(RV) No. 9 Creighton Bluejays (24-9, 15-5 Big East) vs. (No. 1) Auburn (29-5, 15-3 SEC)
Location: Lexington, Ky. – Rupp Arena
Date and Time: Saturday, March 22, 6:10 p.m. CST.
Creighton’s Recent Success
Creighton has continued its NCAA Tournament success, claiming victory in tournament games for the fifth consecutive year, highlighted by an 89-75 triumph over Louisville on Thursday. Only three other programs have achieved this milestone: Baylor, Gonzaga, and Houston. Senior transfer Jamiya Neal shone with a career-best 29 points, along with 12 rebounds and six assists on 12-for-17 shooting. He is just 15 points shy of reaching the 1,000 career points milestone. Additionally, Steven Ashworth contributed 22 points, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, placing him 19 points away from 2,000 in his career. Creighton’s 89 points matched a program record for points in a tournament game, largely due to their impressive three-point shooting, making 11 of 24 attempts, a 45.8% success rate.
Key Players for Creighton
Ryan Kalkbrenner leads the team, scoring 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 65.7% from the field and averaging 8.8 rebounds. He is on the verge of achieving 300 rebounds this season. The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year also ranks first in the conference for blocks per game (2.7). Ashworth contributes 16.8 PPG and ranks eighth nationally with 6.8 assists per game. Creighton has a strong record of 15-2 when Ashworth shoots 40% from three-point range. Recently, Neal has been valuable, averaging 20.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 54.8% from the field over the last three matches.
Auburn’s Impressive Season
Auburn boasts an exceptional season, securing the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed by winning a DI-best 16 Quad 1 games. The Tigers had a strong start at 27-2, with losses only to 1 seeds Duke and Florida, but they did struggle toward the end, losing three out of their last four games prior to the tournament. This is only the second time in program history (the first in 1999) that they have achieved a 1 seed under 11th-year head coach Bruce Pearl, aiming for a Sweet 16 return since their Final Four appearance in 2019.
Auburn’s Key Players
Senior and Wooden Award contender Johni Broome paces the Tigers with 18.7 points per game, 3.1 assists, and leads the SEC with 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, showcasing a strong performance with over 20 points and 10 rebounds in his last four games. Auburn’s roster is experienced, having six seniors in their seven-player rotation. Tahaad Pettiford, a notable freshman, averages 11.2 points per game and shoots 37.4% from three-point range.
Matchup and Tournament History
Saturday’s matchup marks the third encounter between Auburn and Creighton, and the second in the NCAA Tournament. The teams have each won one game previously, with Creighton taking an 81-76 victory nearly 40 years ago in the 1976-77 season, while Auburn narrowly defeated Creighton 72-69 in the 2000 NCAA Tournament. Creighton has made the Sweet 16 in the last two seasons and three of the last four. A victory would signify their fourth such appearance in five years and mark its first win against a No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament history, as they currently hold a record of 0-3 against top seeds.
Keys to Victory and Prediction
Auburn 82 Creighton 74
While Auburn has dominated college basketball this season, questions linger regarding their No. 1 overall seed status, especially considering their recent struggles. Conversely, Creighton’s experience could play a crucial role, as their coach is on the brink of another Sweet 16 appearance. Creighton needs high production levels from key players and effective shooting from the perimeter to match Auburn’s offensive capabilities. With both teams possessing the potential to excel, Auburn’s depth and experience are expected to give them the advantage in this highly anticipated matchup.
