On this edition of our commentary series looking back at some of the most memorable sporting events in Creighton history, we go back in time 21 years to March 11, 1999. On that day, the Dana Altman-led Bluejays snapped an 8-year drought without a postseason win by taking down 7-seed Louisville, 62-58, in the first round of the ’99 NCAA Tournament.
Former Creighton players Alan Huss and Doug Swenson teamed up for this episode to provide some insight into how the team dealt with lofty preseason expectations and managed to come together just in time for a memorable postseason run. Huss, who currently just finished up his third season as an assistant coach at his alma mater, didn’t play in this game after falling out of the rotation due a lengthy battle with an illness during the middle of the season. Swenson went 4-for-5 from the field and finished with 11 points in 25 minutes, helping to spark a second-half comeback after the Bluejays trailed by 13 with just over 16 minutes to play.
Creighton struggled mightily on the offensive side of the floor, shooting just 21.4% from 3-point range and turning it over 16 times. Their defense in the second half is what got them back in the game as they forced 12 turnovers and held Louisville to just 21 field goal attempts after halftime. Ben Walker led the Bluejays in scoring with 16 points in this one, and eventual NBA veteran Rodney Buford chipped in all-around effort with 13 points, eight rebounds, and 5 steals in 37 minutes. Both guys were off the mark most of the game, going just 11-of-33 from the field, but the only threes they hit ended up being pretty crucial — Walker’s gave Creighton its first lead of the game with 3:05 to go, while Buford’s came 52 seconds later to give CU the lead for good after Louisville quickly answered to tie things up.
Grab your Bud Light and your Bluejay gear, and watch as Huss and Swenson take you inside the team that laid the foundation for what could be possible in the modern era of the Creighton men’s basketball program.