Creighton’s 2OT win over Oregon highlights power of their resilience entering Sweet 16

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - In the early hours of Sunday morning, Creighton punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the third time in four years.

They got there, not by dominating, not by playing their best game, but in refusing to lose. The Jays snatched a double-overtime victory from Dana Altman and Oregon, 86-73, proving their fight is their most dangerous feature this March.

“There were times early in the year that people questioned these guys’ toughness, which is ludicrous to me,” Greg McDermott said. “This group, they’re tough, they’re hard-nosed & they believe in each other.”

“It was a great team win,” added Trey Alexander, after his 20-point night. “We had some big plays down the stretch from different guys and I think that’s what this team is all about is having every man step up in a different situation.”

First it was Baylor Scheierman. Down four and 30 seconds away from elimination, the senior sank two free throws and hit the game-tying jumper with 8 ticks left to force overtime.

“Baylor made two veteran, veteran plays at the end of regulation,” McDermott said. “Recognizing in transition down four, just get downhill, put your head down.”

“Kalkbrenner came and set a great screen and I was able to get to my spot and make a shot that I practice a lot and make at a high level,” said Scheierman, who finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists. “I’m thankful my coaches and teammates trusted me in that moment.”

Jermaine Couisnard played hero for the Ducks, canning a three to even the score at 71-71 and send it to double OT.

There, it was Creighton’s turn from deep. Steven Ashworth and Ryan Kalkbrenner combined for back-to-back triples, putting the Jays up six.

“I saw there was probably three seconds on the shot clock, so I let it fly and it was bottoms,” Ashworth said of the last of his five three-point makes.

“I knew it was good as soon as it left my hands,” Kalkbrenner said of his trey. “That was a big shot so I was pretty excited.”

Millard North alum Jasen Green delivered the dagger in the form of a thundering, put-back dunk.

“After the fact I was like, ‘I really just did that,’” Green said of his first career flush. “I kind of stumbled at the free throw line, I took a little tumble.”

With the victory all but guaranteed, Green checked out and was immediately embraced by his head coach.

“When he came out of the game, I told him I loved him,” McDermott said. “I’m proud of him and told him how proud I was of his approach and how he got to this spot.”

With Pittsburgh in the rearview mirror, Creighton turns their attention to their Sweet 16 tilt with Tennessee.

“I don’t know much,” Kalkbrenner admitted. “I’ve only watched parts of their games. I know they’re a really good team so we’ll have our hands full.”

“I know they’ve got Dalton Knecht who obviously can score a lot of points. And a lot of great players around him as well,” Scheierman offered. “Obviously, they’re in the Sweet 16 for a reason. Don’t know a whole lot, but that’s what this week is for.”

The Bluejays will play the Vols in the Midwest regional semifinal on Friday, March 29 at Little Cesars Arena in Detroit.

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