Creighton Basketball: 3 keys to beat Kansas Jayhawks in Round of 32

Dec 14, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Trey Alexander (23) celebrates a score with center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) and guard Alex O'Connell (5) in the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

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Creighton Basketball forward KeyShawn Feazell Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

Solid post play will go a long way

With Kalkbrenner unavailable, the Jays turn to KeyShawn Feazell as the big man upfront. He will defend David McCormack who averages over 10 pts and 7 rebs per game while playing 21 mpg. If McCormack has his way with Feazell down low, it’ll be a long day for the Jays.

Feazell has been fairly effective (56% from the field) in around nine minutes per contest. Feazell put up 13.1 ppg at McNeese State last season. Before that, he played three years under Ben Howland at Mississippi State. Greg McDermott is very confident in Feazell, who would have seen more playing time if not for the incredible play from Ryan Kalkbrenner ahead of him.

The Jays will also rely on some minutes expected from Modestas Kancleris. Kancleris has yet to make a shot in his Creighton career (0-5 from the floor). The most minutes Feazell has played in a game this season has been 24 in the season opener, so expect Kancleris to get some real playing time.

Assuming this is the matchup, the Arthur Kaluma – Jalen Wilson will be a fun one to watch. Similar size and they are both do-it-all type of guys.

The post won’t be where Creighton win this game, but it certainly could be where they lose it.

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