Creighton basketball fans had high hopes heading into their first big test of the 2025-26 season, but a second-half collapse against Gonzaga has left the Bluejays searching for answers. In a game that started with promise, No. 23 Creighton was overwhelmed by No. 19 Gonzaga, falling 90-63 after a devastating 21-0 Bulldogs run that turned a close contest into a rout.
A Tale of Two Halves
Creighton came out swinging, trading blows with Gonzaga and even taking a brief lead in the first half. The Bluejays connected on four three-pointers in the opening ten minutes, with Jasen Green’s triple giving them a 20-19 edge. By halftime, Creighton trailed by just six, 44-38, and looked poised to make it a fight.
But the second half was a different story. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, who had been quiet from deep all season, suddenly caught fire, draining three-pointers and sparking a 21-0 run that left Creighton reeling. The Bluejays managed just 25 points after the break, shooting a dismal
28% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc for the game.
Turnovers and Tough Lessons
Creighton’s offense sputtered under Gonzaga’s relentless pressure, committing 18 turnovers—many of them unforced. Blake Harper and Nik Graves led the Bluejays with 12 points each, but the team’s overall shooting woes and lack of composure in the face of Gonzaga’s run proved costly.
Big man Owen Freeman, still working his way back from offseason knee surgery, was limited to just two points in 15 minutes. His minutes restriction continues to be a storyline as Creighton looks to find its rhythm early in the season.
Coach McDermott: “We’re a Work in Progress”
After the game, head coach Greg McDermott didn’t mince words about his team’s performance. In his postgame press conference, McDermott acknowledged the Bluejays’ struggles with turnovers and shot selection, emphasizing that the team is still a “work in progress” as new faces adjust to bigger roles and returning players regain full health.
“We have to be better with the basketball and play with more poise,” McDermott said, pointing to the need for improved execution and leadership on the court.
What’s Next for the Bluejays?
Despite the setback, there’s no time for Creighton to dwell on the loss. The Bluejays return home to host Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday, a chance to regroup and build confidence before the Big East schedule heats up.
Key questions remain:
- Can Creighton cut down on turnovers and find more consistent scoring?
- How quickly will Owen Freeman return to full strength?
- Who will emerge as the team’s go-to leader in crunch time?
With a talented roster and a coach known for getting the most out of his teams, Creighton still has the tools to make noise this season. But after Gonzaga’s emphatic statement, the Bluejays know the road ahead won’t be easy.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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Creighton’s early-season growing pains are real, but not insurmountable.-
Turnovers and second-half execution are immediate areas for improvement.-
The health and development of key players like Owen Freeman will be crucial.Fans should keep a close eye on how the Bluejays respond in their next few games—this team’s story is just getting started.
Sources
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