Creighton Edges Xavier in Thrilling 94-93 Finish

Creighton's CHI Health Center Omaha was electric last night as the Bluejays hosted Xavier in a non-conference showdown. The home team ultimately emerged victorious, taking down the Musketeers 94-93 in a game that saw both teams trade blows throughout. Josh Dix led the charge for Creighton, scoring 19 points to pace the Bluejays.

The first half saw Creighton take a 42-39 lead into the break, with Dix and Austin Swartz combining for 21 points to propel the Bluejays' offense. However, it was Tre Carroll who stole the show, scoring 29 points for Xavier and keeping the Musketeers within striking distance. Carroll's impressive performance was complemented by Filip Borovicanin, who tallied 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists in a well-rounded effort.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams pushing the tempo and trading baskets. Creighton's Nik Graves played a crucial role, dishing out 9 assists to go along with his 16 points, and helping the Bluejays maintain their slim lead. Despite a late surge from Xavier, Creighton managed to hold on, securing the 94-93 win.

CHD Scout had predicted a Creighton victory by 6.7 points, and while the actual margin was much slimmer, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The Bluejays' win was a reflection of their resilience and ability to close out games against tough opponents.

This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Creighton, the win counts as a Quadrant 3 victory, which may not be the most impressive on their resume but still represents a valuable addition. On the other hand, Xavier's loss is classified as a Quadrant 1 defeat, which could potentially bolster their tournament profile due to the strength of the opponent.

As the season wears on, Creighton want to build on this win and continue to bolster their resume. With a current net ranking of 56, the Bluejays are still very much in the tournament conversation, and performances like last night's matters in securing a spot in the Big Dance. For Xavier, the loss drops them to 11-8, but their strong showing against a solid Creighton team will likely keep them in the mix as well. The Musketeers' net ranking of 97 may not be ideal, but they have time to improve and make a push for the tournament.