Creighton's Austin Swartz stole the show at CHI Health Center Omaha, scoring 33 points to lead the Bluejays to an 86-83 win over Georgetown. The highly contested matchup saw both teams trade blows, with Creighton ultimately emerging victorious. Swartz's performance was the difference-maker, as he consistently found ways to score and create for his teammates.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Creighton taking a slim 38-36 lead into the break. Georgetown's Malik Mack was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 17 points to keep the Hoyas within striking distance. However, Swartz's 19 first-half points set the tone for the Bluejays, and they never looked back. Josh Dix and Nik Graves chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively, to provide a balanced attack for Creighton.
In the second half, Georgetown made a push to take the lead, but Creighton's offense was too much to handle. The Bluejays' ability to score from both inside and outside was the decisive factor, as they shot a high percentage from the field. Georgetown's Julius Halaifonua and KJ Lewis added 16 and 14 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome Swartz's dominance.
The win is a significant boost to Creighton's tournament resume, as it counts as a Q3 victory. With a current net ranking of 61, the Bluejays are firmly in the mix for an at-large bid. This victory will certainly help their cause, as they continue to navigate a challenging schedule. On the other hand, Georgetown's loss drops them to 10-10 on the season, and their net ranking of 112 makes their tournament chances more uncertain.
For Creighton, the win is a reflection of their ability to perform under pressure. With Swartz leading the charge, the Bluejays were able to overcome a tough Georgetown team and secure a crucial victory. As the season wears on, Creighton want to build on this momentum and make a push for a higher seed in the tournament.
The loss is a tough pill to swallow for Georgetown, but they can take solace in the fact that they played a competitive game against a strong opponent. With a Q1 loss, the Hoyas want to bounce back and regain their footing in the conference standings. Despite the setback, Georgetown's performance showed that they have the talent and determination to compete with anyone.
In the end, Creighton's win over Georgetown is a significant result that has major implications for both teams' tournament chances. With Swartz's incredible performance leading the way, the Bluejays have taken a crucial step forward in their pursuit of a postseason berth. As the season continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how both teams respond to this result and navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The win gives Creighton a much-needed boost to their resume, and they want to capitalize on this momentum as they move forward.