Creighton, ranked No. 21, is facing a tough challenge in their next matchup against San Diego State, especially after suffering their first loss of the season, a 74-63 defeat to Nebraska. One of the biggest concerns for the Bluejays is the potential absence of senior guard Steven Ashworth, who sustained a right ankle injury during the Nebraska game. Ashworth has been a key contributor for Creighton, averaging 16 points per game, second only to Ryan Kalkbrenner, and leading the team with 6.4 assists. Coach Greg McDermott has expressed uncertainty about how long Ashworth will be out, which adds to the team’s difficulties in the upcoming games.
The Nebraska game exposed some offensive weaknesses for Creighton, particularly in their inability to get the ball to Kalkbrenner. Nebraska’s defensive strategy effectively kept the 7-foot-1 center out of the paint, forcing Creighton to rely on perimeter shooting. Unfortunately, the Bluejays struggled with their long-range shooting, making just 12 of 42 three-point attempts. While Pop Isaacs had a solid performance, scoring 25 points and hitting five three-pointers, the team’s overall shooting inefficiency hurt their chances of a comeback. Kalkbrenner, who had a career-high 49 points in the season opener, had an uncharacteristically quiet game, scoring only four points from free throws.
With Ashworth’s status in question, Creighton faces a difficult road ahead. The Bluejays are scheduled to play No. 23 Texas A&M on Wednesday in Las Vegas, followed by another opponent in the tournament and a showdown with top-ranked Kansas on December 4. Losing Ashworth, a key playmaker, and scorer, would be a significant blow for Creighton as they try to bounce back from their first defeat and navigate a tough slate of games against highly ranked opponents.
On the other hand, San Diego State comes into this matchup with a 2-1 record, having most recently lost to Gonzaga, 80-67, on November 18. The Aztecs had a strong performance from Nick Boyd, who scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds before leaving the game due to muscle cramps. Boyd, who leads San Diego State with an average of 14.7 points per game, acknowledged that dehydration may have caused the cramps but remains optimistic about his team’s chances moving forward. San Diego State’s head coach, Brian Dutcher, emphasized that these early-season games are valuable for the team’s development, regardless of the outcome.
Both teams are facing challenges, but they also have opportunities to grow and learn from these experiences. While Creighton is struggling with the potential loss of Ashworth, San Diego State is looking to bounce back from their defeat to Gonzaga. With a demanding schedule ahead for both teams, including more games in Las Vegas, the outcome of this matchup could be pivotal for their confidence and preparation as they head into the more difficult parts of their schedules.
