CU alum and Jays fan Dave Wenthold (far right) meets legend Bill Raftery (second left) along with other Creighton fans after CU’s win vs. Marquette
This past week, Dave Wenthold — long-time friend of WBR — made the drive from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee to watch the Creighton Bluejays visit Marquette. Wenthold sent us the following write-up following his safe arrival home from watching the Jays beat up on the Golden Eagles.
This past New Year’s Eve, Marquette planned to welcome Creighton to the Big East Conference. This past Wednesday, Marquette planned to welcome Creighton to Milwaukee. Both of these good faith gestures fell well short.
While the Bluejays were taking part in their pre-game shoot around, Creighton alumni & students that made the trip to Milwaukee were at Bar Louie, just blocks from the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The event was planned by the Creighton Alumni Association. Dozens of Jays fans attended the event and everyone had a great time, including current Chaplain of the College of Health Sciences at Marquette, Father John Schlegel. Rest assured Father Schlegel was wearing his Creighton colors at the event!
At the game, Creighton alumni and even current students made their presence felt! There was even some discussion among the current Creighton students in attendance about how many ‘Points’ attending a road game should be worth on the Creighton Bluejays Hilltop App.
Anyways, back to the game!
Other than the opening tip and an errant early air-ball, the Bluejays were able to take control of the game. Aided by four successful Ethan Wragge 3-pointers the Jays controlled the first half and took a 7-point lead into halftime.
Throughout the game, both Austin Chatman & Devin Brooks used the dribble-drive for some rather easy lay-ups; the two combined for 18 points. Doug McDermott excelled in the second half by collecting 17 points for a game high total of 25. Controlling the clock with more time-consuming possessions in the second half allowed Creighton come away with an 85-70 victory!
Jays fans in attendance were able to enjoy the game and especially the final result. It was also very refreshing to see Creighton President Father Timothy Lannon back in action, at the game. Especially in a match-up with fellow Jesuit Marquette, a rivalry that first began back in 1923.
At the final buzzer, Marquette coach Buzz Williams (now without his suit coat and tie) graciously held an ill-fated game plan behind his back in his left hand and extended his right hand out to shake the hand of every Creighton player and coach. Coach Williams seemed to look up at each member of the Jays with direct eye contact, as to say, you’re not only welcome to the Big East Conference, but you belong here too.