MVC Quarterfinal: Creighton vs Drake
On Friday, the Bluejays took on play-in game winner Drake in a noon tip. The game was close for a while, but a 15-2 run late in the game sealed the Bulldogs’ fate. It was a game that featured Doug McDermott passing Rodney Buford to become the leading scorer in Creighton history, dunks galore from Will Artino and Gregory Echenique, but most importantly, it was a win that advanced the Jays to the semis.
Ott’s Thoughts: Creighton Returns to MVC Semis With Win Over Drake
Photo Gallery: Friday Send-Off
MVC Semifinal: Creighton vs Indiana State
The first half of Saturday’s win over Indiana State was one of the most dominant halves of basketball ever played at Arch Madness; ironically, it came nearly 10 years ago to the day after Creighton shot 49% from the field and held Southern Illinois to 16% shooting during the first half of the 2003 MVC Tournament championship game. In this one, Creighton jumped out to a 14-2 lead over the Sycamores during the game’s first 5 minutes, steadily built a lead, and took a 41-18 lead into the half. They coasted the rest of the way to a 64-43 win.
Recap: Jays 64, Indiana State 43
Ott’s Thoughts: Bluejays Avenge Loss to Sycamores, Punch Ticket to MVC Final
Photo Gallery: Creighton Defeats Indiana State
Photo Gallery: Saturday Send-Off
MVC Championship: Creighton vs Wichita State
Eight days prior, Creighton and Wichita State played an instant classic for the regular season crown. The third and final battle, this time for the tournament crown, was a classic of it’s own. As it always is, the final in Arch Madness is about tenacity and timing as much as talent. Who is willing to fight through soreness and fatigue and the opponent’s suffocating familiarity in order to win? Other than the stars, who will show up and be the unsung hero flung onto center stage? The answer on this day was Ethan Wragge and Jahenns Manigat.
Ott’s Thoughts: Creighton Caps Historic MVC Season With a Second Straight Arch Madness Championship