21. Creighton (18-6)
There were some tough moments for Creighton early this season, including double-digit losses to Nebraska, San Diego State, and Georgetown. The Bluejays have finally seemed to find their footing in recent weeks and are really showing that they are a top power in the Big East again. Things have gone relatively smoothly since a loss at Marquette right after New Year’s and that streak certainly continued this week.
The Bluejays handled Providence on the road to start the week, getting an 80-69 win over the Friars back on Wednesday night. Ryan Kalkbrenner had another outstanding effort with 35 points and 12 rebounds, continuing the final stretch of a great basketball career. Saturday’s result was even more satisfying, as Creighton avenged that earlier loss with a 77-67 win over Marquette. Steven Ashworth had 22 points and 7 assists while Kalkbrenner had 19 points and 7 rebounds as the Bluejays shot 53% from the field in a solid win.
Now owners of a nine-game winning streak, the Bluejays have beaten Kansas and have wins over each of the other Top 4 teams in the Big East. There are some questionable performances on the resume, but Creighton has shown that they can hang with anybody and have really played inspired ball across the last month and a half. As if things weren’t difficult enough, they’ll see rematches with hungry UConn and St. John’s teams next week, needing to play their best ball if they want that streak to hit 11 games.