A Thrilling Exhibition: Creighton Tops Purdue in High-Scoring Charity Game
Creighton University’s men’s basketball team showcased their talents in a thrilling exhibition match against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday night at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The game was not just about a scoreboard; it was a charitable event that raised a commendable $150,000 for the United Way of the Midlands Disaster Relief Fund. Notably, this contest saw the 15th-ranked Bluejays triumph over the 14th-ranked Boilermakers with a gripping final score of 93-87.
The Star of the Night: Pop Isaacs
Leading the charge for Creighton was sophomore guard Pop Isaacs, who delivered an impressive performance, scoring 24 points while also dishing out six assists. Isaacs’s dynamic play was pivotal, especially during crucial moments when the team needed stability and momentum. His ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities was a testament to his growth as a player.
Contributing to the Bluejays’ success was Steven Ashworth, who added 16 points and led the team with eight assists, showcasing his playmaking skills. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner also made a significant impact, scoring 18 points on a stellar 6-of-7 shooting performance and dominating the boards with six rebounds.
Early Momentum and Strategic Play
The game opened with an early lead for Purdue, who struck first with four points. However, Creighton quickly countered with an 8-0 run, highlighting their ability to respond effectively under pressure. Isaacs was instrumental during this stretch, scoring five of those eight points. A turning point in the first half came when Isaac Traudt nailed a three-pointer, granting Creighton their first double-digit lead of the night at 25-15.
As the first half progressed, Creighton extended its advantage to 29-17, aided by a dunk from Fredrick King. Though Purdue narrowed the gap to 45-43 by the end of the half, a timely three-pointer from Ashworth allowed the Bluejays to take a five-point lead into halftime.
Back-and-Forth Action in the Second Half
The second half kicked off with a fierce back-and-forth battle. Purdue initially recaptured the lead, scoring eight of the first ten points. Yet, Creighton’s response was swift. Kalkbrenner hit a three-pointer to regain the lead, a momentum shift that would prove crucial as the game unfolded.
Isaacs’s floater and a timely three by freshman Jackson McAndrew extended Creighton’s lead to 68-60, forcing Purdue to call a timeout. Despite Purdue’s efforts to claw back into the game, the Bluejays maintained control, capitalizing on their bench’s contributions. Creighton’s depth was particularly impressive as the bench unit scored 31 points on 13-of-22 shooting, highlighting the overall team effort.
The Final Minutes: Drama and Defense
As the game entered the final moments, the tension escalated. Despite Purdue’s attempts to close the gap—at one point reducing leads to as little as five points—the Bluejays’ resilient defense and strategic plays held firm. A free throw by Jasen Green solidified CU’s 93-87 victory seconds before the final buzzer, capping off an exhilarating night of basketball.
Noteworthy Performances from Purdue
While Creighton celebrated a commendable victory, the Purdue Boilermakers showcased their strengths through standout performances as well. Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith led all scorers with 31 points and added seven rebounds and four assists. His versatility and shooting ability kept Purdue in contention throughout the contest. Additionally, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer contributed significantly with 22 and 17 points, respectively, showcasing the depth of talent on Purdue’s roster.
Looking Ahead
As the Bluejays prepare for the regular season, starting with their game against UTRGV on November 6, they will look to build on this spirited performance. Coach Greg McDermott, who has maintained an impressive record of 32-0 in fall exhibition games, sees the potential for growth in his dynamic squad. The foundation laid in the charity exhibition not only prepares the team for the upcoming challenges but also emphasizes their commitment to community involvement.
This high-scoring affair served as a reminder of the excitement college basketball can bring while highlighting the significance of giving back to the community. For both teams and their supporters, the game reinforced the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that transcends competition.
