Creighton is back in the AP Top 25 after that big victory over Villanova. Jon Nyatawa looks at where the Jays land nationally in that poll, as well as some other computer metrics and bracketology: bit.ly/31mLnMp
The Jays’ recent surge has caught the attention of AP Top 25 voters.
The Jays’ recent surge has caught the attention of AP Top 25 voters.
Jays rejoin the AP Top 25 this week after their stunning upset of Villanova in Philly. Creighton has now reeled off 4 straight wins after their loss at Georgetown on 15Jan20.
Creighton’s upset win over No. 8 Villanova highlights a wild Saturday in Big East basketball, where three ranked teams lost at home to unranked opponents. bit.ly/2GNkvM4
The Big East is different this year, and Saturday proved it.
The Big East is different this year, and Saturday proved it.
Jays played their best defense of the season according to many, including Jon Nyatawa and Coach Mac. The Jays “Big 3” have been consistent all year and both Denzel and Damien Jefferson have come on strong. The team is getting better by the week.
Courtesy – CBS Sports/WOWT
Jays sitting at 17-5 / 6-3 BE (3rd). AP 21st / Coaches 22nd. CU is also NET 14th/RPI 14th. If ever there was a time to get on a roll…it’s Now! The final stretch run…last 9 Reg Season games, with 5 at home – including the last 2 games. Cranking out an end-of-season Creighton Run would finish the regular season correctly.
WBR/Juszyk photo
Creighton photo
Creighton photo
Icing on the cake – Jays workout at the Mecca of Basketball!
Jays completed the non-conference portion of the seasons’ slate with an expected win over Midland Lutheran yesterday. Midland was an late addition to the scchedule. Most likely to avoid having a 10 day gap between games heading into Big East play. I had expected 3 losses, but the Jays closed out both Oklahoma (home) and Arizona State (road) to exceed my expectations.
The 11-2 Jays open conference play with a home date with Marquette (10-2) on Wednesday, 01Jan20.
So with the Big East opener on deck, what’s the latest?
WBR/Juszyk photo
Courtesy: Creighton Athletics
Denzel Mahoney is finally playing. Averaging 12.7 ppg over his 1st 3 games. He had 14 pts vs both Oklahoma and ASU. Denzel is one of 2 welcome potential additions – includes Davion Mintz. However…it also appears that Kelvin Jones while playing, is also being brought into PT slowly. He should be ready for the Marquette game.
Coach Mac informed all that Davion will be redshirting this season, as his recovery from his ankle injury is not progressing as was expected. Unfortunate for Davion, but will be a boon for the team’s depth next season.
The Preseason BE Coaches and other polls had Seton Hall and Villanova as the teams to beat this season. However, it seems that both Butler (12-1) and DePaul (12-1) had other ideas. Both have only 1 non-conference loss entering league play.
Courtesy: Seton Hall University
DePaul will tangle with preseason favorite Seton Hall (8-4) and PoY pick Miles Powell on 30 Dec19-in Chicago. Powell is recovering from a concussion and it is not yet known if he will play in the opener. DePaul follows up with another home date vs Providence (7-6) on Sat 04Jan20.
Butler gets a matchup @St Johns (11-2) on New Year’s Eve, followed by Jays @Butler on Saturday, 04Jan20.
I am looking forward to a fast start by the Jays to conference play and as they have 2 of their 1st 4 games at home (game 1 Marq and game 3 Nova). Game 4 is at Xavier. I expect CU to upset Butler and Nova and begin the Year 4-0 heading into the Gtwn game in DC on 15Jan20.
Such a fast start will push them out front and have the bulk of the league playing catch up. Jays perform better out front. An added bonus will be the fast start and Ws over Butler and Villanova will usher the Jays into the national top 25 polls.
Happy New Year and a lightning start to conference play for Creighton; and for you. All the best to both in 2020!
@LouisvilleMBB moves into the Top 5, while @TerrapinHoops jumps into the Top 10.
Bluenotes 