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Creighton's torrid start suggests the Big East won't be just a two-team race
It’s time to rethink the notion that the Big East’s top tier consists solely of Villanova and Xavier.
Creighton has established itself as a legitimate threat to the Wildcats and Musketeers by exceeding expectations to start the season.
A comeback victory over Ole Miss in Monday night’s Paradise Jam title game served as Creighton’s fourth victory over a power-conference opponent in the previous seven days. The Bluejays have also beaten preseason top 15 Wisconsin, Pac-12 bottom feeder Washington State and a North Carolina State team expected to finish in the upper half of the ACC and contend for an NCAA bid.
Creighton’s 5-0 start puts the Bluejays squarely on track to reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since Doug McDermott graduated in 2014. They could even take an undefeated record into Big East play if they can win at Nebraska and Arizona State and avoid any home losses to minnows from smaller conferences.
The key to Creighton’s jump from NIT team to No. 12 in the latest AP poll has been a lethal offense fueled by outstanding perimeter play and perhaps unsustainable outside shooting. The Bluejays are hitting an unfathomable 51.2 percent of their 3-pointers as a team, a product of excellent ball movement, an emphasis on perimeter shooting in recruiting and perhaps some good fortune.
Starting point guard Maurice Watson has averaged 12.6 points and 9.2 assists while flashing a vastly improved outside shot. Kansas State transfer Marcus Foster has reverted back to his freshman year form when he was among the top perimeter scorers in the Big 12. Fellow guard Khyri Thomas has been the biggest pleasant surprise, more than doubling his scoring average from last season and showing an ability to score off the bounce or via catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Creighton’s biggest weakness remains surrendering too many second-chance points and struggling to defend the rim. Skilled 7-footer Justin Patton has the potential to develop into an imposing shot blocker with time, but so far he may be further along running the floor and scoring around the rim.
The way Creighton finished the second half against Ole Miss on Monday night was especially encouraging. After surrendering 12 first-half offensive rebounds and 17 second-chance points, the Bluejays held the Rebels to just three points in the game’s final five minutes — all on free throws.
If Creighton continues to toughen up in the paint, the Bluejays should be able to continue to thrive even after their shooting inevitably regresses back to the mean.
They’re a deep, skilled team with the potential to not only return to the NCAA tournament but also keep Villanova and Xavier from getting too comfortable.
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Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at daggerblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
