Creighton defeats Butler 89-85

Creighton Edges Butler in Thrilling Conference Showdown

In a back-and-forth affair that had the CHI Health Center Omaha crowd on the edge of their seats, Creighton ultimately emerged victorious over visiting Butler, taking down the Bulldogs 89-85.

The game was a true thriller, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to pull away for more than a handful of possessions. At halftime, Creighton held a slim 9-point lead, but it wasn't until the second half that the Bluejays began to assert their dominance.

Jasen Green led the way for Creighton, scoring 23 points on 6-8 shooting from the field and 5 assists. Josh Dix chipped in with 7 rebounds, 9 points, and 4 assists of his own, while Jasen's classmate provided key defensive stops to help seal the win.

Meanwhile, Butler struggled to find its footing on offense, as Yohan Traore led the way with 20 points on 8-13 shooting from the field. Michael Ajayi was also a force to be reckoned with on the glass, grabbing 13 rebounds while scoring 16 points.

The difference in pace and efficiency between the two teams was stark, with Creighton's advanced metrics reflecting their superior performance. The Bluejays boasted an eFG% of 59.5%, compared to Butler's 46.7%. They also outrebounded their opponents by a margin of 4, while limiting the Bulldogs to just 12 points off turnovers.

The final tally was a testament to Creighton's ability to close out games when it matters most. After falling behind by as many as 11 in the first half, the Bluejays never trailed again, building a 9-point cushion with just over five minutes left on the clock.

For Butler, the loss served as a tough reminder that conference play is always intense, and that there's no room for error when facing off against top-tier opponents. Despite their valiant effort, they were ultimately unable to overcome Creighton's superior firepower.

In a game that will be remembered for its dramatic finish, Creighton emerged victorious, showcasing their mettle in the process.