Champions
2008 Las Vegas Classic

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Jays fans everywhere. The Creighton Bluejays traveled to Sin City to play in the exempt Las Vegas Classic, at the Orleans Arena this week. Behind a steady and balanced team effort, the Bluejays defeated two opponents on consecutive days to win the tourney championship. On Monday the Jays defeated a scrappy Fresno State squad 84-65 in the semi-finals. They followed that performance by holding off a determined and talented DePaul team 83-75 on Tuesday, and in doing so claimed the LVC Tournament Championship. Creighton’s senior shooting guard Booker Woodfox was named the Las Vegas Classic MVP. Creighton has won a total of 9 inseason tournaments during the Altman tenure.

DePaul made a game of it by hitting nearly 50% of their shots, aided by a tremendous offensive rebounding advantage, 16 to 7 over CU. They won the overall rebounding battles 42-28 over the Jays, with Mac Koshwal snagging 22 rebounds. CU’s defense consistently forced the Blue Demons into turning over the ball (18) and outscored DePaul 27-8 in points off TOs, which tended to balance things out. However, the winning margin of difference proved to be at the free throw line. The Jays were money, hitting 18 of 19 FTs (94.7%), including 6 FTs in the last half minute to seal the win, while the Blue Demons shot 13 of 24 (54.2%) from the line. Dar Tucker led all scorers with 32 points, while Booker Woodfox led the Jays with 26 points.

Las Vegas Classic MVP – Booker Woodfox

Overall a very good showing out West by the Bluejays enroute to the classics’ championship. Way to play Jays!

Creighton begins MVC play with a home date against the Wichita State Shockers this Sunday, 28 Dec 2008.