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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OMAHA, NEBRASKA-NOVEMBER 26: Andre Walker #2 of the Loyola (Md) Greyhounds has his shot blocked by Martin Krampelj #15 of the Creighton Bluejays during their game at the CenturyLink Center on November 26, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /

2. The Jays have been outmatched down low

Head Coach Greg McDermott has had the knack to produce talent with the forward/center (F/C) position after sending his son, Doug McDermott and Omaha native, Justin Patton to the NBA. But ever since Patton left early for the NBA following his breakout year in his freshman season, the Jays have been looking for a dominant piece down below.

Last year, Martin Krampelj experienced his own breakout season after averaging nearly 12.0 PPG and 9.0 rebounds per game (RPG). Unfortunately, in the 19th game of the season, the Bluejays lost Krampelj to his second season-ending knee injury. Now, Krampelj has battled back to get healthy again, but the rust hasn’t yet worn off.

Thru the first four games, Krampelj has simply struggled as he is averaging just 7.0 PPG and 4.8 RPG. In addition, Krampelj has been unreliable on the defensive end as shown in Monday’s game after he fouled out for the second game in a row.

As mentioned before, transfer Damien Jefferson has been just about the only bright spot among the four F/C that has seen playing time. Along with Krampelj and Jefferson, Australian center’s Jacob Epperson and Sam Froling have seen a good chunk of minutes but neither has been able to perform consistently.

To his credit, sophomore center Jacob Epperson has been dealing with an ankle injury but in just eight minutes of play against Boise St, he contributed 10 points on 4-4 shooting leading to his best performance in this young season. Freshman Froling remains a project for Coach McDermott as he has struggled in nearly all aspects of the game.

Moving forward, the big men on this Bluejay squad remain as the biggest question mark and if this team wants to succeed, Krampelj and company will need to step it up.

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