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Villanova vs Creighton: 2021-22 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Matt Melton

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 01: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats dribbles the ball against Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on February 1, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Creighton Bluejays defeated the Villanova Wildcats 76-61. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 01: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats dribbles the ball against Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on February 1, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Creighton Bluejays defeated the Villanova Wildcats 76-61. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Coming off a loss, No. 9 ranked Villanova travels to Creighton for an exciting matchup to open Big East play.

When: Friday, December 17 at 8:00 pm ET on FS1

Location: CHI Health Center Omaha, Omaha, NE

To tipoff what is an exciting weekend of college basketball, Villanova travels to Creighton to take on the Bluejays in what is the Big East opener for both teams.

Villanova comes into this contest have suffered their worst loss of the season Sunday as the Wildcats fell on the road to No. 2 ranked Baylor 57-36. A game in which the Wildcats never led, Villanova struggled mightily offensively shooting only 22.2% from the field, but did receive a strong performance from guard Justin Moore who added 15 points and six rebounds.

The Wildcats are currently ranked as the No. 9 team in the country at 7-3, and come into this game averaging 74 PPG while only allowing 61.5 PPG to opponents. Leading the way for Villanova alongside the previously mentioned Moore is leading scorer Collin Gillespie (16.2 PPG, 43.4 3P%), while forwards Brandon Slater and Jermaine Samuels also average in double-figures.

Creighton on the other hand are coming off their second loss in three games as the Bluejays fell 58-57 to Arizona State at home on Tuesday night. Despite beating the Sun Devils in a few key areas, Creighton struggled at times offensively as the Bluejays shot only 38.9% from the field, as well as 5-for-25 from three.

The Bluejays sit at 8-3 on the year, and come into this game averaging 71.9 PPG for the year offensively while allowing 65.4 PPG to opponents. Creighton is led by the frontcourt duo of Ryan Hawkins (13.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (12.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG), while others such as Ryan Nembhard, Alex O’Connell, and Arthur Kaluma also feature prominent scoring roles.

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As mentioned previously, this is the Big East opener for each, and would undoubtedly be a big win for each to tipoff conference play. This however should be a bounce-back performance from Villanova, especially offensively, but don’t be surprised if this game is closer than many people think.

Prediction: Villanova 75, Creighton 69