Two of the country's best big men will face off when Creighton meets Auburn in the Round of 32. Auburn's Johni Broome has put together an excellent campaign and is one of the favorites for National Player of the Year. Ryan Kalkbrenner won his fourth consecutive Big East Defensive Player of the Year honor and, like Broome, received All-American recognition for his play this season. If you like elite frontcourt play, this will certainly be a game to watch.
Creighton made fairly easy work of Louisville in the Round of 64, riding an offensive avalanche in the first half to an 89-75 victory. The Bluejays shot 57.1% from the field and 45.8% from three while limiting a potent Cardinals offense to just 42.9% from the field and 27.6% from three. Jamiya Neal was huge in the win, dropping 29 points and 12 rebounds. Steven Ashworth was not limited much by the defensive efforts of Chucky Hepburn and finished with 22 points, five assists, and five rebounds while connecting on four triples. Kalkbrenner contributed 14 points, six boards, and four blocks.
Auburn only led by one with just over a minute left in the first half against 16-seed Alabama State. However, the Tigers went into halftime up 10 and eventually cruised to an 83-63 win. It wasn't the most efficient offensive performance for Bruce Pearl's group, but the Tigers' defense held their opponents to 37.1% from the field and 24% from three. Miles Kelly connected on seven threes and finished with a game-high 23 points. Broome registered 14 points and 11 boards. Chaney Johnson and Tahaad Pettiford combined for 29 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists off the bench.
How to Watch Creighton vs. Auburn
- Date: Saturday, March 22
- Time: 7:10 pm ET
- Venue: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
- How to Watch (TV): TBS/truTV
- Steaming: fubo TV
- Creighton record: 25-10
- Auburn record: 29-5
Creighton vs. Auburn Odds, Spread, and Total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline:
- Creighton +290
- Auburn -385
Spread:
- Creighton +8.5 (-110)
- Auburn -8.5 (-110)
Total:
- 149.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Creighton Injury Report
- Fedor Zugic, G - Probable (Ankle)
- Pop Isaacs, G - OUT (Hip)
Auburn Injury Report
- None
Auburn and Creighton Series History
Creighton vs. Auburn Prediction
Creighton took down Louisville behind a three-point onslaught, but they likely won't be able to win the same way against an Auburn team that ranks fifth nationally in limiting opponent three-point efficiency. Ryan Kalkbrenner will need to establish himself early down low and collapse the defense to open things up for Creighton's perimeter attack. As it stands, Creighton is one of the nation's best teams when it comes to controlling the area inside the arc, and that starts with Kalkbrenner. A big game from him could sway the outcome.
Auburn has few obvious weaknesses beyond allowing opponents to get to the free throw line at a high rate. That could present issues against the Bluejays considering the main feature of their defense is not fouling and not giving opponents attempts from the charity stripe. Regardless, a strong frontcourt led by Johni Broome is an excellent asset to have when facing a big of Kalkbrenner's caliber. The Tigers' dynamic guard play is where they possess a real edge, as Creighton may have trouble slowing down all of Miles Kelly, Chad Baker-Mazara, Denver Jones, and Tahaad Pettiford.
With the recent emergence of Jamiya Neal, the Bluejays have a few weapons that need to be accounted for. Creighton also has perhaps the best defensive anchor in the country in Ryan Kalkbrenner. Greg McDermott's squad has the necessary pieces to stay in this game, but look for the Tigers and their NPOY candidate to continue their quest for a title and get the win.