Creighton vs. Oregon: A Clash of Styles in the NCAA Tournament Second-Round Matchup
When it comes to the Creighton vs. Oregon matchup in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, one thing is certain – both teams rely heavily on their starters. Depth may be a luxury for some, but for these two teams, it’s an unnecessary piece.
Creighton enters the game as the favorite, looking to secure their second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. With their starters logging most of the minutes this season, ranking 355th in bench minutes, per KenPom, the Bluejays are accustomed to carrying a heavy load. In their first-round victory against Akron, Creighton’s top three players played an impressive 115 out of 120 available minutes.
On the other side, Oregon has also tightened their rotation, especially during their surprising run in the Pac-12 tournament and their victory over South Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. In their opener, Jermaine Couisnard, Jackson Shelstad, and N’Faly Dante combined for 110 minutes on the court. These players not only dominate the playing time but also contribute significantly to the team’s scoring. In the Pac-12 title game, they accounted for 74.6 percent of Oregon’s points, with Couisnard dropping an impressive 40 points on his own.
While both teams have found success with their starters, they have contrasting offensive approaches. Creighton loves to shoot from beyond the arc, ranking eighth in the country in 3-point rate and hitting 36.5 percent of those attempts. In their first-round game against Akron, they made 10 out of 17 long-range shots. The Bluejays have a remarkable record of 21-3 when hitting at least 30 percent of their 3-pointers. On the other hand, Oregon has struggled with their outside shooting, hitting 30 percent or better from distance only twice in their last nine games. Instead, the Ducks rely on efficient shooting near the rim and strong ball protection, with a top-50 turnover rate.
Defensively, Creighton will look to funnel attackers towards Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Big East’s three-time defensive player of the year. They employ a pronounced drop coverage, tempting opponents to settle for mid-range shots. Although they don’t force many turnovers, ranking last in the country, they compensate for it with solid rebounding.
As the game approaches, experts have weighed in on their predictions. The model projection gives Creighton a slight edge, predicting them to win by 4.0 points with a total score of 146.5. It’s set to be a competitive matchup between two teams with different offensive styles and strengths.
Key players to watch in this game include Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Trey Alexander. Scheierman, a senior guard, has been named first-team All-Big East, showcasing his impact on the team. Kalkbrenner, a senior center, has been recognized as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and has also made the second-team All-Big East. Alexander, a junior guard, adds depth to Creighton’s lineup as a second-team All-Big East player.
Oregon’s N’Faly Dante and Jermaine Couisnard are also players to keep an eye on. Dante, a senior center, has been named first-team All-Pac-12, highlighting his contributions to the team’s success. Couisnard, a senior guard and second-team All-Pac-12 player, has shown his scoring prowess by dropping 40 points in a game.
As the Creighton vs. Oregon matchup unfolds, fans can expect an exciting clash of styles. Creighton’s long-range shooting and Oregon’s efficient scoring near the rim will be put to the test. Both teams have proven their worth, and now it’s time to see who will come out on top in this highly anticipated NCAA Tournament showdown.