Creighton Basketball: 3 keys to Bluejays beating Princeton in Sweet Sixteen

1. Feed Ryan Kalkbrenner

There are a lot of people named Ryan who are going to play an important role in this Sweet Sixteen contest. The most important one is probably Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner.

The junior big man is a tough presence to combat in the interior for any opponent. Standing at 7-foot-1,  Kalkbrenner averaged 15.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, as well as 2.2 blocks per game.

The opening NCAA Tournament game was emblematic of the threat Kalkbrenner is on the court. He dominated NC State, scoring 31 points, while grabbing seven rebounds. and blocking three shots. He was unstoppable.

Baylor was able to contain Kalkbrenner better, limiting him to just 10 points. Part of the recipe was getting him into foul trouble – his four fouls were his most since the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament.

Princeton may not have as much luck in holding down Kalkbrenner, though. He’s two inches taller than any player on the Tigers’ roster and should be able to dominate from a physical perspective.

None of the above even referenced Kalkbrenner’s defense. This season, Kalkbrenner won Big East Defensive Player of the Year. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Kalkbrenner won the same award last year. Good luck, Princeton offense.

If Ryan Kalkbrenner has a good game, Creighton should advance to the Elite Eight. If he has a great game, the Tigers may not be able to make it competitive.