The Creighton Bluejays are set to host the St. John’s Red Storm in a highly anticipated Big East Conference matchup on New Year’s Eve. This game, slated for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off at CHI Health Center Omaha, marks a crucial contest for both teams as they navigate the early stages of their conference schedule. Creighton, with an 8-5 overall record and 1-1 in Big East play, will be looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage against a St. John’s team that boasts an 11-2 record and a perfect 2-0 start in conference play. This St. John’s vs Creighton game is not just another contest; it’s a clash of styles, strategies, and aspirations within the competitive landscape of the Big East.
Creighton Bluejays: Scouting Report
Creighton enters this St. John’s vs Creighton matchup with a record reflecting a challenging non-conference schedule. They’ve faced three Top 25 opponents and several other formidable programs including San Diego State, Nebraska, and Villanova. Their season highlight thus far was a decisive 76-63 victory over then-No. 1 ranked Kansas, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level.
Leading the charge for the Bluejays is senior center Ryan Kalkbrenner. The Preseason Big East Player of the Year and a consensus Preseason First Team All-American, Kalkbrenner is averaging an impressive 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while also contributing 2.5 blocks per contest. His field goal efficiency is remarkable at 69.8%, underscoring his dominance in the paint. Kalkbrenner’s presence is pivotal for Creighton’s offense and defense, making him a central figure in this St. John’s vs Creighton game.
Alongside Kalkbrenner, senior guard Steven Ashworth is a key offensive contributor, averaging 17.0 points and 6.4 assists per game. Ashworth’s playmaking and scoring ability are crucial for the Bluejays’ perimeter game. Jamiya Neal adds versatility to the lineup, contributing 11.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, making him a well-rounded player for Creighton. Freshman Jackson McAndrew has also emerged as a significant contributor, averaging 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, showing promise early in his college career.
However, Creighton will be without Texas Tech transfer Pop Isaacs for the remainder of the season due to a hip injury. Isaacs, who averaged 16.3 points per game, was a significant offensive weapon, and his absence will require other players to step up in the St. John’s vs Creighton game. Overall, Creighton averages 76.8 points per game, shooting 47.1% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range. They also hold a slight rebounding edge over their opponents.
St. John’s Red Storm: Scouting Report
St. John’s enters the St. John’s vs Creighton game with a strong 11-2 record and a 2-0 mark in Big East play. Victories over DePaul and Providence in their opening conference games highlight their readiness for Big East competition. Their non-conference performance includes wins against New Mexico, Virginia, Harvard, and Kansas State, demonstrating their capability against diverse opponents. Their two losses were narrow defeats on neutral courts against Baylor and Georgia, indicating they are competitive even in unfavorable matchups.
The Red Storm’s offense is paced by RJ Luis Jr., who leads the team with 16.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Zuby Ejiofor is another key player, averaging 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, while also providing a strong defensive presence with 2.2 blocks per game. Kadary Richmond contributes across multiple categories with 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, and Deivon Smith adds 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds, showcasing St. John’s balanced offensive attack.
St. John’s boasts a high-scoring offense, averaging 84.8 points per game on 48.4% shooting from the field and 33.2% from three-point range. They are also a strong rebounding team, outrebounding opponents by an average of 8.0 boards per game. Defensively, St. John’s allows 68.3 points per game. Under the guidance of coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s presents a well-rounded challenge for Creighton in this St. John’s vs Creighton contest.
Key Players to Watch in St. John’s vs Creighton
Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton): Kalkbrenner’s matchup against St. John’s frontcourt will be crucial. His scoring efficiency, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability are vital for Creighton’s success. His performance in this St. John’s vs Creighton game could dictate the flow of the game in the paint.
RJ Luis Jr. (St. John’s): Leading St. John’s in scoring, Luis Jr.’s offensive versatility will test Creighton’s defense. His ability to create scoring opportunities and impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a player to watch closely.
Steven Ashworth (Creighton): Ashworth’s role as Creighton’s primary ball-handler and scorer from the perimeter is essential. His ability to distribute the ball and knock down crucial shots will be key for Creighton’s offense to operate effectively against St. John’s.
Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s): Ejiofor’s interior presence and scoring ability will directly challenge Kalkbrenner. His performance on both ends of the court, particularly his rebounding and defense, will be important for St. John’s in this St. John’s vs Creighton matchup.
Matchup Analysis: St. John’s vs Creighton
Offensive Breakdown: Creighton’s offense is built around efficiency and balanced scoring, while St. John’s favors a higher-paced, higher-scoring approach. Creighton’s shooting percentages indicate a focus on quality shot selection, while St. John’s relies on volume and athleticism to generate points. The contrast in offensive styles will be a defining aspect of the St. John’s vs Creighton game.
Defensive Strategies: Creighton’s defense is anchored by Kalkbrenner’s rim protection, which deters opponents from attacking the basket. St. John’s defense is more about collective effort and leveraging their rebounding advantage to limit second-chance opportunities. How each team executes their defensive game plan will significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Key Stats Comparison:
| Stat | Creighton | St. John’s |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 76.8 | 84.8 |
| Field Goal % | 47.1% | 48.4% |
| 3-Point % | 35.1% | 33.2% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 37.5 | 41.3 |
| Opponent PPG | 71.1 | 68.3 |
This statistical comparison highlights St. John’s offensive edge in scoring and rebounding, while Creighton demonstrates slightly better shooting efficiency from the field and three-point range. The defensive stats are closely matched, suggesting a potentially high-scoring and competitive St. John’s vs Creighton game.
Historical Context: Creighton vs St. John’s Series
Creighton holds an 18-11 all-time series lead against St. John’s, with a 16-6 advantage since joining the Big East. At home in Omaha, Creighton’s dominance is even more pronounced, with a 12-1 record against the Red Storm. Creighton has historically found success against St. John’s when their offense is clicking, going 14-0 when scoring 76 points or more. This historical context adds another layer of intrigue to the St. John’s vs Creighton game, suggesting Creighton’s home-court advantage and offensive output could be decisive factors.
Coaching Matchup: Greg McDermott vs. Rick Pitino:
The St. John’s vs Creighton game also features a compelling coaching matchup between Creighton’s Greg McDermott and St. John’s Rick Pitino. McDermott boasts a 333-165 record in his 15th season at Creighton and has established himself as the program’s winningest coach. Pitino, a Hall of Fame coach, brings extensive experience and a decorated career to St. John’s. McDermott holds a 16-6 record against St. John’s and a 1-1 record specifically against Pitino, adding a personal dimension to this coaching face-off. McDermott is seeking his 125th regular-season Big East win, which would break a tie with Pitino, further emphasizing the significance of this St. John’s vs Creighton game for both coaches.
Factors for Success in St. John’s vs Creighton
Creighton’s Keys to Victory:
- Home Court Advantage: Leveraging the energy of the home crowd at CHI Health Center Omaha, where they have an excellent historical record against St. John’s.
- Ryan Kalkbrenner’s Dominance: Kalkbrenner must control the paint, both offensively and defensively, to neutralize St. John’s interior game and score efficiently.
- Perimeter Shooting: Creighton’s three-point shooting needs to be accurate to stretch St. John’s defense and open up driving lanes.
- Defensive Rebounding: Limiting St. John’s second-chance points by securing defensive rebounds will be crucial.
St. John’s Keys to Victory:
- Offensive Pace: Dictating the tempo of the game and utilizing their high-scoring offense to put pressure on Creighton.
- Rebounding Advantage: Capitalizing on their rebounding prowess to gain extra possessions and limit Creighton’s offensive opportunities.
- Containing Kalkbrenner: Finding ways to limit Kalkbrenner’s effectiveness in the paint without over-committing and opening up other scoring avenues for Creighton.
- Defensive Pressure: Applying defensive pressure to disrupt Creighton’s offensive flow and force turnovers.
Conclusion: Anticipating a Big East Thriller
The St. John’s vs Creighton game promises to be a compelling Big East battle. Creighton’s home-court advantage and the individual brilliance of Ryan Kalkbrenner clash with St. John’s high-powered offense and Rick Pitino’s coaching expertise. This New Year’s Eve matchup is more than just a game; it’s a significant early-season conference showdown with implications for both teams’ Big East aspirations. Basketball fans should expect a high-energy, strategically rich contest as St. John’s and Creighton vie for a crucial conference victory.
