NCAA Basketball: Texas and Creighton rises, Gonzaga falls in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
24. Creighton (15-8)
A six-game losing streak in December really solidified the public view of Creighton, but the Bluejays have dug their way out of that early hole. A preseason favorite to make major noise in the sport, Creighton has played significantly better in recent weeks, sitting in great shape in a tough and deep Big East. It’s hard to find a more talented and experienced starting five than what you’ll find with these Bluejays.
Continuing a winning streak that already included wins over Providence and Xavier, the Bluejays continued their winning ways with a 63-53 road win at Georgetown. Those five starters combined for all 63 points, with each of them in double figures in the win, led by Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 16 points. Creighton ran their winning streak to six games on Saturday night, picking up a 66-61 home win over Villanova. Again, those five combined for all the points, with Trey Alexander’s 27-point outing the clear highlight.
Kalkbrenner missed time during that losing streak, and this Creighton team does not look the same as back then two months ago. The Blue Jays are 9-3 in a tough Big East and this recent winning streak has given them a chance to flex their muscles and prove their preseason rankings were not a fluke. We’ve still yet to see what Creighton can really do, especially with how limited their rotation has been, but a road trip to Seton Hall becomes their biggest challenge in a few weeks.