In the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, ninth-seeded Creighton triumphed over No. 8 seed Louisville with a final score of 89-75. Jamiya Neal stood out with a career-best performance, scoring 29 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Steven Ashworth contributed 22 points, including shots from deep beyond the arc. Coach Greg McDermott’s Bluejays secured their fifth consecutive March Madness victory and defeated a top-10 ranked team for the second time this season. Despite Louisville entering the tournament as a No. 8 seed, they were ranked 10th in the AP Top 25.
McDermott emphasized the importance of winning the battle at the 3-point line, which his team successfully executed by forcing Louisville to take more 2-point shots and challenging their 3-point attempts. Looking ahead, Creighton will face No. 1 seed Auburn in the second round of the South Region.
Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn and Terrence Edwards Jr. put up a strong fight with 22 and 21 points, respectively, but Creighton’s experience in postseason play proved decisive. The Bluejays overcame a slow start, with Ashworth and Jackson McAndrew heating up from beyond the arc and leading a crucial 12-0 run. Creighton’s sharp shooting from deep and efficient overall field goal percentage propelled them to a comfortable lead, which they maintained throughout the game.
Neal, a transfer from Arizona State, showcased his scoring ability in the second half, surpassing his previous career high. The Bluejays’ solid free-throw shooting and defensive efforts limited Louisville’s scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately, Louisville suffered a setback when Reyne Smith re-injured his ankle during the game, adding to the challenges faced by the team. Despite the loss, first-year coach Pat Kelsey commended Creighton for their strong performance.
