In an exhilarating first-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament, the ninth-seeded Creighton Bluejays triumphed over the eighth-seeded Louisville Cardinals with a score of 89-75. The game took place on Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky, where Jamiya Neal showcased an impressive performance, scoring a career-high 29 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. This victory marks Creighton's fifth consecutive win in March Madness openers, solidifying their reputation as a formidable contender.
Creighton's success can be attributed to the stellar play of several key players. Alongside Neal, Steven Ashworth wowed the crowd with his long-range shooting, contributing 22 points, including multiple three-pointers that shifted the momentum of the game. The Bluejays' head coach, Greg McDermott, praised his team's resilience, especially after a slow start. With a record of 25-10, Creighton demonstrated their ability to compete against top-tier teams, having defeated a top-10 ranked opponent for the second time this season.
On the opposing side, Louisville, despite their No. 8 seed, entered the tournament ranked No. 10 in the AP Top 25. Under first-year coach Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals improved their record to 27-8, marking a remarkable turnaround with a roster heavily reliant on transfers. Notable performances included Chucky Hepburn scoring 22 points and Terrence Edwards Jr. contributing 21 points, indicating the depth and potential of the Louisville squad.
The game began with a sluggish pace for the Bluejays, but Ashworth and Jackson McAndrew quickly ignited the offense. Their sharpshooting from beyond the arc fueled a decisive 12-0 run, allowing Creighton to establish a commanding lead. Ashworth's three-pointer near the March Madness logo brought the score to 31-25, while McAndrew's subsequent shots extended the lead to 40-25. By the end of the first half, Creighton had surged ahead by 20 points, ultimately maintaining control throughout the second half.
Creighton's shooting was exceptionally efficient, making 11 of 24 attempts from three-point range and finishing the game with a remarkable 58% shooting percentage overall. Neal's 17 points after halftime eclipsed his previous personal best of 24 points scored against UConn earlier in the season. Fifth-year senior Ryan Kalkbrenner also made significant contributions, adding 14 points as he aims for his fourth Sweet 16 appearance in a career that began in the 2020-21 season.
With this victory, Creighton is poised to advance in the tournament, setting their sights on a potential matchup against either the No. 1 overall seed Auburn or the 16th-seeded Alabama State in the second round of the South Region. As they pursue their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five years, the Bluejays will look to build on this momentum and showcase their capabilities on the national stage.
For more updates on March Madness, including the latest polls and bracket information, visit the AP March Madness bracket and stay informed about the ongoing tournament coverage at AP News.
