OMAHA, Neb. — In a thrilling rematch, DePaul shocked Creighton with a last-minute victory, winning 72-71 on Wednesday. This marks DePaul’s second consecutive win against Creighton after breaking a 23-game losing streak just two weeks earlier.
DePaul’s N.J. Benson scored the deciding layup with just 32.5 seconds left. His teammate, Brandon Maclin, led the way with a stellar performance, scoring 21 points—19 of which came in the second half. Benson added 14 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his strong presence in the paint.
On the other side, Creighton had a balanced attack. Josh Dix scored 15 points, while Nik Graves contributed with 14 points, four assists, and four rebounds. Fedor Zugic and Jasen Green chipped in with 13 points each, with Green dominating the boards with nine rebounds.
Creighton set the pace early, leading 38-30 at halftime. They maintained a solid lead, stretching it to 11 points during the game. However, DePaul fought back and reclaimed the lead with crucial free throws from Maclin in the final minutes.
In the dying moments, Graves attempted a scoop shot but missed, setting up Creighton for one last chance. After a timeout, Harper’s final shot also missed the mark, allowing DePaul to secure the win and improve to 15-13 on the season. They now sit just behind Creighton in the BIG EAST standings.
Additional Insights
The two close games between DePaul and Creighton highlight a trend in college basketball. According to recent statistics, nearly 25% of games in the NCAA are decided by ten points or fewer this season. Teams facing one another multiple times often find themselves in tightly contested matchups, as was the case here.
Historically, Creighton has a record of tight finishes; they’ve played multiple one-point games against the same team before. This season marks the first time since 2014-15 that they’ve had multiple one-point matches against the same opponent, illustrating the growing intensity and competitiveness in college basketball.
As teams push for a spot in the postseason, every point counts more than ever. Fans are reacting passionately on social media, expressing their excitement for these nail-biting finishes. Engaging highlights and discussions of game strategies are trending, showcasing the enduring popularity of college basketball.
Creighton will look to bounce back this Saturday against Providence on Senior Day, celebrating key players like Graves and Dix.
For further insights on college basketball trends, you might find the NCAA’s report on game statistics particularly informative.
