Creighton Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Purdue in Charity Exhibition
In an electrifying display of talent and teamwork, the No. 15 Creighton men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 93-87 victory against the No. 14 Purdue Boilermakers during a charity exhibition game held at the CHI Health Center Omaha. This event not only showcased the skills of both teams but also raised an impressive $150,000 for the United Way of the Midlands Disaster Relief Fund, highlighting the community spirit that surrounds college basketball.
A Strong Start for Creighton
The game kicked off with Purdue taking an early lead, scoring the first four points. However, Creighton quickly responded with an eight-point run, spearheaded by standout guard Pop Isaacs, who finished the night with 24 points and six assists. Isaacs’ dynamic play was pivotal, as he helped Creighton establish momentum and confidence early in the game.
As the first half progressed, Creighton built a significant lead, reaching a double-digit advantage at 25-15 thanks to a three-pointer from freshman Isaac Traudt. The Bluejays continued to dominate, pushing their lead to as much as 29-17 with a powerful dunk from Fredrick King. Despite a late surge from Purdue, which narrowed the gap to just two points before halftime, a clutch three-pointer from Steven Ashworth allowed Creighton to maintain a 46-43 lead at the break.
Second Half: A Battle of Wills
The second half saw Purdue come out strong, scoring eight of the first ten points to reclaim the lead at 51-50. However, Creighton quickly countered with a three-pointer from center Ryan Kalkbrenner, followed by a floater from Isaacs that put the Bluejays ahead for good. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess.
Freshman Jackson McAndrew made a significant impact, hitting a three-pointer that extended Creighton’s lead to 68-60, forcing Purdue to call a timeout. The Boilermakers fought back, narrowing the lead to just four points in the final minutes, but Creighton’s depth and resilience shone through. The Bluejays capped off a crucial 13-4 run with another dunk from Traudt, pushing their lead to 81-69 with under eight minutes remaining.
Stellar Performances and Team Contributions
In addition to Isaacs’ standout performance, several other Bluejays made significant contributions. Steven Ashworth added 16 points and led the team with eight assists, while Kalkbrenner showcased his versatility with 18 points, six rebounds, and three blocks on an impressive 6-of-7 shooting. Creighton’s shooting was remarkable, hitting 60 percent from the field (36-60) and making 13-of-28 from beyond the arc. The Bluejays also excelled in the paint, outscoring Purdue 46-32 and receiving a significant boost from their bench, which contributed 31 points.
On the other side, Purdue’s Braden Smith, the Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, led all scorers with 31 points, complemented by eight rebounds and four assists. His efforts, along with contributions from Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, who scored 22 and 17 points respectively, kept Purdue competitive throughout the game. Despite their strong performance, the Boilermakers struggled with their shooting efficiency, finishing at 47.8 percent from the field.
Noteworthy Stats and Historical Context
This exhibition game was not just a showcase of talent; it also marked a significant milestone for Creighton’s head coach, Greg McDermott, who improved his record to 32-0 in fall exhibition games as a Division I head coach. This victory also extended Creighton’s impressive streak to 24 consecutive fall exhibition wins.
Interestingly, the last time Purdue allowed 93 points or more in a regulation game was back in December 2014 against Notre Dame. The defensive struggles highlighted by this exhibition could serve as a wake-up call for the Boilermakers as they prepare for the regular season.
Looking Ahead
Creighton is set to open its regular season on November 6 at 8 p.m. against UTRGV, and fans are eager to see how this victory will translate into the competitive landscape of college basketball. With a solid roster and a strong showing in this exhibition, the Bluejays are poised for an exciting season ahead. As the team continues to build chemistry and refine their strategies, the anticipation for their upcoming games grows, promising thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.