Creighton Bluejays vs. Georgetown Hoyas 2024 Big East Basketball Showdown
Creighton Bluejays vs. Georgetown Hoyas: 2024 Big East Basketball Showdown Preview
Creighton Bluejays (7-4) face off against the Georgetown Hoyas (8-2) in a crucial Big East opener on December 18, 2024, at Capital One Arena. Creighton, led by Ryan Kalkbrenner, looks to bounce back from a tough loss to Alabama, while Georgetown, under new coach Ed Cooley, aims to prove their early success is no fluke. The game features a strong Creighton defense and efficient offense against a balanced Georgetown squad struggling with three-point shooting. Both teams are eyeing a key victory as they start their Big East campaign.
Creighton Bluejays: Bouncing Back After Alabama Loss
Creighton enters this matchup with an overall record of 7-4, looking to recover from an 83-75 loss to Alabama. Despite the defeat, the Bluejays remain a formidable force in the Big East, ranking 41st in KenPom, with one of the nation’s most efficient offenses and a stifling defense.
Offensively, Creighton averages 77.7 points per game, ranking 52nd in the nation in offensive efficiency. Their attack is spearheaded by center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who leads the team with 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and provides elite shot-blocking from the center position. Kalkbrenner’s presence in the paint, along with his ability to stretch the floor, makes Creighton a tough matchup for any team. His shot-blocking ability is complemented by the sharp perimeter defense of Steven Ashworth, who also contributes 6.2 assists per game.
The Bluejays have had a challenging non-conference schedule, highlighted by a dramatic victory over Kansas and narrow losses to Texas A&M and San Diego State. Their proficiency at the free-throw line—ranked 5th nationally at 79.2%—coupled with their respectable 33.7% shooting from beyond the arc, keeps their offense dangerous at all times. Both Ashworth and Pop Isaacs are key contributors, averaging 16.3 points per game, with Ashworth boasting a near-perfect 97.7% free-throw percentage, which ranks 4th nationally.
Creighton’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, ranking 32nd in KenPom. Led by Kalkbrenner’s shot-blocking ability and overall defensive awareness, the Bluejays can stymie opposing offenses and make key stops in crunch time. Head coach Greg McDermott will likely continue to lean on his team’s experience and depth to maintain their dominance over Georgetown, having won 13 of the last 16 matchups, including a perfect 4-0 record in their last four trips to Capital One Arena.
Georgetown Hoyas: A New Era Under Ed Cooley
The Georgetown Hoyas, under new head coach Ed Cooley, are off to a strong 8-2 start. However, they are still looking to prove they have fully turned the corner after several seasons of underperformance. Georgetown is currently ranked 86th in KenPom, with a solid defensive showing (75th in defensive efficiency) but a middle-of-the-pack offense (121st in offensive efficiency).
Offensively, Georgetown has been more balanced than in previous years, averaging 76.5 points per game, thanks in large part to Jayden Epps and Thomas Sorber, both averaging 15.5 points per contest. Sorber also contributes heavily on the boards, grabbing 8.2 rebounds per game, and is a significant force in the paint with 1.7 blocks per game. Epps and Sorber are complemented by Micah Peavy, who averages 13.4 points, and Malik Mack, who chips in with 12.3 points per game. The Hoyas have shown their scoring depth, but they have not yet faced a team of Creighton’s caliber, making this a critical test.
Defensively, Georgetown has shown significant improvement from last season, limiting opponents to 64.9 points per game. However, their offensive efficiency has been hampered by a poor 28.7% shooting percentage from three-point range—ranking them 336th in the country. This weakness could be exposed by Creighton’s stingy defense, especially if they can close out on the perimeter shooters and force Georgetown to rely on less efficient shot selection.
The Hoyas’ biggest win of the season came on the road, when they defeated Syracuse 75-71. Despite their promising start, they have struggled in key matchups, with double-digit losses to Notre Dame and West Virginia, two teams with similar styles to Creighton. These losses raise questions about their ability to compete with top-tier competition, and this game could be a pivotal moment for the program’s growth under Cooley.
Conclusion
Both teams will have eyes on the larger Big East standings. A victory for Creighton keeps them in the hunt for a top-tier finish, while a win for Georgetown could be a statement that Ed Cooley is indeed the right man to turn the program around. Expect an intense matchup with postseason implications for both squads.
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