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Creighton Takes Aim at Another Top-10 Upset Against No. 7 Alabama
Riding the momentum of a stunning victory over then-No. 1 Kansas, Creighton seeks another marquee win when it visits No. 7 Alabama on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.
The Bluejays (7-3) are on a three-game winning streak, with their recent success revitalizing a season that looked shaky after three straight losses to Nebraska, San Diego State, and then-No. 20 Texas A&M. Creighton’s 79-76 win over Kansas on Dec. 3 showcased its potential to compete with elite teams.
Creighton Adjusting Without Pop Isaacs
Pop Isaacs was instrumental in Creighton’s upset over Kansas, scoring a season-high 27 points. However, Isaacs’ season ended abruptly due to a recurring hip injury requiring surgery, leaving the Bluejays to recalibrate.
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In the subsequent 83-65 victory over UNLV, Creighton proved it could adapt. Five players scored in double figures, with Jamiya Neal nearly notching a triple-double (19 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists).
“We’ve faced challenges all year with guys needing to step up,” Neal said. “We’re locked in mentally to do what’s needed.”
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton’s 7-foot-1 center, leads the team in scoring (17.3 points), rebounds (8.4), and blocked shots (23). Steven Ashworth, a sharpshooter with 30 made 3-pointers, adds 15.9 points per game, while Neal is contributing 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Alabama’s High-Octane Offense
Alabama (7-2) returns to action after an impressive 94-79 road victory over then-No. 20 North Carolina on Dec. 4, a rematch of last season’s Sweet 16 clash. Mark Sears paced the Crimson Tide with 20 points and seven assists, while freshmen Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon chipped in 15 points each.
The win came at a cost, as Alabama is adjusting to the loss of Latrell Wrightsell Jr., who ruptured his Achilles and is out for the season. Wrightsell was a key perimeter threat, shooting 42.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Holloway stepped up against North Carolina, draining five 3-pointers in the absence of Wrightsell. “We’ve seen him shoot it like this in practice for a long time,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said. “We need him to step up and make threes.”
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Alabama also activated Houston Mallette, a Pepperdine transfer initially slated to redshirt. Mallette made an immediate impact, scoring six points and hitting both of his 3-point attempts in nine minutes of action.
The Crimson Tide’s up-tempo offense, averaging 88.2 points per game, is led by Sears (16.7 ppg, 4.9 apg). Holloway (13.2 ppg) and Philon (12.9 ppg) complement the attack.
The Matchup
Creighton will lean on its balanced scoring and Kalkbrenner’s presence in the paint to challenge Alabama. Kalkbrenner had 19 points in last year’s 85-82 win over Alabama, while Sears matched that output for the Crimson Tide.
This season, Alabama’s firepower and depth could pose problems for Creighton, especially with Isaacs sidelined. The Bluejays will need strong contributions from Neal, Ashworth, and Kalkbrenner to counter Alabama’s scoring versatility.
Prediction
Creighton has proven it can rise to the occasion, but Alabama’s high-octane offense and home-court advantage may be too much to overcome. Expect a competitive game, but the Crimson Tide’s depth and shooting should propel them to victory.
