Creighton stunned Kansas with the nation’s No. 1-ranked team’s first loss of the season in an electrifying game that left everyone talking about college basketball. The Bluejays have quietly emerged as a power in college basketball and now have shown depth and talent by defeating the champions, who will have much to take away from this game.
Kansas, led by a strong head coach Bill Self, and a talent-packed roster, came into the game with an unblemished record and big expectations, but Creighton had something to prove as it came into the game with a chip on its shoulder, letting everyone know from the opening tip that they were not going to be intimidated by the lofty ranking of their opponent. The Bluejays played with precision, efficiency, and a relentless defensive scheme that flustered Kansas throughout the contest.
A well-rounded offensive attack and stifling defense powered Creighton to a Bluejays victory. Multiple players stepped up at key moments in the game, as Creighton’s offensive execution was flawless in exploiting Kansas’ defensive lapses. The guards hit crucial three-pointers, and the forwards dominated the paint as Creighton exploited Kansas’ inability to contain play inside. The Bluejays’ offense was fast-paced and methodical in capitalizing on every opportunity to put pressure on Kansas’ defense.
Creighton’s great players have dominated this game, so the tempo is set well early in this game by them. The sharp shooting of this team along with a high basketball IQ kept Jayhawks on their toes with a big hole to try and catch up from. Their defense has been great in limiting Kansas’s scoring and keeping their pressure on for much of the second half.
Kansas, though ranked very high and had an elite-level roster, couldn’t find the rhythm against Creighton’s aggressive defense. The Jayhawks, known for their fast-break offense and perimeter shooting, found it very difficult against Creighton’s suffocating defense that forced them into contested shots and turnovers. Kansas’ superstars, who dominated all previous games, were frustrated because Creighton’s defense seemed to read them perfectly.
While Kansas had moments of brilliance, including late-game heroics, they could not dig themselves out of the hole the Bluejays created in the early going. Without offensive flow and defensive breakdowns, Kansas was unable to hold onto its lead, which proved to be its demise.
The setback to Creighton will be huge for Kansas, as they must regroup to try and keep their top-spot ranking in college basketball. A win for Creighton makes them a legitimate contender in the country and will surely propel them in national rankings with the win over the No. 1-ranked team.
In moving forward with the season, though each side will learn from this meeting, Kansas will look for a rebound, while Creighton will continue to drive forward in momentum. On the other hand, its winning going down as one of the most memorable upsets within the season, the team from Creighton will be surely a force to reckon on their way moving forward.
