Creighton had rolled through the 1st two rounds of the Paradise Jam, here in St. Thomas, USVI.  Many were assuming that trend would continue.  The University of Mississippi Rebels had other ideas.

Coach Andy Kennedy and his team aggressively rebounded the defensive glass and played hard nosed defense in slowing the pace of the game.  They added to the issue with both Rasheed Brooks (16) and Deondre Burton (11) getting hot early.  The Rebels led in 2nd chance points by a margin of 17-4 and rebounds by 26-11.

Creighton was hitting treys, but was only 7of 23 from 2pt land.  Fortunately the Jays didn’t panic and Marcus kept the score managible by scoring 15 points in the half.  The Jays closed to 46-40 at the half.

The Jays played better defensively after the break, and a good spurt from 16:30 to 13:35 closed the gap back to five points.  A 2nd spurt from 12:40 to 8:40 and CU took the lead at 70-68.  Toby had three big 3pters in this stretch including the shot for the lead.  After 2 following ties, Khyri nailed the door on the Rebels with a traditional 3 pt play, a 3pter, and FTs to allow the Jays to pull away at the end.  Final score CU 86-77 over Mississippi.

Win the games you’re supposed to win, and steal a few you’re not supposed to win.  Creighton found the heart, resolve, and determination to weather a early bad shooting spell and an aggressive and encouraged opponent, to tough out the win. Games such as this – grinding while not playing our A-game, are character builders.  Every opponent this season will be giving the Jays their best shot – bidding for the upset.  Creighton passed this 1st test with an A…there will be other tests along the way.

Nice win Bluejays.  Keep grinding!

Marcus was PJ MVP.   Cole made the PJ All Tourney Team

CU tied the Paradise Jam single game assist record, both team (25) & individual (Mo-13).

Jays set Paradise Jam records for assists (64), field goal percentage (.569), three-point field goal percentage (.543), and points (301).

WBR’s Paradise Jam highlights:  http://whiteandbluereview.com/highlight-reel-creighton-beats-washington-state-nc-state-ole-miss-to-claim-paradise-jam-title/

LE: CTR Zach Hanson out…  http://www.omaha.com/creighton/mens-basketball/just-recovered-from-offseason-knee-surgery-jays-zach-hanson-out/article_87ca5a93-62a6-572a-b7f8-a291e3dfd8bf.html

The Dance begins in Paradise. 

Paradise Jam – 1st Round

“The dance begins in Paradise.”  This year’s theme at the Paradise Jam is apt for the teams here, as St. Joe’s, North Carolina State, Creighton, and perhaps one or two other participants are candidates for dancing.

An exciting 1st Round as unfortunately all the favorites won.  The three earlier games were competitive but the favorites pulled away late.   St. Joe’s is missing Demery with a stress fx,  plus one other is out .  Kimble is taking up the slack.   Loyola gave them a good test, but Porter’s guys faded late.

In the case of Oral Roberts v Mississippi, ORU gave up a late 5 point lead in the closing minutes and went to OT.  Ole Miss dominated to OT to win by 9.

Montana was outweighed, but not overmatched against NC ST.  Both teams were able to run their stuff and had small leads.  In the 2nd half  NC St began to inch ahead as Montana’s PG lost his cool over a foul call and began to play off the script.  Fortunately, His team continued to work the game plan, but a few turnovers & missed open looks, allowed NC St. to extend its’ lead.  Final margin was nine points.   Kapita didn’t get a travel visa in time, the big Turk is ineligible, and one other fwd is held out on concussion protocols.  State’s style of play is similar to Wisconsin’s.  Slower, work the clock, with a bit of playground hoops mixed in by Abu and the guards.  BJ Anya is heavy, a bit mobile, but he doesn’t move much…once away from the basket he is vulnerable.

St Joe’s 71-57 over Loyola-Chicago                                                                     Mississippi 95-88 OT over Oral Roberts                                                                          NC State 85-72 over Montana                                                                                           Jays 103-76 over Washington State

So on Sunday St. joe’s will meet Mississippi in the upper bracket of the tourney, while NC State will face the Jays in the bottom bracket.  Two uptempo teams in St. Joe’s and Creighton versus a couple of “use the clock” paced clubs.  Promises to be good entertainment.