In a thrilling matchup on Friday night, Butler men's basketball team pulled off an impressive upset, defeating No. 13 Creighton with a final score of 99-98. The Bulldogs showcased exceptional shooting prowess, with Jahmyl Telfort leading the way with 26 points and DJ Davis contributing 22. This victory marks Butler's second win over a ranked opponent this season, solidifying their position as a formidable team in contention for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Butler entered the game on a four-game winning streak, and their performance against Creighton demonstrated their determination to continue their winning ways. They were particularly efficient in the second half, shooting an impressive 62.5% from the field. Their success was highlighted by their three-point shooting, as they went 13 of 22 beyond the arc against Creighton's top-ranked three-point defense in the conference.
Coach Thad Matta praised the collective effort of his players, emphasizing the contributions of each individual to secure the victory. The game's outcome can be attributed to the relentless efforts of the entire team, as they kept their composure and capitalized on crucial opportunities throughout the game.
Despite strong performances from Creighton's Baylor Scheierman and Steven Ashworth, who both scored 26 points, as well as contributions from Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner with 22 and 20 points respectively, the Bluejays couldn't overcome the Bulldogs' impressive display.
The Bulldogs seized control of the game midway through the second half, maintaining their lead until the final buzzer. Although Creighton fought hard to narrow the gap, they were unable to surpass Butler's lead. The game was filled with electrifying moments, with both teams showcasing their shot-making abilities and delivering incredible long-range shots and contested shots.
Butler's depth also played a crucial role in their victory. Finley Bizjack, who had struggled with his three-point shooting all season, made all three of his attempts from beyond the arc, providing a spark off the bench. Additionally, Boden Kapke, who had seen limited playing time before this game, made two important three-pointers and hit crucial free throws down the stretch.
In the final seconds, the game reached its pinnacle of suspense. After Kalkbrenner made two free throws to bring Creighton within one point, they had two chances to take the lead. However, a turnover on an inbound pass and a subsequent foul on a Butler player ultimately sealed their fate. Despite some late free throws from Creighton's Alexander, whose effort resulted in a two-point deficit, the Bulldogs managed to secure the win.
Both coaches acknowledged the exceptional display of basketball and praised Butler for their outstanding performance. Greg McDermott, the head coach of Creighton, gave credit to Butler for their impressive offensive output, noting how rare it is for a team to score 99 points on their home court.
For Butler, this victory adds another significant win to their season and strengthens their chances of securing a spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. With just over a month remaining in the regular season, the Bulldogs will look to build on their recent success as they face off against No. 1 ranked Connecticut in their next game.
Creighton, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back from this loss as they take on Providence in their upcoming matchup. Both teams will continue to push for postseason success as the college basketball season progresses, each aiming to make their mark in a highly competitive landscape.
Overall, the Butler Bulldogs showcased their resiliency and shooting prowess in a thrilling victory over No. 13 Creighton. With their NCAA Tournament aspirations firmly in sight, they have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big East conference and beyond.
