarowski came off the bench and scored eight points to spark a 14-6 run giving the Bluejays a five-point halftime lead (46-41).

In addition, former New Mexico Lobo and sophomore transfer Damien Jefferson has excelled at filling the void Khryi Thomas left. After scoring 16 points and grabbing six rebounds Monday night, Jefferson is second on the team in scoring (10.0) and first in rebounds (6.0) per game. Sophomore guard Mitch Ballock has started off a bit slow, but the returning starter is still averaging a respectable 9.3 PPG while leading the team in assists per game (APG) with 6.0

While it still looks like it could be a rebuilding year for the Bluejays, this young and talented squad has shown the potential to play into March.

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