Creighton basketball showcased everything they had in a big win over Seton Hall.
Creighton basketball was able to quiet one of the hottest teams in the country, dismantling Seton Hall, 89 to 53. Damien Jefferson led the Bluejays with 19 points, but it was really a team effort on both sides of the ball. Creighton hit 13 three-pointers and backed it up on defense, with 11 steals.
1) When Creighton basketball is defending, it’s hard for anyone in the country to beat them
We all know that the Bluejays can shoot the basketball as well as anyone in the country. But when they defend as they did against the Pirates, they make the case of the best all-around team in the country.
The Bluejays forced nine steals and blocked one shot for good measure, but it was more than just the flashy stuff. Creighton’s ability to make close-outs, switch on defense, and not allow second chance opportunities could not be matched, forcing the Pirates into tough shots nearly every time down the court.
Seton Hall made just 33 percent of shots from the field, and it was even worse from three, as the Pirates only made 3-of-18 from behind the arc. The poor shooting even affected free throws. A 79% free throw shooting team going into the game, the Hall went just 16-of-27 in the game.
Creighton’s ability to defend that well while running four guards at once is something not to go unnoticed.
2) Smart plays over effort for Seton Hall basketball
At times it was evident that Seton Hall was forcing things trying to get back into the game.
Creighton basketball took early control of the game, and it seemed as if the Pirates were playing against the tempo instead of settling into their style of basketball. Extra passes and over-aggressive play turned into turnovers, allowing the Bluejays to totally take control of the game.
Senior point guard Shavar Reynolds had five turnovers, which may have been a downward spiral for the rest of the team. The 17 turnovers in all were not like a Kevin Willard coached team, especially with many coming from veterans.
For the Pirates, this will be a game to remember. Seton Hall will play DePaul next, but you can bet they will circle the January 27th date against Creighton on the calendar.
3) The Big East runs through Villanova and Creighton at the moment
At the beginning of the season, many believed that Villanova and Creighton were a head above the rest of the teams in the Big East.
But then Villanova lost a buy game to Virginia Tech, and Creighton lost a few on route to a 4-2 start. Since then, neither team has lost and both have played up to their potential.
For Creighton basketball, it’s how well they are able to play with each other. Few teams have such veteran players that have been there for that amount of time and are that skilled too. Against Seton Hall, it was on full display. The Bluejays are smart, athletic, move and shoot the ball well, and can defend. They’ve developed young role players as well, and oftentimes they play like vets.
UConn, Seton Hall, and Providence are still teams to keep an eye on come March Madness. But as far as the Big East is concerned right now, no other team has come close to Wildcats and the Bluejays.
[…] Pirates had won three straight before Creighton basketball absolutely torched them, 89 to 53. The following game, Seton Hall still looked rusty, only beating DePaul by eight. But after a […]