Creighton defeated Oregon 86-73 in an exhilarating double-overtime game, earning a spot in the Sweet 16 of March Madness.
Greg McDermott and Dana Altman, two esteemed coaches and close acquaintances, exchanged a knowing smile prior to the commencement of the second overtime period.
They were left in awe of the unfolding events.
“We were both astounded by what was transpiring right before our eyes,” McDermott remarked.
And they were not alone.
During the second overtime, Steven Ashworth and Ryan Kalkbrenner nailed crucial 3-pointers, paving the way for Creighton to triumph over Altman—formerly their coach—and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 with a resounding 86-73 win over Oregon on Saturday evening.
The 6-foot-1 Ashworth delivered the initial 3-pointer, followed by Kalkbrenner, a towering 7-1 player renowned for his defensive prowess. These baskets propelled the third-seeded Bluejays (25-9) to score the first 15 points of the second overtime frame, ultimately prevailing against the 11th-seeded Ducks (24-12) and concluding a game rife with an abundance of March madness.
“It was an epic game,” stated McDermott, who assumed the helm at Creighton after Altman in 2010 and achieved his 325th career victory, a mere two short of Altman’s school record. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been a part of one quite like it in my 35 years.”
With a combined total of 78 points from Ashworth (21), Trey Alexander (20), Kalkbrenner (19), and Baylor Scheierman (18), Creighton secured their third Sweet 16 appearance in four years. They are poised to face the second-seeded Tennessee on Friday in the Midwest Regional held in Detroit.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” expressed Alexander, a member of Creighton’s Elite Eight roster from the previous year. “We have a deep affinity for this group of individuals. We relish the camaraderie and revel in embarking on road trips together. It’s a privilege to continue competing and seizing the opportunities that present themselves.”
Strategic scoring, pivotal shots, clutch free throws, and unwavering composure enabled Creighton to overcome the formidable duo of Jermaine Couisnard and N’Faly Dante from Oregon.
Couisnard, who astonishingly tallied 40 points during the first round against his former school, South Carolina, exhibited his prowess once more by notching 32 points, while Dante asserted his dominance inside the paint with 28 points and 20 rebounds.
This enthralling match marked the second overtime game of the night at PPG Paints Arena, following North Carolina State’s 79-73 triumph over Oakland in the opening game, terminating Oakland’s improbable Cinderella run.
The clash showcased the two most accomplished coaches in Creighton’s history—Altman and McDermott. These close companions and occasional golf partners have played an influential role in establishing Creighton as a reputable mid-major power and formidable contender within the NCAA Tournament.
For two captivating hours, their teams engaged in a hard-fought battle, with neither side willing to yield an inch. It was an exhilarating and exhausting encounter, characterized by 14 lead changes, nine ties, and an abundance of captivating drama that perfectly embodiesd the intensity of tournament basketball. In the opening overtime period, Creighton gained a slim three-point advantage when Ashworth sank two free throws, putting them ahead by a score of 71-68. At that juncture, it appeared that Oregon, heavily reliant on Couisnard and Dante during the Pac-12 tournament, was poised for defeat. Couisnard, the composed senior guard hailing from East Chicago, Indiana, calmly sank a long-range 3-pointer in front of Oregon’s bench, resulting in a tie game.
Altman, who lost three players to season-ending injuries, acknowledged his team’s exceptional performance, stating, “They have exhibited extraordinary effort throughout the year. We have relied heavily on them, so it was truly special to witness the impressive display by those two gentlemen. We had opportunities,; however, we made some critical errors during regulation. I bear the responsibility for that.”
Creighton had one last chance in the first overtime, but Alexander missed a short jumper from the baseline just before the horn, leading to the game’s extension.
The second overtime period tilted in favor of Creighton.
Ashworth initiated it with a 3-pointer, and following Couisnard’s missed layup, Kalkbrenner, the three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, received a pass behind the perimeter and successfully converted his 53rd 3-point attempt of the season.
“Mac (McDermott) instructed me to take 100 (3-pointers) after practice and another 100 before, during the two practices we had prior to our arrival here,” Kalkbrenner revealed. “That preparation truly bolstered my confidence to take that shot, and I understand it was perhaps the shot Mac desired the most during that possession.”
After Couisnard failed to connect on another shot, Creighton’s Jasen Green, who secured nine rebounds, emphatically dunked a putback, essentially securing the victory. Ashworth then solidified the game by banking in yet another 3-pointer, extending Creighton’s lead to 86-71.
Oregon, who made just five free throw attempts throughout the game, had an opportunity to secure the win in the final minute of regulation. However, Dante missed Oregon’s initial free throw attempt with 26.4 seconds remaining, despite the Ducks holding a two-point lead.
Scheireman, who played the entirety of the 50-minute game, subsequently sank a contested 10-foot shot in the lane, knotting the game and forcing overtime when Couisnard missed an off-balance drive with just one second remaining.
One of the primary narratives of this matchup was Altman’s reunion with Creighton. During his tenure with the program, which spanned 16 seasons, he transformed the struggling team, ultimately propelling the institution located in Omaha, Nebraska, into the basketball spotlight.
Guided by McDermott, Creighton continues to flourish and has transcended the perception of being a mid-major program. They have evolved into one of the nation’s most consistently successful teams, particularly during the month of March.