Creighton takes down Providence at The Dunk

The Creighton Bluejays got off to a good start in Big East play, as they traveled to Providence and picked up a 79-68 win over Ed Cooley’s Friars.

After a back and forth first half that saw neither side lead by more than six points, the Bluejays heated up in the second half, making nine of their 15 attempted three pointers after making just four of 14 long-range attempts in the first half. As we’ve seen so many times since their move to the Big East, once Creighton gets going from deep, they’re nearly impossible to stop.

It was a team effort for Creighton, too, making things even more challenging. Four Bluejays had at least two threes in the game, with Mitch Ballock’s five leading the way.

The story for Providence was similar to what it usually has been in their losses this season. Alpha Diallo was excellent (18 points, 10 rebounds, both team highs), but the Friars struggled to get much help from anyone else, as the only other two players in double figures were Malik White and David Duke who combined for 24 points on 23 shots. Providence’s offense desperately needs AJ Reeves to return from injury.

Another big story of this game, as has been the case in all three Big East games so far this season, were the referees. They were very whistle happy, calling 35 fouls in this game and an overabundance of charges. It’s really something that needs to be addressed going forward.

Ty-Shon Alexander led Creighton in scoring as his strong season continues. He had a team-high 18 points. Martin Krampelj continued his stretch of strong play, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.

The Bluejays improve to 10-4 and head to Hinkle Fieldhouse to face Butler on Saturday, while Providence falls to 10-4 and host Villanova on Saturday.