Why Creighton Had No Answer for Marquette’s 86-62 Thrashing
For the Creighton Bluejays (12-9, 6-4 Big East), Tuesday night was supposed to be a chance to build momentum before a high-stakes showdown with No. 2 UConn. Instead, it became what head coach Greg McDermott bluntly called an "embarrassing" wake-up call. In a stunning reversal of their December meeting, Creighton was run off the floor by a last-place Marquette 8-14, 3-8 Big East) squad, falling 86-62 in a game that felt over before the first media timeout.
The Bluejays entered Fiserv Forum looking to secure a season sweep, but they instead walked into a buzzsaw. Marquette opened the game with an avalanche, fueled by 18-0 and 9-0 runs that left Creighton reeling. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the Bluejays trailed 52-23, their largest halftime deficit in over 30 years.
The numbers from the first 20 minutes were nothing short of staggering, painting a picture of a total systemic failure for the Bluejays. Creighton’s defensive interior offered virtually no resistance as Marquette dominated the paint with a 34-8 scoring advantage before the break.
On the other end of the floor, the Bluejays’ usually reliable perimeter game went cold, resulting in a dismal 2-of-17 (11.8 percent) showing from three-point range. This combination of offensive stagnation and a complete defensive collapse allowed the Golden Eagles to shoot a blistering 68.8 percent from the field, effectively ending the contest before it truly began.
While the starters struggled to find any rhythm, the Bluejays did see a second-half spark from their younger core. Austin Swartz finished with a team-high 17 points and a career-high six assists. Sophomore Blake Harper also showed flashes of brilliance, finishing with 15 points.
The statistical disparity in the Bluejays’ 86-62 loss underscores a night when almost nothing went right for the visitors. Creighton struggled with efficiency across the board, finishing with a 41 percent field goal percentage and a cold 21 percent (7-of-34) from beyond the arc, while allowing Marquette to shoot a blistering 58 percent from the floor.
The game was essentially won in the trenches. Despite both teams pulling down 34 rebounds, the Golden Eagles dominated the interior with a massive 52-24 advantage in points in the paint. Furthermore, Creighton’s 14 turnovers proved costly, as they surrendered 17 points off giveaways and were outpaced 19-11 in fast break points. This lack of defensive connectivity allowed Marquette to hold the lead for a staggering 92 percent of the game, peaking at a 31-point cushion that the Bluejays simply could not overcome.
What's Next: The Ultimate Litmus Test
While the margin of defeat in Milwaukee was jarring, the broader perspective offers a glimmer of historical consistency for McDermott’s program. Despite the setback, Creighton has managed to go 5-5 or better through their first 10 games of Big East play for the seventh consecutive season, a testament to the sustained floor of the Bluejays' system.
This streak, dating back to the 2019-20 campaign, highlights a resilient program that consistently positions itself in the top half of one of the nation's most grueling conferences by mid-winter. Even in a year marked by defensive growing pains and uncharacteristic shooting slumps, the Bluejays remain firmly within their historical window for a late-season push.
The road doesn't get any easier. Creighton must now flush this performance down the drain as they prepare to host No. 2 Connecticut on Saturday for their annual "Pink Out" game. With their NCAA Tournament resume taking a hit, the Bluejays likely need a signature win over the Huskies to keep their postseason hopes on life support.
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Michael is a passionate sports writer who covers Major League Baseball, the NFL, college football, Rutgers University athletics, and Monmouth football. With published work at FanSided, The Rutgers Wire (USA Today), and The League Winners, Michael delivers insightful analysis, in-depth features, and timely coverage that connects fans to the heart of the game. His work highlights key storylines and standout performances across both professional (NFL & MLB) and collegiate sports (Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Wrestling), with a strong focus on New Jersey-based programs.