The Mini Crossword at Times of India offers a quick yet engaging puzzle challenge that refreshes daily. It’s perfect for players who enjoy solving puzzles but have limited time. Whether you’re new to crossword puzzles or a seasoned pro, our mini version offers the perfect mix of challenge and fun.Start your day with a brain-teasing puzzle that will sharpen your vocabulary and improve your problem-solving skills.With new puzzles updated daily, this crossword is ideal for players looking to relax or take a short break during a busy schedule. The Mini Crossword follows the classic crossword puzzle format but in a condensed form, allowing you to solve it quickly while still enjoying the thrill of figuring out the clues. Simply read the hints, enter the correct answers, and fill in the grid. The simple interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all ages. If you’re looking for more games, TOI has a wide range of other puzzles and brain teasers to explore. Stay sharp with Sudoku, Word Search, and many more options available at your fingertips!
How to play Mini Crossword
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the crossword grid and the clues provided. Begin by selecting a clue from the list. Categories are Across and Down. Read the clue carefully, then think of the corresponding word or phrase that fits the grid. Click on the first box of the word you want to enter. Start typing the letters of your answer. Keep going until you’ve completed the word or phrase. Need a hint? “Reveal Character” uncovers one letter. But be wary, using it incurs time penalties which increases with every usage. It’s best to use this sparingly to maintain a good completion time. Keep an eye on the timer displayed. Faster completions with minimum penalties fetch higher ranks. The more you play, the better you’ll become. Experiment with different solving strategies to find what works best for you.
Married woman in a partnership A partner in marriage, sharing life’s journey… Need a matrimonial hint?
Think about who says “I do” alongside the groom
Picture one half of a married couple
Final hint: Mrs. rather than Miss
To break or move earth with a tool Getting your hands dirty in the garden… Ready to get earthbound?
Think about planting a new garden
Picture using a shovel in soil
Final hint: What archaeologists do at sites
Central point of activity or connection Where everything comes together and connects… Looking for the center?
Think about an airport’s main terminal
Picture the center of a wheel’s spokes
Final hint: A busy central location
Extremely warm to the touch When something’s too warm to handle… Feeling the heat?
Think about fresh coffee warning labels
Picture a sunny summer sidewalk
Final hint: The opposite of cold
Dimension showing how wide something is Measuring from side to side… Need to measure up?
Think about fitting furniture through a doorway
Picture measuring a window horizontally
Final hint: How broad something is
To engage in a battle or dispute When disagreement turns to conflict… Ready for confrontation?
Think about boxers in a ring
Picture siblings arguing over a toy
Final hint: To battle or contend
A very young child or infant The newest member of the family… Hearing tiny giggles?
Think about nursery rhymes and rattles
Picture tiny shoes and gentle coos
Final hint: What a newborn is called
Ready to complete your journey?
From family bonds to measurements and activities, we’ve explored quite a range of words today! Remember, if you’re stuck on a clue, the crossing letters from other words might just help light the way. Keep exploring and happy solving!
Mini Crossword related FAQs
What is the Mini Crossword? The Mini Crossword is a smaller, quicker version of a traditional crossword puzzle. Typically featuring a 5×5 grid, it is designed to be completed in just a few minutes, offering a bite-sized puzzle experience that’s perfect for busy players or those new to crosswords. How do I play the Mini Crossword? Playing the Mini Crossword is simple. Just read the clues and fill in the corresponding boxes with the correct answers. Horizontal clues fill the “across” spaces, while vertical clues correspond to “down” spaces. How is the Mini Crossword different from a regular crossword? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. Can I play the Mini Crossword on mobile devices? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. How often are new Mini Crossword puzzles released? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. Are the puzzles free to play? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. What if I get stuck on a clue? If you’re stuck on a clue, don’t worry! You can skip to other clues and return later, or use the “hint” function to reveal a letter or word, helping you solve the puzzle more easily. How do I improve my Mini Crossword solving skills? To improve, try solving puzzles regularly. As you practice, you’ll start to recognize common word patterns and develop strategies to solve puzzles more quickly and accurately. You can also review past puzzles for additional practice. Already played today’s game? Practice more from the archives: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/games/mini-crossword/practice Also Read | Wordle today #1321: Clues and hints for January 30 2025
Here are the clues for today’s TOI Mini Crossword puzzle:
1. Small body of water
2. Opposite of light
3. Opposite of worst
4. Opposite of lost
5. Opposite of push
Can you solve them all? Good luck!
Tags:
TOI Mini Crossword, 30 January 2025, crossword clues, TOI crossword, crossword puzzle, Today’s crossword, word puzzles, daily crossword, crossword solutions, word games, puzzle games
Wondering what Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman might be? Not sure what “soft rock” refers to? Don’t worry, because I’m here to help you with the answers for today’s NYT Mini crossword.
The NYTMini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper’s larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.
Unlike its larger sibling, the NYTMini crossword is free to play on the New York Times website or NYT Games app. However, you’ll need an NYT Games subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives.
To help you avoid getting stuck and having to reveal missing letters, here are the NYT Mini Crossword answers for Thursday, January 30 (spoilers lie ahead, of course):
NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers
NYT Mini Across Answers
1 Across: Soft rock – TALC
5 Across: First-string squad – A-TEAM
7 Across: Soft rock? – MAGMA
8 Across: Tissue layers, e.g. – PLIES
9 Across: Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, vocally – ALTOS
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Florida’s so-called “Cigar City” – TAMPA
2 Down: To any degree – AT ALL
3 Down: Not sketchy, colloquially – LEGIT
4 Down: Brief role in a movie – CAMEO
6 Down: Midnight ___ (Christmas service) – MASS
Completed New York Times Mini crossword for Thursday, January 30
New York Times
It took me 1:22 to complete today’s NYT Mini.
I struggled slightly with this one. I only got the last two answers on the Across side on my first pass. But not quite as I thought 8 Across was “paper.” Oddly enough, enough letters matched the actual answer that I was able to get TAMPA and CAMEO. It was only when I got to MASS that I realized “paper” incorrect.
It took me a few seconds to puzzle out TALC. The rest of the words fell into place after that.
Make sure to follow my blogfor more coverage of the NYT Mini and other word games, as well as video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Also, follow me on Bluesky! It’s fun there.
Welcome to today’s edition of Clues and Answers! Here are the clues for Thursday, January 30:
1. This word can mean both a type of fruit and a color.
2. It is a popular activity where people climb up walls or rocks.
3. This famous scientist came up with the theory of relativity.
Can you guess the answers? Share them in the comments below!
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Clues, Answers, Thursday January 30, Puzzle Solutions, Daily Crossword, Brain Teasers, Riddles, Word Games, Trivia, Enigma, Mystery, Brainstorming, Mind Games
Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist tallied for Nashville in their 5-2 loss against the Ducks, while Juuse Saros took the loss in net.
Per NHL Stats, Filip Forsberg extended his point streak to 10 games and joined Jonathan Marchessault (10 GP) as the second Predators with runs of that length this season. The pair became just the second pair of teammates in franchise history to post double-digit runs in the same season behind Roman Josi (13 GP) and Matt Duchene (10 GP) in 2021-22.
The Good Guys:
Forsberg continues to lead the Preds with 18 goals and 49 points, followed by Marchessault with 38 points (15g-23a) and Roman Josi (9g-26a) with 35 points. Steven Stamkos has 17 goals and 33 points on the season; O’Reilly has 14 tallies and 28 points. Saros is 11-19-6 in net; Justus Annunen is 12-6-0 overall.
The Opposition:
The Canucks have won their last two outings, including a 5-2 victory over the Blues in St. Louis on Monday. Quinn Hughes (14g-42a) leads the club with 56 points, followed by J.T. Miller (9g-25a) with 34 points, and then Brock Boeser (16g-17a) and Conor Garland (13g-20a) with 33 points each. Former Preds goaltender Kevin Lankinen is 18-8-6 with the Canucks this season; Thatcher Demko is 3-5-3.
All-Time Meetings:
The Predators are 37-42-(2)-7 all-time against the Canucks, including a 19-18-(1)-6 record at Bridgestone Arena.
The Predators are 2-3-0 in their last five games against the Canucks; they are 5-4-1 in their last 10; and 2-3-0 in their last five at home.
The two teams met in the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs; Vancouver won the series, 4-2. Filip Forsberg led Nashville with six points (2g-4a) in the six-game series. It was the second time they have met in the postseason – in the first meeting, the 2011 Western Conference Semifinals, the Canucks won, 4-2.
Notables Versus Vancouver:
Jonathan Marchessault has recorded 26 points (11g-15a) in 24 career games against Vancouver, the fourth-most points he has vs. a single franchise. He has points in his last four meetings with Vancouver (3g-2a).
Steven Stamkos has collected 31 points (19g-12a) in 22 games against the Canucks. His 1.08 points per game against Vancouver are the most he has recorded against any team in his career (min. 3 GP).
Juuse Saros is 7-2-1 in his career against Vancouver in the regular season. Saros stopped 30-of-32 shots on Feb. 1, 2022 vs. Vancouver to earn his 100th career NHL win.
North Vancouver native Colton Sissons has 13 points (8g-5a) in 24 career games against the Canucks.
Roman Josi has points in nine of his last 13 games (2g-8a) against Vancouver. He also has 19 points (2g-17a) in his last 22 games vs. the Canucks and posted a six-game point streak (7a) against Vancouver from Jan. 10, 2017-Dec. 13, 2018.
Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood (2022-24) and goaltender Kevin Lankinen (2022-24) previously played for the Predators.
Milestone Watch:
Ryan O’Reilly is one point from 800 and four goals from 300 in his NHL career.
Steven Stamkos (572) is two goals from passing Mike Bossy (573) for the 23rd-most goals in NHL history and two assists from 600 in his career.
Vinnie Hinostroza is two assists from 100 in his NHL career.
Roman Josi (953) is four games from passing David Legwand (956) for the most in Predators history.
Cole Smith is five games from 200 in his NHL career.
Watch & Listen:
Coverage for tonight’s game begins at 7:30 p.m. CT with the Predators LIVE! pregame show on FanDuel Sports Network South, hosted by Lyndsay Rowley and Hal Gill. Play-by-play announcer Willy Daunic, analyst Chris Mason and rinkside reporter Kara Hammer will have the call on the television side.
Voice of the Predators Pete Weber and Jay More will call the game on 102.5 The Game and the Predators Radio Network, with pregame, postgame and intermission coverage by Max Herz beginning one hour before puck drop. The game will also be broadcast in Spanish on El Jefe which airs on 96.7 FM, 105.3 FM and 810 AM. (El partido también se transmite en español por El Jefe en 96.7 FM, 105.3 FM y 810 AM.)
It’s GAME DAY! The Vancouver Canucks are facing off against the Nashville Predators tonight at Rogers Arena. Both teams are looking to secure a much-needed win in this crucial matchup.
The Canucks have been struggling as of late, but with key players returning from injury, they are hoping to turn things around and get back in the win column. Captain Bo Horvat and rookie sensation Nils Hoglander will be leading the charge for Vancouver.
On the other side, the Predators are coming off a strong performance and will be looking to continue their winning streak. With goaltender Juuse Saros standing tall between the pipes, Nashville will be a tough opponent for the Canucks to face.
So grab your jersey, get your game face on, and cheer on your favorite team as they battle it out on the ice. Let’s go Canucks! #Canucks #Preds #GameDay
On Wednesday January 29 2025, CBS broadcasts Raid the Cage!
Brains & Brawn Season 2 Episode 4 Episode Summary
“Raid the Cage” is gearing up for an exciting episode titled “Brains & Brawn.” This episode promises to showcase a unique clash between intellect and physical strength. The competition will feature a brainy couple from New Rochelle, New York, who are ready to put their smarts to the test against gym enthusiasts Tyler and Brandon from Orlando, Florida.
Viewers can expect a lively showdown as the New Rochelle couple brings their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills into the mix. They are determined to outsmart their opponents, using their knowledge to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. On the other hand, Tyler and Brandon, known for their fitness prowess, will rely on their physical strength and teamwork to tackle the obstacles in their path.
The episode will highlight the different approaches each team takes in the competition. While…
Attention all Raid the Cage fans! Get ready for an exciting new episode of “Brains & Brawn” on Season 2 Episode 4, airing on January 29, 2025, on CBS.
Join host Chris Hardwick as contestants put their mental and physical abilities to the test in the ultimate game show challenge. With high stakes and thrilling challenges, this episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Tune in to see who will come out on top and take home the coveted prize. Don’t miss out on all the action and drama on Raid the Cage “Brains & Brawn” S2E4, only on CBS. #RaidTheCage #CBS #BrainsAndBrawn
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Raid the Cage, Brains & Brawn, S2E4, January 29 2025, CBS, game show, competition, prizes, challenges, contestants, entertainment
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The Carolina Hurricanes (31-16-4) host the Chicago Blackhawks (16-29-5) on Thursday, January 30, with both teams coming off a victory in their last game. Hurricanes (-448) versus Blackhawks (+345) looks lopsided, according to the moneyline odds.
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The Carolina Hurricanes will face off against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 30, 2025, in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have been performing well this season, so it’s bound to be a close game.
The Hurricanes have been on a hot streak recently, with their offense firing on all cylinders. Led by star players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, they have been able to outscore their opponents consistently. Their defense has also been strong, with goaltender Frederik Andersen putting up impressive numbers.
On the other hand, the Blackhawks have been holding their own this season as well. Patrick Kane continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the ice, and their young players have been stepping up and making an impact. Their goaltending has been solid, with Marc-Andre Fleury proving to be a reliable last line of defense.
In terms of betting odds, it’s likely to be a close game with both teams having a good chance of coming out on top. The Hurricanes may have a slight edge, but anything can happen in hockey.
My prediction for this game is that it will be a high-scoring affair, with both teams trading goals back and forth. In the end, I think the Hurricanes will come out on top with a final score of 4-3.
As always, remember to gamble responsibly and best of luck with your bets!
Tags:
Hurricanes vs. Blackhawks prediction, NHL picks, betting odds, January 30 2025, hockey match, sports betting, game preview, predictions, odds analysis, NHL betting tips, sports predictions.
Moses Moody is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play for the Golden State Warriors. The team will face the Chicago Bulls on January 23, 2025, at Chase Center.
In the recent game against the Sacramento Kings on January 22, Moody scored 11 points in 25 minutes. He made four out of ten field goals and three out of seven three-point attempts. His performance added up to 16.4 fantasy points, along with two rebounds and two assists.
This season, Moses Moody has played in 36 games and missed six. He averages 8.2 points per game and makes about 1.6 three-pointers per game with a shooting percentage of 42.9%. The Warriors score more when he plays, averaging 111.4 points compared to 104.2 when he does not play.
Moses Moody Knee Injury Update: January 23, 2025
Arkansas Razorbacks’ standout guard Moses Moody has been dealing with a knee injury that has sidelined him for the past few weeks. However, there is some good news on the horizon for the talented sophomore.
According to team sources, Moody has been making significant progress in his recovery and is nearing a return to action. While he is still listed as day-to-day, there is optimism that he could be back on the court in the coming weeks.
Moody has been a crucial player for the Razorbacks this season, averaging over 20 points per game before his injury. His scoring ability and defensive prowess have been sorely missed in his absence, but his impending return is sure to give a much-needed boost to the team.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Moody’s comeback and are hopeful that he will be back to full strength soon. Stay tuned for further updates on his status as he continues his rehabilitation process.
Creighton (14-6, 7-2 BIG EAST) closes out January on Wednesday, Jan. 29, when it hosts Xavier (13-8, 5-5 BIG EAST).
CHI Health Center Omaha (17,352) in Omaha, Neb., will host the action, which tips off at 7 p.m.
Promotional Schedule
Wednesday is Upper Bowl Appreciation Night as Creighton recognizes those that sit in the upper bowl. A special giveaway, plus t-shirts, will be available on the upper concourse to fans with tickets in the upper bowl.
Radio Broadcast Information
KOZN (1620 AM) and KOOO (101.9 FM) will carry Creighton men’s basketball games during the 2024-25 season. John Bishop and Taylor Stormberg will call the action.
The audio is webcast at 1620thezone.com and can also be heard on SiriusXM channel 392 as well as https://sxm.app.link/SXM982.
Television Broadcast Information
Wednesday’s game will be televised on FS1 with Connor Onion and Nick Bahe on the call.
A live stream of the contest can also be viewed at http://foxsports.com/live.
Live Stats Information
All of Creighton’s games this season will have free live stats. Visit www.gocreighton.com and click on the small bar graph icon on the scoreboard at the top of the page for the event of your choosing.
Stats to all home games can also be followed at www.gocreightonstats.com.
Scouting Creighton
Creighton is 14-6 this year and 7-2 in BIG EAST play after five straight wins. The Bluejays are the only team in the last 15 years to post a win over the defending national champion (#14 UConn on Jan. 18), defending NIT champion (Seton Hall on Jan. 25) and the nation’s top-ranked team (#1 Kansas on Dec. 4) in different games of the same season.
Senior Ryan Kalkbrenner (17.7 ppg., 8.4 rpg., 2.9 bpg., .665 FG%) was named Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year and has been named a Preseason First Team All-American by CBS Sports, Fox Sports and Field of 68. In addition to being one of the most efficient shooters in NCAA history, Kalkbrenner is also a three-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year. He’s been named BIG EAST and National Player of the Week on both Nov. 11 and Jan. 21, and became the third player in CU history to surpass 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.
Senior Steven Ashworth (16.6 ppg., 6.7 apg., .971 FT%) is back at point guard, and is joined on the wing by Jamiya Neal (11.4 ppg., 5.7 rpg., 4.2 apg.). Also coming on strong is Jackson McAndrew (8.3 ppg., 4.0 rpg.), CU’s only freshman ever to make a three-pointer in nine straight BIG EAST games.
Texas Tech transfer Pop Isaacs (16.3 ppg., 4.8 rpg.) had 27 points in the win vs. Kansas, but he will miss the rest of the season following hip surgery.
Creighton averages 75.5 points per game and shoots 47.6 percent from the field, 35.0 percent from three-point range and 75.4 percent at the line while outrebounding foes by 3.0 caroms per game.
Scouting Xavier
Xavier is 13-8 this season and 5-5 in BIG EAST play, but has already faced Marquette, St. John’s and Connecticut twice each.
The Musketeers have won four of their last five games — losing only in overtime at St. John’s in that time — to get back in the conversation for the NCAA Tournament.
All-BIG EAST forward Zach Freemantle (16.5 ppg., 7.4 rpg.) missed all of last year due to injury but has returned to lead the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.
Ryan Conwell (16.1 ppg.), Dayvion McKnight (10.4 ppg.) and Dailyn Swain (10.4 ppg.) are also key cogs in Xavier’s high-powered offense.
The Musketeers average 77.0 points per game and allow 69.4 points per contest. Xavier shoots 45.4 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from three-point range and 78.1 percent at the line.
The Series With Xavier
Xavier owns a 22-19 lead in the series with Creighton, but Creighton leads 9-6 in Omaha. Twenty-five of the 41 all-time meetings have been within five points in the final minute, including 11 of the last 20 games.
Greg McDermott is 13-13 against Xavier, and 3-2 against Sean Miller. Miller is 3-6 against Creighton.
Creighton swept the Musketeers for just the second time last season (also 2019-20), winning a pair of games decided by seven points (85-78 in Omaha; 78-71 in Cincinnati).
The Creighton Coaches
Greg McDermott (Northern Iowa, 1988) owns a 339-166 record in his 15th season with the Bluejays, as he passed Dana Altman (327-176) as the winningest coach in program history on Nov. 13, 2024. He owns a career mark of 619-361 in his 31st season, and is 488-297 in his 24th Division I campaign.
McDermott led Creighton to its first BIG EAST regular-season title in 2019-20, taking a Bluejay team that was picked seventh in the league’s preseason poll and ending the year ranked seventh nationally. The Cascade, Iowa native has coached Creighton to a share of its first regular-season BIG EAST title in 2019-20 its first Sweet 16 since 1974 in 2020-21 and its first Elite Eight since 1941 in 2022-23.
McDermott has previously been a head coach at Iowa State (2006-10), Northern Iowa (2001-06), North Dakota State (2000-01) and Wayne State (1994-2000).
– Ryan Kalkbrenner can participate in his 108th win, breaking out of a tie for the program record he currently shares with Jahenns Manigat, Ethan Wragge and Doug McDermott.
– Creighton would win its ninth straight BIG EAST home game dating to last year, tying a program-record done in 2013-14 when the squad went 9-0 in its debut season in the league.
– Greg McDermott will earn his 131st regular-season BIG EAST win, tying him for sixth in BIG EAST history with John Thompson III (and Rick Pitino if Pitino’s St. John’s team wins on Tuesday night).
– Creighton would start BIG EAST play 8-2, its best start through 10 league games since starting 9-1 in 2013-14 in its initial BIG EAST campaign.
– Creighton would win for the fourth time in the last five meetings with Xavier at all sites, and fifth time in the last six games in Omaha.
Milestone Watch
– Ryan Kalkbrenner (2,108) is two points shy of Bob Harstad (2,110) for third-most in Bluejay history, and eight short of Rodney Buford (2,116) for second place. He’s still 1,042 points away from catching Doug McDermott’s insurmountable program record of 3,150 points.
– Ryan Kalkbrenner has played in 107 career wins, tying the school-record he now shares with Jahenns Manigat, Ethan Wragge and Doug McDermott.
– Steven Ashworth has made at least one three-pointer in 38 consecutive contests, CU’s second-longest streak in program history.
– Mason Miller is 10 points away from 300 in his career, and his next three-pointer will be the 75th of his career.
– Jamiya Neal owns 792 career points and is eight shy of 800.
Not A Bad Week
Creighton walloped DePaul 74-49 on Tuesday before returning home to hand Seton Hall a 79-54 setback on Saturday.
It’s just the second time in Creighton history the Bluejays have owned consecutive conference wins by 24 points or more, and first time in the same season.
The only other time came on Feb. 26, 2001 (Missouri State, 72-48) and Dec. 16, 2001 (Indiana State, 70-46) back when CU was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
In the last 15 years, the only BIG EAST team to record three straight league wins by 24 straight points was eventual national champion Connecticut (Feb. 10-17, 2024).
Creighton &, Xavier To The Wire
Since both teams officially joined the BIG EAST in the summer of 2013, 18 of the 26 meetings (including BIG EAST Tournament contests) between Creighton and Xavier have been decided by eight points or less, with two games going to overtime.
Twenty-five of the 41 all-time meetings have been within five points in the final minute, including 11 of the last 20 games.
Creighton is 6-2 this season in games decided by eight points or less. Xavier is 4-6 in such games.
Finding A Way
Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Xavier (20) and Creighton (18) lead the BIG EAST in victories by three points or fewer.
Both are in the top 12 nationally in that span.
Wins By 3 Points or Less Since 2020-21 (thru 1/25)
1. 22 College of Charleston
2. 20 Xavier
20 Cleveland State
20 Northern Colorado
20 San Diego State
6. 19 Arizona State
19 Cal State Fullerton
19 Milwaukee
19 Texas
19 Vanderbilt
19 Wofford
12. 18 Creighton
18 Campbell
18 Colorado State
18 Kansas
18 La Salle
18 Montana State
18 Oregon
18 Princeton
18 Rutgers
18 Southern Illinois
18 Virginia
18 UC Riverside
More Than A Number
Wednesday’s match-up features a pair of teams who have traditionally excelled in their respective conferences.
Xavier entered the 2019-20 season with a streak of 37 straight seasons in which it has finished .500 or better in league play before going 8-10 in 2019-20, 6-7 in 2020-21 and 8-11 in 2021-22. XU reversed that streak in 2022-23, when it went 15-5 in league play, but went 9-11 a year ago.
Creighton, meanwhile, entered this season having gone .500 or better in league play 29 of the past 30 seasons.
Collecting W’s
Creighton and Xavier enter Wednesday’s game with a ton of similarities since the start of the 2010-11 season. Creighton owns 339 victories, which ranks 23rd-most nationally in that time and 20 more than Xavier’s 319 wins that rank 38th.
Gonzaga (440), Kansas (419) and Duke (405) lead the nation in wins during the past 15 seasons, while Villanova (364) ranks ninth and is best among current BIG EAST schools.
The 339 wins accumulated by Creighton ranks ahead of other schools with a national following such as Florida (337), UConn (334), UCLA (330), Syracuse (320), Louisville (315), Marquette (312), Maryland (308) and Texas (303), among others.
Protecting The Home Court
Creighton has won eight straight conference home games dating to last season, one shy of the program record in BIG EAST play.
Besides Creighton, the only other BIG EAST teams to enter the week without a home loss this month are St. John’s and Providence.
And if you’re curious, Creighton’s longest conference win streak in school history (in any league) is 15 from Feb. 28, 2000 – Jan. 30, 2002 while a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Creighton – Most Consecutive BIG EAST Home Wins
Rank Wins Started Ended
1. 9 Dec. 31, 2013 March 8, 2014
2. 8 Dec. 22, 2022 Feb. 11, 2023
8 Feb. 13, 2024 Present
4. 7 Jan. 18, 2020 March 7, 2020
Defense Picking Up
Creighton allowed just 103 points in two wins last week, surrendering 49 to DePaul and 54 to Seton Hall.
It’s the first time that Creighton has allowed 54 points or less in consecutive league contests since joining the BIG EAST, and the first time it’s happened for CU in any league since Feb. 5 & Feb. 10, 2008 when it was in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Creighton has not held three straight league opponents to 54 points or less since a 19-game streak from Jan. 18, 1947 – March 5, 1948 when scoring a tad less common.
Creighton also hasn’t held Xavier to 54 points or less in any of the last 39 meetings, as the last time the Musketeers were held to 54 or less was CU’s 42-39 win in 1941.
It’s A WWWWWinning Streak
Creighton has established a season-high by winning five games in a row, and can grow that total with a sixth straight win on Wednesday.
Creighton has now had at least one streak of five or more wins (including non-conference games) in 26 of the last 28 seasons (including 2024-25).
Here’s a list of Creighton’s longest single-season win streaks in BIG EAST play since joining the league in 2013.
CU’s Longest Same Season BIG EAST Win Streaks
Wins Dates Snapped by
8 Jan. 14 – Feb. 11, 2023 at #24 Providence
6 Dec. 17, 2020 – Jan. 9, 2021 at Butler
6 Feb. 8-23, 2022 at #11 Providence
5 Dec. 31, 2013 – Jan. 14, 2014 at Providence
5 Feb. 20-March 9, 2019 End of League Play
5 Feb. 8-23, 2020 at St. John’s
5 Jan. 3, 2025 – Present TBD
What’s Your 20?
Saturday’s game vs. Seton Hall was Creighton’s 20th contest of the season. Creighton is .500 or better after 20 games for the 29th time in the last 30 seasons.
Creighton — First 20 Games, Since 1997-98
Year First 20 W-L Final W-L Postseason
2024-25 14-6 ? ? ? ? ? ?
2023-24 15-5 25-10 NCAA
2022-23 12-8 24-13 NCAA
2021-22 13-7 23-12 NCAA
2020-21 15-5 22-9 NCAA
2019-20 15-5 24-7 Canceled
2018-19 12-8 20-15 NIT
2017-18 15-5 21-12 NCAA
2016-17 18-2 25-10 NCAA
2015-16 14-6 20-15 NIT
2014-15 9-11 14-19 —
2013-14 17-3 27-8 NCAA
2012-13 17-3 28-8 NCAA
2011-12 18-2 29-6 NCAA
2010-11 13-7 23-16 CBI
2009-10 10-10 18-16 CIT
2008-09 15-5 27-8 NIT
2007-08 14-6 22-11 NIT
2006-07 13-7 22-11 NCAA
2005-06 15-5 20-10 NIT
2004-05 13-7 23-11 NCAA
2003-04 17-3 20-9 NIT
2002-03 18-2 29-5 NCAA
2001-02 14-6 23-9 NCAA
2000-01 14-6 24-8 NCAA
1999-00 14-6 23-10 NCAA
1998-99 14-6 22-9 NCAA
1997-98 14-6 18-10 NIT
Kalkbrenner Passes 1,000 at CHI
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 23 points on Saturday give him 1,001 career points inside CHI Health Center Omaha. He’s the second player to score 1,000 points in the facility, joining Doug McDermott (1,573 points).
Kalkbrenner owns the facility records for career field goal percentage (.730), offensive rebounds (184) and blocks (162) and also ranks second in arena history in field goals made (400; McDermott has 563), field goal attempts (548; McDermott has 999), free throws made (185; McDermott has 313), free throws attempted (261; McDermott has 376), and rebounds (464; McDermott has 534).
Chairmen Of The Boards
Ryan Kalkbrenner owns 1,002 rebounds in his career, far ahead of Eric Dixon’s 830 to rank tops among active BIG EAST players.
Kalkbrenner enters Wednesday’s contest fifth in program history, just three short of Benoit Benjamin’s 1,005 for fourth place.
Ryan Kalkbrenner owns 2,108 career points after passing the 2,000 point milestone on Jan. 3 at Marquette.
He is the fourth player to surpass 2,000 career points for Creighton, joining Doug McDermott (3,150), Rodney Buford (2,116) and Bob Harstad (2,110).
McDermott reached 2,000 points in 101 games, Buford needed 111 games, Harstad required 121 contests to reach 2,000 points, and Kalkbrenner did it in 148 games.
If you’re curious, Kalkbrenner reached 1,000 career points in his 91st career game on Feb. 25, 2023. McDermott got to 1,000 in 57 games, Buford needed 59 and Harstad reached that milestone in 73 games.
Ryan Kalkbrenner enters Wednesday with 2,108 points and 1,002 career rebounds after becoming the 132nd men’s player in NCAA history have recorded at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career on Jan. 25 vs. Seton Hall.
He joins Doug McDermott (3,150/1,088) and Bob Harstad (2,110/1,126) as the third player in CU history in the exclusive 2,000/1,000 club.
Creighton is now the seventh school in NCAA history to have three different men reach 2,000 points & 1,000 rebounds with only one school, joining Duke (4), Kansas (3), La Salle (3), North Carolina (3), Syracuse (3) and Utah (3).
Baylor Scheierman surpassed 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds last year, but that combined three years at South Dakota State with two campaigns at Creighton.
All He Does Is Win
Ryan Kalkbrenner has appeared in 107 wins over the past five seasons and is on the verge of becoming the winningest player in program history.
Here’s a list of the only players on record to have appeared in at least 98 wins in a Creighton uniform:
Ryan Kalkbrenner has played in 153 games in his career, a Creighton record. Fellow fifth-year senior Steven Ashworth has played in 151 career games, but the first 97 of those came with Utah State.
Ryan Kalkbrenner was named the BIG EAST Player of the Week on Jan. 20 and the Associated Press National Player of the Week a day later after helping Creighton a a 2-0 week in which he averaged 16.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game.
It was the second time Kalkbrenner has earned each honor, also picking up the acclaim on Nov. 11, 2024 after opening the year with a 49 point game.
On Jan. 22nd, Kalkbrenner was named a Midseason Second Team All-American by The Sporting News.
New Year, Same Success
Creighton is 5-1 since the calendar turned to 2025, continuing a recent trend of January success. CU was 7-1 in January last year, 5-2 in 2022-23, 3-4 in 2021-22, 6-2 in 2020-21 and 5-3 in 2019-20 in the month of January.
That gives Creighton a league-best 17-4 record in the past three seasons in January, as well as a 31-13 mark in the first month of the year in the past six seasons.
Best January Records Among BIG EAST Teams Since 2023
Rk. W L Pct. Team
1. 17 4 .810 Creighton
2. 16 4 .800 Marquette
Best January Records Among BIG EAST Teams Since 2020
Rk. W L Pct. Team
1. 31 13 .705 Creighton
2. 31 14 .689 Marquette
Give Me 10
Creighton owns 10 home wins this season, the 28th time in the last 29 seasons that CU has won at least 10 games at home.
The only exception in that time came in 2014-15, when the Jays won nine times at home.
Filling The Building
Saturday[s Pink Out was Creighton’s fourth home sellout of the season, and the loyal support of Bluejay faithful remains a key reason the Bluejays currently rank sixth nationally in average home attendance.
Excluding the 2020-21 season that had limited fans due to COVID, this would be Creighton MBB’s 13th straight season in the Top 10 in average home attendance.
Average Home Attendance Leaders (1/26)
Rk. Avg. Team Next Home Game
1. 20,162 Kentucky 2/1
2. 19,807 North Carolina 2/8
3. 19,158 Tennessee 1/28
4. 18,918 Arkansas 2/8
5. 17,908 Syracuse 2/5
6. 17,208 Creighton 1/29
7. 16,744 BYU 1/28
8. 16,149 Indiana 2/8
9. 15,300 Kansas 1/28
10. 15,235 Marquette 2/1
Yearly Pink Out Totals
Creighton has raised $1,000,074.65 since the start of the 2011-12 season during its annual men’s and basketball Pink Out auctions, plus additional money collected on gameday, underwriting, matching donations and volleyball/women’s basketball jersey auctions.
The numbers below show the annual figures for the men’s basketball jersey auction unless otherwise noted, but do not include the matching totals or donations collected at the door in 2025, as those were still being calculated at press time.
The NABC and Coaches vs. Cancer host one of their biggest initiatives of the year from Jan. 27-Feb. 2 for Suits and Sneakers Week.
It’ll see the Creighton coaching staff wear suits with sneakers to bring awareness of the importance of cancer screening and health equity.
One-third of people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer, but regular screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early before it has a chance to spread. More information about screening and saving lives can be found at Cancer.org.
In 2018 Coaches vs. Cancer presented Greg McDermott with the Champion Award, which recognizes a college coach who has shown extraordinary leadership and a commitment to the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives, celebrating lives and leading the fight for a world without cancer.
Veteran Duo
Ryan Kalkbrenner (17.7) and Steven Ashworth (16.6) have played in a combined 304 collegiate games, and they’ve used that experience to make Creighton one of seven Power 5 teams nationally with multiple players averaging 16.5 points per game or more.
Northwestern (Brooks Barnhizer & Nick Martinelli) Pittsburgh (Ishmael Legett, Jaland Lowe), Rutgers (Ace Bailey & Dylan Harper) and Oklahoma (Jeremiah Fears &, Jalon Moore) are the only other Power 5 teams that can say that.
Last year Kalkbrenner, Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman gave Creighton three players scoring 17.0 points per game or more, the first Power 5 team to do so since Duke in 2009-10 (Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith).
12 Blocks, No Fouls?
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s fifth year of college could see him winning a fourth BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year award, something only Patrick Ewing has done in league history.
Kalkbrenner had back-to-back games with six blocked shots and no fouls on Jan. 11 & 14, making him just the third player nationally since 2005-06 to do that in consecutive games, joining Southeastern Louisiana’s Jalyn Hinton (March 11 & 12, 2022) and Washington’s Robert Upshaw (Nov. 14 & 21, 2014).
Kalkbrenner (on Jan. 11 and Jan. 14) now owns two games in the last couple weeks with six blocks and no fouls. All other Creighton players since 1991-92 combined for one such game (Gregory Echenique vs. Drake on March 8, 2013).
20 & 10 For Kalkbrenner
Ryan Kalkbrenner had 20 points and 10 rebounds vs. Providence on Jan. 14, the eighth time in his career he’s had at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in the same contest.
In the last 20 seasons, the only other two Creighton basketball players (men or women) with five or more 20/10 career games were both First Round NBA Draft picks.
CU’s Most Career Games With 20 Points & 10 Rebounds
Creighton beat No. 1 Kansas on December 4th, defeated defending NCAA champion UConn on Jan. 18th and defending NIT champion Seton Hall on Jan. 25th. For good measure, CU also topped defending runner-up Purdue in an exhibition game this season.
Even when you take out the Purdue win, Creighton is first team to defeat the defending NCAA champ, the defending NIT champ and the No. 1 team in the country in the same season since Michigan State in 2008-09. The Spartans beat NCAA champ Kansas (twice), NIT champ Ohio State (twice) and No. 1 Louisville.
Winning Plays Lead To Miller Time
Mason Miller led the BIG EAST in three-point percentage last year, when he started every league game, but he continues to contribute to winning even though his shot has not fallen at the same rate.
Miller now comes off the bench and has averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in his last seven outings. He was subbed in for defense on multiple occasions on Jan. 18 at UConn, something that rarely happened his first three years as a Bluejay, and took a crucial charge on Alex Karaban in the final two minutes.
Miller owns a +84 plus/minus in the past seven games in 119 minutes of action, with CU being outscored by 13 points in the 161 minutes he’s been on the bench in that same span.
Traudt Uses The 4’s
Isaac Traudt has shot 4-for-4 from the field in each of his last two home games, including six three-point baskets in those games. Go back another game and Traudt is 11-for-12 from the field and 9-of-10 from deep in the past three home games.
Traudt made 4-of-4 three pointers in a four-minute span on Jan. 14 vs. Providence, scoring 13 points when you add in a four-point play after his second bucket.
Traudt was Creighton’s first player to shoot 100 percent from deep with four or more attempts since Marcus Zegarowski shot 5-for-5 from distance vs. Seton Hall on March 7, 2020, a day that Creighton clinched a share of its lone BIG EAST title to date.
The hot streak has seen Traudt up his career three-point marksmanship at home to 50.6 percent (40-79), a CHI Health Center Omaha record among players with 25 or more made trifectas.
Creighton leads the nation with 12 games this season of 10 fouls or less, and is the only team nationally with more than three league games with 10 fouls or less this winter. Creighton has done it 7-of-9 BIG EAST games, while all other BIG EAST teams have done it a combined total of five times.
Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Creighton owns 41 games with 10 fouls or less, with Appalachian State second with just 23 such contests.
Since the start of last season, Creighton owns a nation-leading 11 conference games with nine fouls or less. No other team has done it more than five times.
Guarding The Paint
The presence of three-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner is key to Creighton’s success in defending the paint.
While Creighton opponents shoot a respectable 60.8 percent at the rim, that number falls off from there. Bluejay foes are shooting 36.6 percent from the paint outside the charge circle, and just 39.0 percent from two-point range outside the paint.
Area Opp. FG% CU FG%
Inside Circle 183-301 .608 208-296 .703
Paint No Circle 130-355 .366 107-199 .538
2FG Outside Paint 80-205 .390 25-71 .352
3-Point FG’s 138-455 .303 196-560 .350
Kalkbrenner Chases BIG EAST Legends
Ryan Kalkbrenner owns the career record for field goal percentage in BIG EAST play (min. 5 FG/game) among multi-year players at 63.8 percent.
Kalkbrenner owns 224 career blocks in BIG EAST play, tied with Alonzo Mourning for fourth in league history.
Kalkbrenner also became the 49th player in league history to score 1,000 career points in BIG EAST play on Dec. 18 and now owns 1,156 to rank 19th all-time.
Kalkbrenner also owns 564 career rebounds in BIG EAST play, which is 11th-most in league history.
Kalkbrenner is the 11th man with 1,000+ points and 500+ rebounds in BIG EAST action over a career, but the only man in history with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 blocked shots in BIG EAST play during a career.
McDermott’s 339 wins since the start of the 2010-11 season started are 12th-most nationally among all coaches at the Division I level, including those at multiple schools and/or retired coaches.
Creighton and Xavier have split 26 meetings since both programs joined the BIG EAST in the summer of 2013, with the games decided by just 8.31 points per meeting.
In his career, Kalkbrenner has been fouled 519 times, owns 362 blocked shots, 287 dunks and just 244 career personal fouls in 153 games played.
This year only, he’s been fouled 86 times and has 56 blocks, 51 dunks and committed 19 fouls.
The only major conference men’s players in history besides Kalkbrenner (+115) to block 325 shots and own at least 100 more blocks than fouls are Jarvis Varnado (+220), Tim Duncan (+178), Emeka Okafor (+170), Calvin Booth (+165), Hasheem Thabeet (+159), Benoit Benjamin (+147), Jamarion Sharp (+141), Shaquille O’Neal (+125) and Dikembe Mutombo (+120).
Starting Strong
Including this winter, Creighton has started 7-2 or better after nine league games in four of Greg McDermott‘s first 15 seasons on The Hilltop, and 6-3 or better 10 times.
On Wednesday, the Jays will look to win at least eight of their first 10 league games since opening 9-1 in 2013-14 in its inaugural BIG EAST campaign.
Year League W-L After 9 League W-L After 10
2010-11 (MVC) 5-4 5-5
2011-12 (MVC) 8-1 9-1
2012-13 (MVC) 7-2 8-2
2013-14 (BIG EAST) 8-1 9-1
2014-15 (BIG EAST) 1-8 1-9
2015-16 (BIG EAST) 5-4 5-5
2016-17 (BIG EAST) 6-3 7-3
2017-18 (BIG EAST) 6-3 7-3
2018-19 (BIG EAST) 4-5 4-6
2019-20 (BIG EAST) 6-3 6-4
2020-21 (BIG EAST) 6-3 7-4
2021-22 (BIG EAST) 5-4 5-5
2022-23 (BIG EAST) 6-3 7-3
2023-24 (BIG EAST) 6-3 7-3
2024-25 (BIG EAST) 7-2 TBD
Neal Passing The Rock
Jamiya Neal played 93 games in the previous three seasons at Arizona State and had just one outing with five assists in a game.
He’s transformed his game in Omaha, where he’s now 10th in the BIG EAST with his 4.1 assists per game average.
Neal owns six assists or more in six games this season, with Creighton going 5-1 in those contests.
Neal’s 81 assists are already the most for any season of his career.
Neal opened his senior season with 17 straight games of three assists or more before it was snapped in the win at UConn, when he scored a career-high 24 points.
More Kalkbrenner Unicornisms
Ryan Kalkbrenner owns 2,108 points and 362 blocks in his career.
Per Basketball-Reference.com, he is the seventh player in Division I men’s basketball history with at least 2,100 points and 350 blocked shots in a career.
Each of the first five men to do it were picked No. 1 in the NBA Draft. The other, Auburn star Johni Broome, is currently active.
2,100 Points & 350 Career Blocks, NCAA History
PTS BLK DRAFT Name, School
2,669 516 1 David Robinson, Navy
2,184 493 1 Patrick Ewing, Georgetown
2,117 481 1 Tim Duncan, Wake Forest
2,228 462 1 Ralph Sampson, Virginia
2,331 390 Active Johni Broome, Morehead St./Auburn
Ryan Kalkbrenner had quite the stat line on Jan. 11 at Butler, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots, three steals and no fouls while also making three three-pointers.
Before Kalkbrenner that game at Butler, the nation’s last player with 26 points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots in a game…was also Kalkbrenner, who had a 28/9/7 line in a triple-overtime win at Seton Hall on Jan. 20, 2024.
Digging deeper, Kalkbrenner became the nation’s first Division I men’s player with at least 26 points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots while not committing a foul in a conference game since Kentucky’s Anthony Davis had 27/14/7 vs. Arkansas on Jan. 17, 2012.
Kalkbrenner was the first high major player with at least 26 points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots in a game that he made three or more three-pointers since Oregon’s Chris Boucher had a 26/10/7/4 line at Arizona State on Jan. 31, 2016.
And if you combine his whole line of 26 points, nine rebounds, six blocks, three steals and three three-pointers and you’ll learn Kalkbrenner is the nation’s only high-major player since 2005-06 with such a box score line like that.
Rare Air
Ryan Kalkbrenner and National Player of the Year frontrunner Johni Broome (Auburn) are in rare company as the nation’s only high major players to average at least 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots per game this season.
In the last 25 seasons, only eight high-major players have finished a season hitting each of those benchmarks, with five of those men hailing from the BIG EAST.
High Major Players to Average 17 PPG, 8 RPG & 2.6 BPG
Steven Ashworth’s owns 6.74 assists per game this season, a figure that ranks ninth nationally.
Earlier this year Ashworth became just the second Creighton player in the last 40 seasons to reach the 100 assist mark in his first 16 games of a season, as seen below.
After not having a double-double in the first 143 games of his career, Steven Ashworth has had three double-doubles in his last eight games.
He’s one of just five Bluejay men to have multiple points/assists double-doubles in a season since 1992-93.
Ashworth, who is now averaging 16.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, is also on pace to be the seventh different BIG EAST player in the last 40 years to average at least 16.5 points and 6.5 assists per game. Of that grouping, he’d be the first to do it while making at least 2.90 three-pointers per game.
Most Points/Assists Double-Doubles, Season (Since 1992-93)
Jackson McAndrew has made a three-pointer in each of his first nine BIG EAST games. He’s Creighton’s first freshman in the BIG EAST era to make a triple in nine straight league games.
Before McAndrew, no CU freshman had made a triple in at least nine straight league games since Ethan Wragge’s streak of 16 in a row from Jan. 3 – Feb. 27, 2010 when the Bluejays were part of the Missouri Valley Conference.
McAndrew is the only freshman in the BIG EAST to make a three-pointer in nine straight league games this season, and is the league’s first man to do it in nine straight conference games since Villanova’s Cam Whitmore’s 11 game streak in 2022-23.
Jackson McAndrew scored 13 points in each of his first two BIG EAST games and has now scored in double-figures nine times this winter.
McAndrew was Creighton’s first true freshman with 13 or more points in each of Creighton’s first two conference games since Chad Gallagher in 1988-89 when CU was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Gallagher is now Creighton’s fifth-leading scorer in program history with 1,983 career points.
CU’s only other freshman in the last 35 years to score 13+ in his first four league games was redshirt freshman Justin Patton, who did it in his first four BIG EAST games in 2016-17. Patton would go on to earn BIG EAST Freshman of the Year honors and went on to become the No. 16 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
McAndrew’s nine games this season with 10 or more points ranks tied for 10th-most among Creighton true freshmen in the last 25 seasons. Of the 13 most recent players to do it (before McAndrew), 11 went on to be named to the conference’s All-Freshman Team other than two men who eventually played in the NBA.
This season, the only other BIG EAST players with more than five double-digit performances this season have been UConn’s Liam McNeeley (11) and Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber (14).
Ryan Kalkbrenner was named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List by the Los Angeles Athletic Club on January 7th.
Selected by a preseason poll of national college basketball experts, the list comprises 25 student-athletes who are frontrunners for the most prestigious honors in college basketball: the Wooden Award All-American Team and the Wooden Award® Most Outstanding Player.
The players on the list are considered strong candidates for the 2025 John R. Wooden Award® Men’s Player of the Year. Players not selected for the midseason list remain eligible for inclusion on the Wooden Award® late-season list, and the National Ballot. The National Ballot will feature 15 top players who have demonstrated to their universities that they meet or exceed the Wooden Award® qualifications.
Nearly 1,000 voters will be invited to rank 10 of the 15 players on the ballot in order of preference when voting opens during the NCAA Tournament. Voters will also consider performances in the tournament’s early rounds, players’ contributions to their teams and their character. The Wooden Award All-American Team will be announced during the week of the NCAA Tournament’s “Elite Eight.”
The winners and the All Americans of the 2025 John R. Wooden Award®, presented by Principal, will be honored at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on April 11.
Big Deficits, No Big Deal
Creighton owns 28 victories since the start of the 2010-11 season after trailing by double-figures at some point, including a New Year’s Eve comeback win after trailing 18-7 early vs. St. John’s.
Thirteen of those 28 comebacks have come away from home.
If you’re curious, CU’s largest comeback win since 2000 came on Jan. 28, 2006, when the Jays trailed 25-6 early before rallying to beat Wichita State on a buzzer-beater by Anthony Tolliver.
CU’s Double-Digit Comebacks Under McDermott
Deficit Opponent Date
18 #18 Oklahoma 11/19/14
17 at San Diego State 11/30/11
16 at Evansville 02/16/13
16 at Seton Hall 01/27/21
16 SIU Edwardsville 11/27/21
15 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 11/09/21
14 Evansville 02/21/12
14 vs. San Diego State 03/17/22
13 at Saint Joseph’s 11/16/13
13 Xavier 01/12/14
13 #22 Xavier 12/23/20
12 Saint Joseph’s 12/11/10
12 at DePaul 01/17/16
12 East Tennessee State 11/11/18
11 at Wichita State 12/31/11
11 Northern Iowa 01/10/12
11 vs. Alabama 03/16/12
11 vs. Ole Miss 11/21/16
11 vs. Connecticut 03/12/21
11 DePaul 01/22/22
11 St. John’s 12/31/24
10 UAB 11/14/12
10 vs. Drake 03/02/12
10 at Nebraska 12/07/14
10 South Dakota 12/09/14
10 St. John’s 01/03/18
10 at DePaul 02/07/18
10 Bemidji State 02/13/18
Stat Leaders, Nationally
Here’s a list of the categories that Creighton is in the Top 20 in, through games of Jan. 26th.
Category Rank Stat
Team Fouls Per Game 1st 10.4
FT Pct. (Ashworth) 1st .971
Blocks (Kalkbrenner) 3rd 56
Blocks Per Game (Kalkbrenner) 4th 2.95
Field Goal Percentage (Kalkbrenner) 4th .665
Team Defensive Rebounds Per Game 5th 29.45
Assists Per Game (Ashworth) 9th 6.7
Assists (Ashworth) 15th 128
300 In The Books
Creighton is 302-63 all-time inside CHI Health Center Omaha.
Creighton needed 118 games to reach 100 victories, with that coming on Nov. 17, 2010, a 63-58 win over Louisiana. Creighton’s Nov. 25, 2017 win over SIU Edwardsville was the program’s 200th at the facility and came in its 242nd home game.
Creighton won its 300th game vs. St. John’s on Dec. 31, 2024 in its 363rd game.
Thomas Earns Scholarship Under Xmas Tree
Redshirt freshman guard Shane Thomas was surprised on Christmas morning, as one of the gifts he received was an envelope from the Creighton Basketball program.
Thomas opened the letter and read it to himself with a puzzled look. After his family asked him what the letter said, Thomas recited aloud “full grant in aid, spring of 2025…I think it’s a scholarship.”
Thomas’ guess was accurate, as the former walk-on will now be on scholarship for the spring semester.
Among The Best
Creighton owns more BIG EAST wins (74) than any other school in the last six seasons, eight more than Marquette’s 66.
Since the league’s 2013 realignment, Villanova has 156 league wins to lead the BIG EAST by a wide margin, but Creighton’s 129 league victories are second-most.
Most Men’s Basketball BIG EAST Wins
(2019-20 to Jan. 27, 2025)
Team W L Pct.
Creighton 74 32 .698
Marquette 66 39 .629
Villanova 65 38 .631
Providence 62 41 .602
UConn 60 24 .714
Seton Hall 58 47 .552
Xavier 51 49 .510
St. John’s 49 56 .467
Butler 41 66 .383
Georgetown 20 82 .196
DePaul 15 88 .146
Most Men’s Basketball BIG EAST Wins
(2013-14 to Jan. 27, 2025)
Team W L Pct.
Villanova 155 56 .735
Creighton 130 84 .607
Providence 120 91 .569
Marquette 118 95 .554
Xavier 117 91 .563
Seton Hall 111 102 .521
Butler 95 120 .442
St. John’s 89 124 .418
Georgetown 66 144 .314
UConn 60 24 .714
DePaul 40 171 .190
Automatic Ashworth
Steven Ashworth set a Creighton single-game record on Nov. 6 vs. UTRGV when he was a perfect 17-for-17 at the free throw line. It’s the most attempts without a miss in a game in CU history.
The last previous power conference player to make 17+ free throws without a miss was Tennessee’s Grant Williams vs. Vanderbilt on Jan. 23, 2019, who was 23-for-23.
The 177 makes at the line were an arena record (two others had made 15), and tied for second-most in a game in CU history behind only Bob Portman’s 19 vs. UW-Milwaukee on Dec. 16, 1967.
Ashworth’s 17 attempts are 10th-most in CU history, and the most by a Bluejay since Nate Funk shot 18 in a double-overtime win vs. Dayton on Nov. 26, 2005.
Ashworth’s streak of 41 consecutive made free throws was snapped on Nov. 27th vs. Texas A&M, four shy of the record set by Doug McDermott in 2013-14. Ashworth shook off that rare miss and then made 38 free trows in a row, CU’s third-longest streak ever.
Ashworth is the lone player in program history with multiple streaks of 30 free throws made or more.
Steven’s Streaks Speaking of streaks owned by Steven Ashworth, the senior has buried a three-pointer in 38 games in a row. That’s the longest active streak in the BIG EAST, and the second-longest in program history. The longest streak in CU history, Baylor Scheierman’s 48 in a row (which doesn’t include his final 10 games at South Dakota State).
His streak of 16 straight games with multiple three-pointers was snapped on Jan. 3 at Marquette, but it was still tied for the second-longest in the BIG EAST since 2005-06.
Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24 for the third straight season.
Kalkbrenner is just the third player in league history to win the recognition three times or more, joining Georgetown greats Patrick Ewing (4x) and Alonzo Mourning (3x).
Between Kalkbrenner and 2017 & 2018 winner Khyri Thomas, Creighton has now had a BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in five of the previous eight seasons.
Greg McDermott enters Wednesday tied for seventh in BIG EAST history with 130 regular-season league wins. McDermott can tie John Thompson III, for sixth on that list with a win over Seton Hall, depending on how Rick Pitino does in a game on Tuesday night vs. Georgetown.
McDermott, along with Ed Cooley and Rick Pitino, are the only three active coaches with 100 regular-season BIG EAST wins. The list contains six different coaches who have won at least one national title.
McDermott has been at his current job (15 seasons) longer than any active BIG EAST coach, but since his first three years were as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, Cooley’s 14 years in the BIG EAST lead all active league coaches.
Junior guard Pop Isaacs will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season as the Las Vegas native underwent hip surgery on Dec. 11th.
Isaacs ranked second on the team with 16.3 points per game in eight appearances, including a season-high 27 points in CU’s victory over No. 1 Kansas on Dec. 4 in his final game, which helped him earn BIG EAST Player of the Week honors.
Combo #7
The season is just 20 games old, but Creighton has already used seven different starting line-up combinations thanks to a variety of injuries and other circumstances.
That’s quite different than how Greg McDermott has typically run his program, when he finds a starting line-up and sticks with it.
In McDermott’s 15 years patrolling the Bluejay sideline, this year’s seven different line-ups are the second-most he’s used over the course of an entire campaign.
Creighton has owned a .500 mark or better in league play 28 times in the previous 29 seasons, one of seven schools nationally that can say that.
The only BIG EAST teams to finish .500 or better in league play each of the previous nine seasons are Creighton, Villanova and Seton Hall.
Among the other “Power 5” Conference schools, only Virginia (7 straight years) also has an active streak of five years or longer with 12 or more league wins.
Most Seasons .500 or Better League Record
Previous 29 Seasons
Seasons Team
29 Duke
29 Kansas
29 Gonzaga
28 Kentucky
28 Michigan State
28 Creighton
28 Murray State
Consecutive Seasons .500 or Better League Record
Power 5 Schools
Seasons Team
35 Kansas
29 Duke
13 Virginia
13 Oregon
12 Villanova
9 Creighton
9 Houston
9 Seton Hall
9 Florida
Consecutive Seasons 12+ League Wins
Power 5 Schools
Seasons Team
7 Virginia
5 Creighton
Preseason BIG EAST Poll
The Creighton men’s basketball team has been picked to finish second in the BIG EAST Conference in the annual survey of league coaches, which was unveiled as part of BIG EAST Media Day.
It marks the second straight year CU has been picked second, and fourth time in the past five seasons the Bluejays have been tabbed for a top-two finish. CU’s 2020-21 squad and 2023-24 teams were also both picked second, and eventually finished in second place, while the 2022-23 squad that eventually reached the Elite Eight was picked first and finished in third place.
Connecticut, the defending BIG EAST regular season and tournament champion and the reigning national champion, was chosen to finish first in the poll. The Huskies received all possible 10 first-place votes and 100 points from the league’s head coaches who were not permitted to vote for their own teams.
Creighton will be led by Ryan Kalkbrenner, who is a Preseason First Team All-BIG EAST selection for the third time and also earned his first Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year accolade. Kalkbrenner remains the only player in program history to earn Preseason First Team All-BIG EAST honors multiple times. The only other Bluejays to be named Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year have been Doug McDermott (2013-14) and Marcus Zegarowski (2020-21).
Joining Kalkbrenner with Preseason First Team All-BIG EAST acclaim was Connecticut’s Alex Karaban, Marquette’s Kam Jones, Providence’s Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s Kadary Richmond and Villanova’s Eric Dixon.
Creighton has matched or exceeded its preseason projection in all but one season since joining the BIG EAST in 2013-14, the best showing in the league in that time. The Bluejays are seeking a ninth straight finish in the top four of the league standings. CU’s team three years ago was predicted to finish eighth in the BIG EAST, then ended up in fourth. Five years ago, a team picked seventh in the BIG EAST’s preseason poll went 13-5 in league play to share its first league title with Villanova and Seton Hall. That Bluejay team ended the year ranked seventh in the entire nation.
Creighton’s BIG EAST Preseason Poll History
Year Preseason Actual Preseason All-BIG EAST
2013-14 3rd 2nd Doug McDermott (POY, 1st)
2014-15 9th T-9th –
2015-16 9th 6th –
2016-17 3rd T-3rd Maurice Watson Jr. (1st); Marcus Foster (HM)
2017-18 5th T-3rd Marcus Foster (1st); Khyri Thomas (HM)
2018-19 9th T-3rd Martin Krampelj (HM)
2019-20 7th T-1st Ty-Shon Alexander (1st)
2020-21 2nd 2nd Marcus Zegarowski (POY, 1st); Mitch Ballock (2nd)
Creighton went 14,588 days from Feb. 10, 1974 to Jan. 19, 2014 without a win over a Top 10 team.
Since Jan. 20, 2014, it has 15 such wins, including at least one Top 10 win in each of the last 10 seasons.
Here’s a list of all 20 Top 10 wins in program history. Six have come against Villanova, while CU also owns multiple Top 10 wins over Marquette (3) and Seton Hall (2).
Creighton’s Top 10 Wins All-Time
Date Opponent Score Head Coach
12/13/63 #4 Arizona State W 84-83 McManus
12/01/65 #10 Kansas State W 83-75 McManus
01/29/70 #5 New Mexico State W 72-68 Sutton
02/17/73 #7 Houston W 78-77 Sutton
02/09/74 at #6 Marquette W 75-69 Sutton
01/20/14 at #4 Villanova W 96-68 McDermott
02/16/14 #6 Villanova W 101-80 McDermott
02/09/16 #5 Xavier W 70-56 McDermott
11/15/16 #9 Wisconsin W 79-67 McDermott
02/24/18 #3 Villanova W 89-83 (OT) McDermott
03/03/19 at #10 Marquette W 66-60 McDermott
02/01/20 at #8 Villanova W 76-61 McDermott
02/12/20 at #10 Seton Hall W 87-82 McDermott
03/07/20 #8 Seton Hall W 77-60 McDermott
02/13/21 #5 Villanova W 86-70 McDermott
12/17/21 #9 Villanova W 79-59 McDermott
11/22/22 vs. #9 Arkansas W 90-87 McDermott
02/20/24 #1 Connecticut W 85-66 McDermott
03/02/24 #5 Marquette W 89-75 McDermott
12/04/24 #1 Kansas W 76-63 McDermott
Neal’s Near Triple-Double
Jamiya Neal nearly had Creighton’s second points/rebounds/assists triple-double in program history on Dec. 7th vs. UNLV when he turned in 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists (along with a career-high four blocked shots).
Neal’s nine assists were a career-high and led directly to 22 points.
Steven Ashworth came even closer on Jan. 11 at Butler, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
Creighton’s only points/rebounds/assists triple-double in program history came on Feb. 13, 2024 when Baylor Scheierman had a 15/11/11 line in a win over Georgetown.
Traudt Reeling Them In
Isaac Traudt made 5-of-7 three-point shots in CU’s Dec. 7th victory over UNLV as he poured in 15 points and grabbed five rebounds in a career-high 27 minutes off the bench.
Traudt is a career 42.5 percent three-point shooter, a number that climbs to 50.6 percent (40/79) at home.
Since his arrival on The Hilltop, when Traudt plays Creighton is 22-4 when he scores and 15-10 when he’s scoreless.
Reserves Get It Done
Creighton’s bench combined for a season-high 33 points in its Dec. 7th win vs. UNLV, making 13-of-20 shots overall and 7-of-9 three-pointers.
The 33 bench points were CU’s most since scoring 47 on Dec. 9, 2023 vs. Central Michigan.
Creighton scored 29 bench points vs. Providence on Jan. 14th, its most in a league game since also scoring 29 vs. St. John’s on Jan. 25, 2023.
Creighton has won 44 straight games when scoring 17 bench points or more.
Did You Know?
Ryan Kalkbrenner had 17 points and 10 rebounds vs. No. 1 Kansas on Dec. 4th, making him Creighton’s first player ever with a double-double against a top-ranked team.
Kalkbrenner’s 10 rebounds also tied the most ever by a Bluejay against a No.1 squad, as George Morrow also had 10 boards vs. DePaul on Jan. 28, 1980.
Pop Isaacs’ 27 points tied a program-record for the most by any Bluejay against a top-ranked team, something Ty-Shon Alexander also did vs. Gonzaga on Dec. 1, 2018. Isaacs is also the first player since Marquette’s Dwyane Wade (vs. Kentucky in 2003) with at least 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a win over the No. 1 ranked team.
Something Special
Per OptaStats, Creighton became the first team to beat two different AP No. 1 teams by double digits in the same calendar year since Oklahoma did it in back-to-back games in February 1990 (beat Missouri & Kansas). In addition to the 76-63 win over Kansas on Dec. 4, CU also topped UConn 85-66 on Feb. 20th.
Per ESPN, the Dec. 4 loss to Creighton was the third-largest margin in 105 all-time losses by a top-ranked Kansas team to an unranked foe, and the most since losing by 16 in 2011 to Kansas State.
At the time, the only other unranked team in the last five seasons (2020-21 to 2024-25) to beat the No. 1 team by 13+ points was Nebraska vs. Purdue on Jan. 9, 2024.
Elias Sports Bureau has confirmed that Creighton is the nation’s third team in the last 20 seasons to beat a top-ranked program with a +13 advantage in both scoring and rebounding, joining No. 5 Kentucky vs. #1 Tennessee on Feb. 16, 2019 as well as No. 3 Baylor over No. 1 Gonzaga in the 2021 national title game.
Creighton became just the fourth unranked BIG EAST school to beat the AP’s No. 1 team by double-digits, joining Louisville over Syracuse (78-68 on March 10, 2006), UConn over Texas (88-74 on Jan. 23, 2010) and Villanova over Syracuse (93-74 on Jan. 6, 1990), which means CU is the second to do so in a regular-season non-conference game.
Down Goes #1
Creighton is one of just eight teams in the last 15 seasons to defeat a No. 1 team in the country in back-to-back seasons. Here’s a list at the others to have done it:
Creighton 2023-24 (UConn) and 2024-25 (Kansas)
Northwestern 2022-23 (Purdue) and 2023-24 (Purdue)
Rutgers 2021-22 (Purdue) and 2022-23 (Purdue)
Kentucky 2018-19 (Tennessee) and 2019-20 (Michigan State)
Butler 2016-17 (Villanova) and 2017-18 (Villanova)
UCLA 2015-16 (Kentucky) and 2016-17 (Kentucky)
West Virginia 2015-16 (Kansas) and 2016-17 (Baylor)
Indiana 2011-12 (Kentucky) and 2012-13 (Michigan)
Unsung Heroes
Creighton has the luxury of bringing three veterans off the bench who can play a variety of positions and shoot it from deep in Mason Miller, Isaac Traudt and Jasen Green.
The trio has scored 180 points in Creighton’s 14 wins, but have a total of 19 points in CU’s six losses to date.
Denied!
Ryan Kalkbrenner had at least one blocked shot in 27 straight games played, the second-longest streak by a Bluejay since 1984-85, before being held without a swat at Marquette on Jan. 3rd.
It was Kalkbrenner’s third career streak of 25 or more games with a swat, making him the nation’s only player since 2005-06 with three such streaks.
Kalkbrenner’s six blocked shots on Jan. 11 at Butler and Jan. 14 vs. Providence were a season-high, and the 21st game of his career with five or more rejections. All other Bluejay players since 2005-06 have combined for 16 such games (7 by Gregory Echenique, 4 by Anthony Tolliver, 2 by Kenny Lawson Jr. and 1 each by Fredrick King, Jacob Epperson and Justin Patton).
Creighton’s Longest Streaks With A Block, Since 1984-85
Jackson McAndrew had 12 points and 14 rebounds on Nov. 26 vs. San Diego State, then followed that up with a season-high 16 points vs. No. 20 Texas A&M a day later.
McAndrew was the first Bluejay freshman with a double-double since Fredrick King had 16 points and 10 rebounds at Marquette on Dec. 16, 2022.
McAndrew is the first Bluejay with a double-double in his first start at Creighton since South Dakota State transfer Baylor Scheierman had 11 points and 10 rebounds on Nov. 7, 2022 vs. Florida A&M.
McAndrew was the first Bluejay freshman with a double-double in his first career start since Ryan Nembhard (15 points, 10 assists). No Bluejay freshman since at least 1987-88 had owned a points/rebounds double-double in his first career start.
McAndrew is one of three freshmen in the BIG EAST this season to have a double-double in his first career start, joining UConn’s Liam McNeeley (18 & 10 vs. Sacred Heart) and Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber (20 & 13 vs. Lehigh).
McAndrew’s 14 rebounds were the third-most by any freshman in Greg McDermott‘s 15 years as Creighton head coach (491 games). Doug McDermott had 17 at Bradley on Feb. 1, 2011 and 16 at Akron on Feb. 19, 2011.
McAndrew was also the first Bluejay freshman since Fredrick King in December of 2022 to score 12+ points in consecutive games.
McDermott Passes Altman On CU Wins List
Greg McDermott has 339 victories at Creighton, passing his predecessor Dana Altman (327) for the most in program history in CU’s Nov. 13 win vs. Houston Christian.
McDermott broke a different record on Jan. 21 at DePaul when he coached his 504th game on the Bluejay sideline, breaking the mark of 503 held by Altman.
McDermott’s .671 winning percentage is Creighton’s best since Arthur A. Schabinger’s .714 win rate more than 85 years ago.
Below is a list of the most victorious Creighton coaches in program history, as well as the history of the Creighton Athletic Department.
One reason for Creighton’s extended run of success has been the continuity within its coaching staff. The Bluejays have had just two head coaches in the last 31 years, Dana Altman (1994-2010) and Greg McDermott (2010-Present).
Here’s a list of major conference schools to have a coach with 300 wins at that school, and their predecessor also had 300 wins at the school:
There’s only two BIG EAST players to score 73+ points in 60 minutes or less in any two game span since 2005-06. Ryan Kalkbrenner (73 points in 58 minutes) in the opening week this season and UConn’s Kemba Walker (73 points in 60 minutes) in 2010.
Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of three major conference players since 2005-06 to score 73 points and block six shots in any two game span, joining Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kansas State’s Michael Beasley.
There’s been only four BIG EAST players to score 73+ points to score any two-game span since 2012: Marquette’s Markus Howard (7x), DePaul’s Max Strus, Creighton’s Doug McDermott and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner.
Kalkbrenner is the nation’s second player since 2005-06 to score 24+ points and shoot 90 percent (min. 10 FGA) in consecutive games, joining Belmont’s Evan Bradds from November of 2015.
Evan Bradds (7x) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (7x) are the only men in the country with five or more career games of 90 percent shooting (min. 10 FGA) since 2005-06.
Kalkbrenner Block Machine
Ryan Kalkbrenner ranks second in program history in blocked shots with 362. Kalkbrenner had 107 swats last year and is now 49 blocks behind Benoit Benjamin.
Ryan Kalkbrenner has made 842 of 1,274 career shots, putting him at 66.09 percent overall. That places the senior center fourth in field goal percentage in NCAA history among players to make 700 or more field goals and at least four field goals per game.
However, Kalkbrenner is first among all such players who have ever attempted 50 or more three-point field goal attempts….he’s taken 114.
Best Career FG%, NCAA History (min. 700 FG, 4FG/game)
Pct. (FG-FGA) Name, School Years
.678 (828-1222) Steve Johnson, Oregon State 1976-81
.667 (740-1109) Evan Bradds, Belmont 2013-17
.664 (702-1058) Todd MacCulloch, Washington 1995-99
Ryan Kalkbrenner had a night for the ages on Nov. 6 in the season-opener vs. UTRGV, finishing with 49 points on 20-of-22 shooting from the floor and 7-of-8 free throws while adding 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Kalkbrenner’s 49 points were the second-most in program history, two behind Bob Portman’s 51 on Dec. 16, 1967 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Portman made 16-of-35 field goal attempts and 18-of-23 foul shots in his record-setting contest.
Below is a list of the previous Bluejay performances of 40 points or more
47 Eddie Cole vs. Morningside (OT) 11/29/1954 18 11
46 Bob Portman vs. Weber State 12/23/1968 19 8
45 Tim Powers at Idaho State 01/29/1966 17 11
45 Benoit Benjamin vs. Indiana State 01/19/1985 18 9
45 Doug McDermott vs. Providence 03/08/2014 17# 6
44 Doug McDermott at Bradley 01/07/2012 18@ 5
43 Bob Portman at Kansas State 02/12/1968 16 11
43 Benoit Benjamin vs. Southern Illinois 01/17/1985 18 7
42 Bob Portman vs. LaSalle 01/30/1968 19 4
42 Cavel Witter vs. Bradley (2OT) 03/01/2008 13% 12
41 Doug McDermott vs. Wichita State 03/02/2013 15# 6
40 Chad Gallagher vs. Wichita State 02/17/1990 14 12
40 Rodney Buford vs. Bradley 12/30/1998 13$ 8
*includes 2 three-pointers
@includes 3 three-pointers
%includes 4 three-pointers
#includes 5 three-pointers
$includes 6 three-pointers
Honors Roll In For Kalkbrenner
Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner was named the first BIG EAST Player of the Week of the 2024-25 season, the conference announced on Nov. 11. He also picked up National Player of the Week acclaim from ESPN’s Dick Vitale, NCAA.com’s Andy Katz, the USBWA, Associated Press as well as the Lute Olson Award.
The 7-foot-1 center averaged 36.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game as No. 15 Creighton posted a pair of double-digit victories to open the season. The three-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year shot 90.6 percent from the field (29-32), including 100 percent from three-point range (3-3), and also made 92.3 percent (12-13) of his free throw attempts.
It was the first weekly honor from the BIG EAST of Kalkbrenner’s career, though he’s certainly no stranger to hardware. Kalkbrenner is one of three men to earn at least three BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was named First Team All-BIG EAST in 2022-23, Second Team All-BIG EAST in 2023-24 and Honorable Mention All-BIG EAST in 2021-22. Prior to this season, Kalkbrenner was named the league’s Preseason Player of the Year. He is also a four-time member of the BIG EAST’s All-Academic Team.
Kalkbrenner Scoring Tidbits
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 49 points vs. UTRGV on Nov. 6 bring up all sorts of notes.
– In the last 25 years, the only player nationally with more points in a season-opener than Kalkbrenner’s 49 was Arkansas’ Rotnei Clarke, who had 51 in 2009 against Alcorn State.
– Kalkbrenner’s 49 points are the fourth-most ever in a season-opener by a player on a Top 25 team, trailing only LSU’s Bob Pettit (60 in 1953), UCLA’s Lew Alcindor (56 in 1966) and Jacksonville’s Artis Gilmore (50 in 1970). Those other three men are in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
– Kalkbrenner is the first Bluejay with 40+ points and 10+ rebounds in the same game since Chad Gallagher had 40 points and 11 rebounds vs. Wichita State on Feb. 17, 1990.
– Kalkbrenner’s 49 points were the fifth-most points in a game in BIG EAST history. Marquette’s Markus Howard had games of 53, 52 and 51, while Providence’s MarShon Brooks had a 52 point game as well.
– Kalkbrenner’s 49 points were the most in a double-double performance in BIG EAST history.
– Before Kalkbrenner’s 49 points and 11 rebounds, no other high major player has posted as many points and rebounds in any game over the past 30 years.
– Kalkbrenner is also the nation’s only player with 49+ points and 3+ blocks in the same game since at least 2005-06.
– Kalkbrenner scored Creighton’s first eight points and got better as the game went on. He had nine points in the first 10 minutes, then scored 11 in the final 10 minutes before half for the highest-scoring first half of his career.
Kalkbrenner then scored 14 points in the first 10 minutes of the second half before closing his masterpiece with 15 points in the final 10 minutes.
– Kalkbrenner’s 49 points broke Doug McDermott’s record of 45 points by a Creighton player at CHI Health Center Omaha. The overall record is 53 by Marquette’s Markus Howard on Jan. 9, 2019.
Having A Field Day
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 20 field goals made on Nov. 6 were a Creighton single-game record, eclipsing the previous mark of 19 done twice by Bob Portman in 1968.
Kalkbrenner’s 20 field goals are the most in a season-opener by any player nationally in the last 15 seasons.
Kalkbrenner is the only player in the BIG EAST in at least 30 years with 49+ points and 20+ field goals in a game.
Kalkbrenner’s 20 field goals tied the single-game BIG EAST record held by Providence’s MarShon Brooks vs. Notre Dame in 2011.
Kalkbrenner’s 20 field goals made were a CHI Health Center Omaha record, breaking the old mark of 17 done twice by Doug McDermott and once by Evansville’s Colt Ryan.
Kalkbrenner’s 20 field goals made were the most by any player in a game against a Division I foe since Iowa State’s Melvin Ejim made 20 hoops vs. TCU on Feb. 8, 2014.
Kalkbrenner’s 90.9 percent shooting from the field was the highest field goal percentage in a 45-point game by any Division I player in the past 25 seasons, and the highest by a player to attempt 20 or more shots in a game in the past 25 years.
– Kalkbrenner was the first player with 20 field goals on 90 percent shooting in a Division I game since UCLA’s Bill Walton made 21-of-22 shots vs. Memphis in the 1973 NCAA final.
– Kalkbrenner missed just three shots (2 FG, 1 FT). He’s the first Division I or NBA player to score 45+ points while missing no more than three shots (FG or FT) since Dirk Nowitzki did in the 2011 NBA playoffs.
– Kalkbrenner made his final three field goal attempts in the first half, then made 11-of-11 shots in the second half, giving him 14 buckets in a row. That’s two shy of the NCAA single-game record of 16 made field goals in a row set by Kent State’s Doug Grayson vs. North Carolina on Dec. 6, 1967.
Dynamic Duo
Ryan Kalkbrenner (49) and Steven Ashworth (25) combined for 74 points on Nov. 6th. It was the most points by any BIG EAST duo since at least 1996-97.
It’s the second-most points by any Creighton pair in the same game, one point shy of the mark set on Jan. 19, 1985 when Benoit Benjamin (45) and Vernon Moore (30) combined for 75.
It’s the most points by any Creighton duo in 15 seasons under Greg McDermott. The previous high was 62, done on March 9, 2019 by Mitch Ballock (39) and Martin Krampelj (23) vs. DePaul. Ballock is now a graduate manager on the Bluejay staff.
In addition to Ballock and Krampelj, Creighton’s only other duo to combine for 62+ points in a game since 1996-97 was Nate Funk (38) and Johnny Mathies (24), who did it in double-overtime on Nov. 26, 2005 vs. Dayton.
The last Division I duo to combine for 74+ points in a non-overtime game was Austin Peay’s Terry Taylor and Jordyn Adams (both with 37) vs. Tennessee State on Jan. 23, 2020.
Jays Don’t Foul…Do You Follow?
Creighton led the nation with just 11.5 fouls per game last year, well ahead of runner-up Lipscomb’s 12.9 per contest, and are averaging an 10.4 fouls per game this season to lead the country. That puts CU on pace to shatter the NCAA single-season record for fewest fouls per game, a mark currently held by the 1961-62 Air Force team that averaged 11.0 fouls per game.
Creighton’s streak of 60 straight games without a foul out was snapped on Nov. 30 vs. Notre Dame. Per Elias, that streak had been the nation’s longest since at least 2005-06.
Since the start of last year, Creighton has committed three fouls or less in 26 different halves.
In 55 games since the start of last season, Creighton has allowed just 59 made free throws in a 1-and-1 situation, and just 18 made free throws in the double bonus (and 6 of those came in an overtime session). Only four of those free throws in a 1-and-1 situation came in the first half (2 each vs. Alabama and San Diego State).
Here’s a look at how many fouls Creighton was called for this season by half:
Creighton Fouls By Half
Opponent First Half Second Half
UTRGV 4 7
FDU 5 7
Houston Christian 2 6
Kansas City 2 4
Nebraska 7 12
San Diego State 1 5
Texas A&M 9 8
Notre Dame 5 8
#1 Kansas 3 4
UNLV 4 4
#7 Alabama 7 11
Georgetown 4 4
Villanova 1 7
St. John’s 3 6
#8 Marquette 3 9
Butler 1 8
Providence 5 3
#14 UConn 3 5
DePaul 5 7
Seton Hall 4 5
Total 78 130
Nifty Fifty Leads To Postseason?
Not counting 2019-20, when there was no postseason, Creighton has made the postseason each of the previous 11 times in which it has made at least 50 percent of its field goal attempts to open the year. That’s a good sign since CU shot 60 percent on Nov. 6, its best mark since at least 1993-94 in a lid-lifter.
Nine of those postseason trips were NCAA Tournament berths. The last time that didn’t hold true was 1991-92, when CU shot 51.0 percent in the opener but finished just 9-19.
Creighton has shot 50 percent or better in nine of its last 13 season-openers.
CU Season-Opener Field Goal Percentage 50+%
Since 1993-94
FG% Year Opponent Postseason
.541 1997-98 UMKC NIT
.524 1998-99 Towson State NCAA
.569 2000-01 Western Illinois NCAA
.594 2002-03 UT Arlington NCAA
.500 2012-13 North Texas NCAA
.556 2013-14 Alcorn State NCAA
.528 2015-16 Texas Southern NIT
.508 2016-17 UMKC NCAA
.558 2017-18 Yale NCAA
.524 2019-20 Kennesaw St. Postseason Ccd.
.585 2021-22 Ark.-Pine Bluff NCAA
.567 2023-24 Florida A&M NCAA
.600 2024-25 UTRGV ? ? ?
The Push For 90
Of Creighton’s 25 all-time NCAA Tournament teams, 12 have scored 90 or more points in their season-opener.
Put another way…of CU’s 19 teams (before 2024-25) to score 90 points in an opener, 12 would reach the NCAA Tournament.
Here’s a look at Creighton’s last 12 teams to score 90 or more points in a season-opener:
Final Post-
Score Opponent Date W-L Season
93-47 UT-San Antonio 11/30/90 24-8 NCAA
93-48 Towson State 11/14/98 22-9 NCAA
96-50 Western Illinois 11/20/00 24-8 NCAA
106-50 Texas-Arlington 11/17/02 29-5 NCAA
97-65 North Carolina A&T 11/11/11 29-6 NCAA
107-61 Alcorn State 11/08/13 27-8 NCAA
104-77 Central Arkansas 11/14/14 14-19 —
93-70 Texas Southern 11/14/15 20-15 NIT
92-76 Yale 11/10/17 21-12 NCAA
90-77 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 11/09/21 23-12 NCAA
105-54 Florida A&M 11/07/23 25-10 NCAA
99-86 UTRGV 11/06/24 ? ? ? ? ? ?
One Of The Best
Senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner has been named one of 20 candidates on the NABC Division I Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, one of 50 players up for the John R. Wooden Award, and one of 50 candidates for the Naismith Trophy Men’s Player of the Year Watch List.
Kalkbrenner is four players named to the Naismith’s Preseason list each of the last three years (joining Hunter Dickinson, RJ Davis and Caleb Love). He’s also one of four players to make the NABC Preseason list each of the past two seasons, joining Dickinson, Oumar Ballo and Wade Taylor IV.
Who’s Back?
With Creighton returning six of the 11 men who appeared in a game last season, it’s no surprise that a similar ratio of the production from 2023-24 is also gone. Below is a breakdown of what is back:
Stat Returners Departures
Blocks 119 (83.2%) 24 (16.8%)
Starts 105 (60.0%) 70 (40.0%)
Minutes 3684 (51.3%) 3491 (48.7%)
Rebounds 636 (51.1%) 608 (48.9%)
Points 1383 (49.1%) 1432 (50.9%)
3FG Made 171 (45.6%) 204 (54.4%)
Assists 226 (38.4%) 362 (61.6%)
Steals 42 (31.3%) 92 (68.7%)
Charges Taken 4 (30.8%) 9 (69.2%)
Preseason Top 15
The Creighton men’s basketball team was ranked 15th in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 poll, the third straight season the Bluejays have been ranked among the nation’s best in the preseason.
This year’s announcement marks the seventh time in program history the writers have voted CU to the top-25 in the preseason, joining 2006-07 (No. 19), 2012-13 (No. 16) and 2016-17 (No. 22), 2020-21 (No. 11), 2022-23 (No. 9) and 2023-24 (No. 8). All six of those teams would end up in the NCAA Tournament, with the last three most recent squads making the Sweet 16.
Creighton’s best ranking in program history is seventh, done five times (Jan. 16, 2017, March 10, 2020, March 18, 2020, Jan. 7, 2021 and Nov. 28, 2022).
Creighton has been ranked 146 times in program history, with 118 of those under the direction of McDermott. Creighton is 180-76 all-time as a ranked team, including a 146-64 mark under McDermott. Creighton has now been ranked at least one week in 11 of McDermott’s 15 seasons on The Hilltop after doing it just five different seasons in program history before his 2010 arrival.
Creighton is one of 13 schools ranked in the Top 25 of the Preseason AP poll each of the last three years, joining Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Creighton, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Narrow that list to just the Preseason Top 15 the past three seasons and only seven schools can claim that, with Creighton joining Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Creighton was one of three BIG EAST Conference schools in the preseason poll, joining No. 3 Connecticut and No. 18 Marquette. Two of Creighton’s December opponents, No. 1 Kansas (Dec. 4) and No. 2 Alabama (Dec. 14), are atop the poll. CU met preseason No. 13 Texas A&M on Nov. 27 in Las Vegas.
Creighton was also 14th in the preseason USA Today Coaches poll.
CU dropped out of both polls on Monday, Dec. 9.
Among The Nation’s Best
Below is where Creighton ranks nationally since the start of the 2010-11 season among teams to have played 100 or more Division I games, per Basketball-Reference.com.
2010-11 to Jan. 25, 2024
Category CU Stat CU Rank
3FG Made 4,514 2nd
2FG Percentage .551 3rd
FG Percentage .477 4th
Assists 8,089 5th
3FG Percentage .373 5th
FG Made 13,806 7th
Points 38,605 9th
Wins 339 23rd
Winning Percentage .671 29th
Who Are These Guys?
Creighton returns 105 starts from last year’s team, the fifth time in the past six seasons its returned at least 100 starts.
Creighton has won 20 or more games each of the previous nine times (and 13 of the last 14 times) it has returned 100 or more starts.
Returning Returning Starts Final
Year Starters From Previous Year W-L
2024-25 3 105 ? ? ?
2023-24 3 111 25-10
2022-23 3 104 24-13
2021-22 0 2 23-12
2020-21 5 124 22-9
2019-20 4 136 24-7
2018-19 2 57 20-15
2017-18 2 72 21-12
2016-17 4 130 25-10
2015-16 1 64 20-15
2014-15 1 49 14-19
2013-14 4 144 27-8
2012-13 4 140 28-8
2011-12 3 101 29-6
2010-11 4 123 23-16
2009-10 3 106 18-16
2008-09 3 83 27-8
2007-08 1 44 22-11
2006-07 4 120 22-11
2005-06 4 134 20-10
2004-05 2 58 23-11
2003-04 3 101 20-9
2002-03 5 159 29-5
2001-02 2 65 23-9
2000-01 3 90 24-8
1999-00 3 84 23-10
1998-99 3 84 22-9
1997-98 4 72 18-10
1996-97 4 126 15-15
1995-96 4 100 14-15
1994-95 2 52 7-19
1993-94 3 73 7-22
1992-93 2 64 8-18
1991-92 2 51 9-19
1990-91 4 132 24-8
1989-90 4 127 21-12
1988-89 4 123 20-11
1987-88 3 83 16-16
1986-87 2 65 9-19
1985-86 1 48 12-16
1984-85 4 124 20-12
1983-84 3 72 17-14
1982-83 3 77 8-19
1981-82 2 78 7-20
1980-81 4 112 21-9
#ProJays
Creighton has three alums in the NBA this season.
Former Creighton All-American Doug McDermott is with the Sacramento Kings as he begins his 11th year in the NBA.
Baylor Scheierman was a First Round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Trey Alexander went undrafted, but was signed on a two-way contract by the Denver Nuggets.
These men give Creighton at least one NBA player for the 41st time in the last 42 seasons.
Other famous Bluejays to play in the NBA in the past include Paul Silas, Kyle Korver, Benoit Benjamin and Anthony Tolliver.
Let’s Go On A Run
Creighton has won at least one NCAA Tournament game in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. That makes CU one of five teams in the country to have a win in each of the last four NCAA Tournaments, joining Baylor, Gonzaga, Houston and Kansas.
This is the first time that Creighton has won an NCAA Tournament game in four straight years.
Sweetness!
Creighton is one of just five teams to have reached at least three of the last four Sweet 16s.
Gonzaga and Houston have done it each of the last four seasons, while Alabama, UCLA and Creighton have done it three times each.
This is the first time Creighton has been in the Sweet 16 in back-to-back tournaments.
Most Sweet 16’s, Last Four Years
# Team Years
4 Gonzaga 2021 2022 2023 2024
4 Houston 2021 2022 2023 2024
3 Creighton 2021 – 2023 2024
3 UCLA 2021 2022 2023 –
3 Alabama 2021 – 2023 2024
Ain’t Too Proud To Brag
Creighton (9 straight seasons) is one of six schools with 20 or more wins in each of the previous nine seasons joining Kansas (35), Gonzaga (27), Belmont (14), Oregon (9) and Houston (9).
Creighton (5 straight seasons) is also one of five teams to post 22 or more wins in each of the previous five seasons, joining Gonzaga (27), Houston (7), San Diego State (5) and Baylor (5).
Creighton was one of six teams in the nation with 25 or more wins in both men’s basketball and women’s basketball last season. That list consists of Creighton, Gonzaga, NC State, South Carolina, UConn and Vermont.
Creighton is one of four schools to have men’s and women’s basketball programs to both own 22 wins or more each of the previous three seasons, a list that included Creighton, Gonzaga, Princeton and UConn.
24 of 26 Seasons With 20 Wins
Creighton has won 20 or more games in 24 of the previous 26 seasons (1998-99 to 2023-24), a feat that puts the Jays among an exclusive group, nationally.
Just two schools have had 20 or more wins each of the last 26 years: Gonzaga and Kansas. Duke has done it 25 times, Creighton and Kentucky 24 times each.
Most 20-Win Seasons, Previous 26 Seasons
Team 20-Win Seasons
Gonzaga 26
Kansas 26
Duke 25
Creighton 24
Kentucky 24
Arizona 22
Florida 22
Ohio State 22
Michigan State 22
BYU 21
Memphis 21
North Carolina 21
Wisconsin 21
Most Consecutive 22-Win Seasons
Team Consec. 22-Win Years
Gonzaga 27
Houston 7
Creighton 5
San Diego State 5
Baylor 5
Top 25 Men & Women
Creighton was one of 12 schools with a preseason top-25 squad on both the men’s and women’s side in 2024-25, joining Alabama, Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Texas and UCLA.
The only five schools to be ranked in the preseason men’s and women’s basketball Top 25 of the AP Poll each of the last three seasons are Baylor, Creighton, North Carolina and Texas.
Creighton is one of eight schools to make the NCAA Tournament in both men’s and women’s basketball each of the previous three seasons, a list that consists of Arizona, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Tennessee, Texas and UConn.
Creighton is one of 14 schools that won an NCAA Tournament game last season in both men’s and women’s basketball: Alabama, Arizona, Baylor, Colorado, Creighton, Duke, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Kansas, North Carolina, NC State, Tennessee, Texas, and UConn.
Release, Rotation, Splash, Repeat
Creighton has made at least one three-pointer in 1,040 straight games. That ranks as the nation’s 10th-longest active streak.
Creighton’s last game without a three-pointer came at Illinois State on Feb. 20, 1993, when the Jays were 0-for-5. Creighton’s last win without making a three-point basket came on March 3, 1991 when the Jays went 0-for-2 from three-point range in a 71-66 win over Southern Illinois in the championship game of the MVC Tournament.
Below is a list of the nation’s longest active three-point streaks.
Longest Active 3-Point Streaks (through 1/26)
Rk. Streak School Next Game
1. 1,247 UNLV 1/29
2. 1,244 Duke 1/27
3. 1,179 East Tennessee State 1/29
4. 1,155 Oakland 1/30
5. 1,151 Pacific 1/30
6. 1,147 Texas 1/29
7. 1,088 Marshall 1/30
8. 1,080 Gonzaga 1/28
9. 1,069 Princeton 1/31
10. 1,040 Creighton 1/29
11. 1,037 Long Island 1/30
12. 1,025 Mount St. Mary’s 1/31
Triple Trouble
During Creighton’s current streak of 1,040 straight games with a three-pointer, the Jays have drained 8,356 trifectas, an average of 8.03 treys per game.
Only five times in the streak has Creighton made just one three-pointer, but on 315 occasions the Bluejays have made 10 or more trifectas, including three games of 20 or more.
Since the start of the 2019-20 season, the Bluejays are 94-24 when making eight or more three-pointers, compared to a 35-32 mark when making seven treys or fewer.
Team 3FG Made During Creighton’s 3-Point Streak
1: 5 times 2: 19 times 3: 36 times
4: 75 times 5: 104 times 6: 109 times
7: 152 times 8: 130 times 9: 95 times
10: 87 times 11: 62 times 12: 63 times
13: 50 times 14: 26 times 15: 9 times
16: 8 times 17: 4 times 18: 1 time
19: 2 times 20: 1 time 21: 1 time 22: 1 time
CHI Health Center Omaha Dramatics
Creighton is 8-8 in contests with a game-winning go-ahead score in the final 10 seconds at CHI Health Center Omaha, which opened in 2003.
The last time such a game happened was in 2020 when Creighton’s Marcus Zegarowski hit a shot with 3.2 seconds left to beat Providence.
Creighton’s Go-Ahead Scores in Wins at
CHI Health Center Omaha, Last 10 Seconds
Date Opponent Score Player/Score Time
11/26/05 Dayton W 91-90* Funk FG :5.7
01/28/06 Wichita St. W 57-55 Tolliver FG :0.0
11/25/06 George Mason W 58-56 Watts FT :7.5
03/18/08 Rhode Island W 74-73 Witter 3FG :3.2
01/13/10 Southern Illinois W 71-69 Young FG :1.3
02/18/12 Long Beach St. W 81-79 Young FG :0.3
01/28/14 St. John’s W 63-60 McDermott 3FG :2.8
01/18/20 Providence W 78-74 Zegarowski 3FG :3.2
*double-overtime
Opponent Go-Ahead Scores in CU Losses at
CHI Health Center Omaha, Last 10 Seconds
Date Opponent Score Player/Score Time
03/20/06 Miami (Fla.) L 53-52 G. Diaz FT :2.6
01/20/07 Southern Illinois L 58-57 B. Mullins FG :4.1
01/10/15 #19 Seton Hall L 68-67 S. Gibbs 3FG :2.2
02/16/15 #19 Butler L 58-56 R. Jones FG :1.9
03/07/15 Xavier L 74-73 D. Davis FT’s :6.3
01/12/16 #12 Providence L 50-48 K. Dunn FG :0.0
02/22/17 Providence L 68-66 K. Cartwright 3FG :2.4
02/10/18 #5 Xavier L 71-72 Q. Goodin FT’s :0.3
Top-20 Crowds
Here’s a look at Creighton’s top-20 home crowds all-time.
Rank Att. Opponent Date
1. 18,868 Providence 03/08/14
2. 18,859 Georgetown 01/25/14
3. 18,831 #1 Villanova 12/31/16
4. 18,797 #6 Villanova 02/16/14
5. 18,759 #1 Gonzaga 12/01/18
6. 18,742 Seton Hall 02/23/14
7. 18,735 Wichita State 02/11/12
8. 18,613 Wichita State 03/02/13
9. 18,571 DePaul 01/22/24
10. 18,525 Marquette 12/31/13
11. 18,519 #8 Seton Hall 03/07/20
12. 18,518 Georgetown 01/27/18
13. 18,509 Villanova 02/04/23
14. 18,495 Marquette 02/17/18
15. 18,494 Illinois State 02/09/13
16. 18,475 Nebraska 11/22/24
17. 18,458 Evansville 12/29/12
18. 18,436 Bradley 01/28/12
19. 18,430 SetonHall 01/25/25
20. 18,323 DePaul 02/07/14
CHI Health Center Omaha Success
Creighton has played 365 regular and postseason contests at CHI Health Center Omaha all-time in the now 22-year-old facility.
The Bluejays own a 302-63 (.827) record all-time at the facility.
Creighton’s Nov. 25, 2017 win over SIU Edwardsville was the program’s 200th at the facility, coming in its 242nd home game. CU’s 100th win came on Nov. 17, 2010, a 63-58 win over Louisiana.
Creighton has outscored its opponents 28,682-23,940 in games at CHI Health Center Omaha, an average margin of 12.99 points per game. Creighton has not trailed 93 different times, including twice this year (Kansas City, #1 Kansas).
Incredibly, Creighton hasn’t trailed in its home opener in 10 of the past 24 seasons (2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2016-17 and 2019-20).
Creighton is also 33-37 all-time in the 70 games at the arena in which it’s fallen behind by double-figures at any point, 8-12 when down by 10+ points at halftime in the facility, and 42-30 when trailing at halftime at CHI Health Center Omaha.
Creighton is 205-45 (.820) at CHI Health Center Omaha under Greg McDermott and hasn’t trailed in 66 of those games. In that same span, CU owns a 106-10 home record (.914) vs. non-conference teams.
Factor in a 17-0 home mark at the Omaha Civic Auditorium in 2002-03 and two wins at the Civic in the 2010 CIT, and the Bluejays are 320-63 (.836) at home since the start of the 2002-03 campaign.
Home Run
Under Greg McDermott Creighton is averaging 80.75 points per home game (20,188 points in 250 home games), a figure that climbs to 84.23 points in non-conference home games (9,855 points in 117 home games).
Creighton is 152-7 all-time at CHI Health Center Omaha when scoring 80 or points.
Nine Is Divine
Greg McDermott has guided his team to the NCAA Tournament nine times at Creighton. That put him in the company of some of the greatest coaches in CU Athletics history, and most among basketball coaches.
McDermott is one of three head coaches in Creighton history to lead eight or more NCAA Tournament teams.
Creighton finished the 2023-24 season ranked 11th overall by KenPom.com. That included the nation’s No. 9 offense, and No. 24 defense.
Creighton has finished with a top-25 offense per KenPom eight times and a top-25 defense three times in 14 completed seasons under Greg McDermott.
Year Off. Rating Def. Rating Overall Rank
2010-11 66 174 98
2011-12 5 166 28
2012-13 5 66 15
2013-14 2 124 17
2014-15 59 138 79
2015-16 43 76 40
2016-17 32 46 28
2017-18 25 58 30
2018-19 47 83 55
2019-20 3 78 12
2020-21 25 32 22
2021-22 112 19 50
2022-23 23 14 12
2023-24 9 24 11
2024-25 49 25 32
New Court Debuts
Creighton is playing home games on a new basketball court designed to tell the story of Creighton University and the program’s proud history.
The court was designed by GLGR out of Beaverton, Ore., and produced by Ledford Sports Floors out of Jenks, Okla.
The court includes multiple intricate features that merit up-close inspection to gain a full appreciation for the attention to detail in the new Creighton-centric design.
• Six numbers will appear on the west sideline, three in front of each bench, to recognize the retired jersey numbers for No. 3 (Doug McDermott), No. 25 (Kyle Korver), No. 30 (Bob Harstad), No. 33 (Bob Portman), No. 35 (Paul Silas) and No. 45 (Bob Gibson).
• Within the eye of the Bluejay logo at midcourt will be the number 1916, a nod to Creighton’s first recognized year of intercollegiate basketball.
• Just inside the three-point line on the South end will be text of seven core Jesuit values, such as “Women and Men For and With Others”. It is believed that Creighton is the nation’s first Division I team with its school motto included inside its basketball court.
• Also inside the three-point line on the North side of the court are Heritage logos to honor Creighton’s history.
• The new color scheme also features an updated courtside gradient, in addition to a feather pattern inside the three-point line, a nod to Creighton’s Bluejay nickname.
McDermott’s Coaching Tree
Greg McDermott‘s coaching tree owns 10 men who are currently a head coach at the Division I level. Seven of the 10 won 20+ games last season. Here’s a list:
Darian DeVries – West Virginia
Eric Henderson – South Dakota State
Alan Huss – High Point
Ben Jacobson – Northern Iowa
Steve Lutz – Oklahoma State
TJ Otzelberger – Iowa State
David Richman – North Dakota State
Daniyal Robinson – Cleveland State
Paul Sather – North Dakota
Patrick Sellers – Central Connecticut State
Ticket Information
Single-game tickets for the 2024-25 season went on sale on October 16th.
Fans can purchase single-game tickets at CHI Health Center Omaha Box Office, Ryan Athletic Center, by calling Ticketmaster or visiting Ticketmaster.com, and charging by phone at (800) 745-3000.
For more information, call the Creighton Ticket Office at (402) 280-JAYS.
The Men’s Basketball team is gearing up for their final game of January as they face off against Xavier in a highly anticipated home game. With a month full of intense matchups and fierce competition, the team is looking to close out January on a high note.
The players have been putting in the work on the court, honing their skills and perfecting their game strategy in order to come out victorious against Xavier. The team’s chemistry and strong communication have been key factors in their success so far this season, and they are ready to showcase their talent once again in front of their home crowd.
Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they battle it out on the court. The energy and enthusiasm from the crowd can make a huge difference in the outcome of the game, so let’s show our support for the Men’s Basketball team as they look to secure a win against Xavier.
Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an exciting and action-packed game. Let’s cheer on our team as they close out January with a strong performance on their home court. Go team!
A 1-3 record for NBA player props across Tuesday’s slate isn’t exactly what I envisioned, with two of the failed bets coming in blowouts, but we move forward and hopefully find redemption (and profit) in the busy eight-game schedule on Wednesday night.
Here are three expert player prop picks for your consideration, including one which projects Daniel Gafford’s hot streak to be halted against the Minnesota Timberwolves with an UNDER combo prop (-111) on January 22, 2025.
Daniel Gafford UNDER 21.5 Points + Rebounds vs. Timberwolves (-111)
It would be easy for fall head over heels for Gafford after witnessing two of his last three performances in which he connected on 24 of his 28 total shots from the field, albeit in losses to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets. Those numbers would put anyone on notice, but they did come against two of the weaker defenses in basketball, and the moment he saw a competent defensive attack from an opposing side in between, his numbers (eight points, six rebounds, and five turnovers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 27) were more than kept in check.
That should be the case versus Minnesota when it visits the American Airlines Center. The Timberwolves rank fifth in rebounds allowed to centers (14.02) and 12th in points (21.04), and having to bang down low against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle will surely take its toll on one of the few bigs Dallas has available.
Dereck Lively II was originally listed as questionable after being absent the past three games with an ankle sprain, which would have cut into Gafford’s minutes, but he’s since been ruled out for at least two months with a fracture in his foot.
Nick Smith Jr. OVER 10.5 Points vs. Grizzlies (-113)
It’s a limited window of just two games since Nick Smith Jr. was inserted into the starting lineup, but so far so good for the 20-year-old sophomore guard. He’s averaging 17 points on 52 percent shooting from the field while connecting on four 3-pointers per game at a 53.3-percent clip during this run, ranking third on the Charlotte Hornets in scoring and fourth in shot attempts.
Smith Jr. will need 11 points to reach an OVER on Wednesday, and considering he’s dropped at least 15 in each of his two starts, this wager feels like a slam dunk. He’s still well down the pecking order behind LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and even Mark Williams when it comes to importance, but Smith Jr’s emergence as a credible option and outside presence gives the Hornets another weapon to bolster what’s the third-worst offense in basketball.
Malik Monk OVER 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists vs. Warriors (-104)
As the Sacramento Kings continue to flourish in the win-loss column, so does Malik Monk with his box scores, especially in the PRA (points + rebounds + assists) market. The jack of all trades has been superb during this stretch of nine victories in 10 games, averaging 22.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and a team-high 7.3 assists.
This includes seven OVERs on a 28.5 PRA throughout those 10 appearances, including a six-game OVER streak which was just broken on Jan. 19 versus the Washington Wizards, although Monk came awfully close to making it seven in a row by coming up just short with a still impressive 23 points, four dimes, and a board across 30 minutes.
The depleted Golden State Warriors are allowing 125.1 points per 100 possessions over the last three games, ranking 28th overall. In a 30-point win over the Warriors back on Jan. 5, Monk had a career-high 12 assists to go along with his 26 points, so we just witnessed him thrive in this particular matchup not that long ago.
Are you ready for some NBA player props action today? Here are some top player props for January 22, 2025:
1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – Over/Under 25.5 points
2. Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) – Over/Under 7.5 rebounds
3. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – Over/Under 8.5 assists
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – Over/Under 2.5 steals
5. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) – Over/Under 30.5 points
Which player prop are you most excited to bet on today? Let us know in the comments below! #NBAPlayerProps #SportsBetting
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NBA player props, NBA player props today, NBA player props January 22 2025, NBA player prop bets, NBA player prop picks, NBA player prop predictions, NBA player prop analysis, NBA player prop odds, NBA player prop betting tips.
It’s Wednesday, January 29, and the Denver Nuggets (28-18) and the New York Knicks (31-16) are all set to square off from Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Nuggets take the court having lost two straight. Denver lost in Chicago Monday night despite the predictable brilliance of Nikola Jokic (33-12-14). The Knicks have won four in a row. They have scored 143 points in each of their last two games. Monday, they waxed the Grizzlies 143-106.
The Nuggets are currently 14-10 on the road with a point differential of +4, while the Knicks have a 6-4 record in their last ten games at home.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch Nuggets vs. Knicks live today
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 7:30PM EST
Site: Madison Square Garden
City: New York, NY
Network/Streaming: ESPN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game. Game odds for Nuggets vs. Knicks The latest odds as of Wednesday:
Odds: Nuggets (+127), Knicks (-152)
Spread: Knicks -3
Over/Under: 240 points
That gives the Nuggets an implied team point total of 119.34, and the Knicks 120.9.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Wednesday’s Nuggets vs. Knicks game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Nuggets & Knicks game:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New York Knicks on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Denver Nuggets at +3.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the UNDER on the Game Total of 240.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Nuggets vs. Knicks on Wednesday
The Knicks have won 3 straight home games
The OVER is 7-3 in the Nuggets’ last 10 games
The Nuggets are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games
The Knicks are 4-1 in their last 5 games
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: – Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) – Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) – Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) – Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
The Denver Nuggets will take on the New York Knicks on January 29th in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. Here is a prediction for the game, along with odds, game details, best bets, and recent trends to keep in mind:
Odds:
– The Nuggets are currently favored to win this game, with odds of -150.
– The Knicks are the underdogs, with odds of +130.
Game Details:
– Date: January 29th
– Time: 7:30 PM ET
– Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Best Bets:
– The Nuggets have been playing well recently and are favored to win, so betting on them to cover the spread may be a good option.
– The over/under for this game is set at 217 points, so betting on the over may also be a good choice, as both teams have strong offenses.
Recent Trends:
– The Nuggets have won 6 out of their last 10 games, while the Knicks have only won 3 out of their last 10.
– The Nuggets are averaging 113.2 points per game, while the Knicks are averaging 104.8 points per game.
– The Nuggets have a better record on the road than the Knicks do at home, so they may have the advantage in this matchup.
Overall, the Nuggets are the favorites to win this game, but the Knicks could still put up a fight. It should be an exciting matchup to watch on January 29th.
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Nuggets vs. Knicks prediction, NBA odds, game details, best bets, recent trends, January 29, basketball matchup, sports betting, expert analysis, player stats, team performance, betting tips, game preview
Birthday wishes go out to Ariel Winter, Alana Alda and all the other celebrities with birthdays today. Check out our slideshow below to see photos of famous people turning a year older on January 28th and learn an interesting fact about each of them.
Top celebrity birthdays on January 28, 2025
Tony Danza and Alan Alda attend the AARP 19th Annual Movies For Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Saturday, Jan 11, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP)Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP
Actor Alan Alda turns 89
Fun fact: Portrayed Jack’s father in several episodes of “30 Rock”
Patricia Velasquez, from left, Sarah McLachlan, Sting, Trudie Styler and Micah McLaurin attend Wayuu Taya’s 20th Anniversary Gala on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Joey Fatone, center, wife Kelly Baldwin, left, and daughter Briahna Joely Fatone attend the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” at the David H. Koch Theater on Monday, July 22, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Singer Joey Fatone turns 48
Fun fact: Once worked at Universal Studios in Florida
Singers Kevin Richardson, from left, AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys participate in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)Andy Kropa/Invision/AP
Singer Nick Carter turns 45
Fun fact: Has appeared on multiple TV shows including “American Dreams” and “8 Simple Rules”
Elijah Wood arrives at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Actor Elijah Wood turns 43
Fun fact: Set to return in the upcoming season of “Yellowjackets”
J. Cole performs on day three of the Lollapalooza Music Festival on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Grant Park in Chicago. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)Amy Harris/Invision/AP
Rapper J. Cole turns 40
Fun fact: Born on a military base in Germany
Will Poulter poses for photographers at the Thom Browne Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2024-2025 collection presented Monday, June 24, 2024 in Paris. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP
Actor Will Poulter turns 32
Fun fact: Once appeared as a clue giver on “Jeopardy!”
Actress Ariel Winter bats during the Big Slick celebrity softball game before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres Friday, May 31, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)AP
Actress Ariel Winter turns 27
Fun fact: Portrayed the younger version of Michelle Monaghan character in the film “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”
More celebrities with birthdays today
Actor Susan Howard (“Dallas”) is 83. Actor Marthe Keller (“Marathon Man”) is 80. Actor Barbi Benton is 75. Director Frank Darabont (“The Green Mile,” “The Shawshank Redemption”) is 66. Guitarist Dave Sharp of The Alarm is 66. Singer Sam Phillips is 62. Guitarist Dan Spitz (Anthrax) is 62. Bassist Greg Cook of Ricochet is 60. Gospel singer Marvin Sapp is 58. Musician DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill is 57. Rapper Rakim is 57. Actor Kathryn Morris (“Cold Case”) is 56. Humorist Mo Rocca is 56. Keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna of Fitz and the Tantrums is 55. Singer Anthony Hamilton is 54. Singer Monifah is 53. Actor Gillian Vigman (“The Hangover” films) is 53. Keyboardist Brandon Bush (Train) is 52. Actor Terri Conn (“One Life To Live”) is 50. Rapper Rick Ross is 48. Actor Angelique Cabral (“Life in Pieces”) is 46. Actor Vinny Chhibber (“The Red Line”) is 45. Actor Elijah Wood (“The Lord of the Rings”) is 44. Rapper J. Cole is 40. Actor Alexandra Krosney (“Last Man Standing”) is 37. Actor Yuri Sardarov (“Chicago Fire”) is 37.
Other popular or historical birthdays on January 28th
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Here is the list of famous birthdays for today, January 28, 2025:
Ariel Winter – Actress known for her role as Alex Dunphy on the hit TV show Modern Family.
Alan Alda – Actor best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on the TV series MAS*H.
Happy birthday to these talented celebrities! #FamousBirthdays #January28
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Famous birthdays, January 28, 2025, Ariel Winter, Alan Alda, celebrity birthdays, today’s famous birthdays, January 28 birthdays, celebrity news, Hollywood birthdays, famous people born on January 28
