Creighton is set to make a crucial visit to Butler on Wednesday, crucially aiming to finish its regular season on a positive note. The Bluejays, who have faced a challenging stretch of losing three consecutive games and eight out of their last ten, still have a chance to secure a top-5 seed in the upcoming Big East tournament with a win and some assistance from other games.
The significance of this matchup cannot be overstated, as Creighton is fighting to avoid the daunting play-in game in the Big East tournament. Securing a bye would allow them to rest and prepare for the more competitive later rounds, alleviating some of the pressure from their current performance. Meanwhile, Butler is also eager to close out their season positively, looking to end a disappointing campaign on a high note.
Creighton currently holds a record of 14 wins and 16 losses (8-11 in the Big East), positioning them in sixth place, closely trailing DePaul and slightly ahead of Providence. The competition for the top five spots is intense, with only half a game separating these teams. In their last encounter against Providence, Josh Dix and Austin Swartz each contributed 18 points. Earlier this season, Creighton experienced a thrilling victory over Butler, prevailing 89-85, highlighted by Jasen Green’s impressive 23-point performance alongside Swartz’s 22 points.
On the opposing side, Butler’s Michael Ajayi has been a standout player, leading the Big East with 16 double-doubles while averaging 16.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Head coach Thad Matta is focused on improving his team’s performance as they prepare for the finale.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott remains hopeful. “We’re not done. We’re going to go to Butler and give it our best shot. Like I told the team, we would love to not have to play in the play-in game in New York,” he stated. Matta echoed the sentiment of dedication, emphasizing the need for continual improvement among his players.
The outcome of the Creighton-Butler game will not only determine the winner but will also finalize the seedings for the Big East tournament. With so much at stake, fans can expect an exhilarating showdown as both teams strive to finish their season on a high note.