The Creighton Bluejays and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet in the quarterfinal round of the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The matchup brings two teams with losing overall records but plenty of motivation, especially for Creighton, which is playing the final postseason run under longtime head coach Greg McDermott.
Creighton finished the season 15-17 overall and placed fifth in the BIG EAST with a 9-11 conference record. Rutgers ended the year 14-19 and struggled in Big Ten play with a 6-14 league record. Despite those records, the game carries importance because it marks a potential final run for McDermott before retirement and could set the tone for Creighton’s transition to a new coaching era.
The contest takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a venue where Creighton has played several memorable games over the years. With both teams looking to extend their postseason journey, the matchup is expected to feature an aggressive offensive approach, especially from the perimeter.
Creighton vs Rutgers Match Details
| Match | Creighton Bluejays vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
|---|---|
| Tournament | College Basketball Crown – Quarterfinal |
| Date | April 2, 2026 |
| Time | 10:30 PM ET |
| Venue | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas |
| Broadcast | FS1 |
Season Records
| Team | Record | Conference Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Creighton Bluejays | 15-17 | 5th in BIG EAST (9-11) |
| Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 14-19 | 6-14 in Big Ten |
Both teams had inconsistent seasons but managed enough competitive performances to earn postseason opportunities.
Creighton’s campaign included notable wins on the road against ranked opponents, including a major victory against a top-five Connecticut team earlier in the year. Rutgers, meanwhile, endured long losing streaks but finished the regular season with improved momentum.
Creighton Team Overview
Offensive Style
Creighton plays an offense heavily built around three-point shooting. The Bluejays average more than 75 points per game and regularly attempt a high volume of perimeter shots. Their ability to stretch the floor has been one of their defining strengths throughout the season.
The team shoots:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 75.1 |
| Field goal percentage | 44.8% |
| 3-point percentage | 34.5% |
| Free throw percentage | 76.0% |
Creighton’s offense becomes especially dangerous when its shooters find rhythm early in games.
Key Players
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Josh Dix | Leading scorer and perimeter shooter |
| Nik Graves | Playmaker and assist leader |
| Jasen Green | Rebounding leader and interior presence |
| Austin Swartz | Top three-point specialist |
Josh Dix leads the team in scoring at around 13 points per game and has been extremely efficient from long distance. Nik Graves handles most of the playmaking duties and leads the roster in assists and steals.
Jasen Green provides balance with strong rebounding numbers, while Austin Swartz stretches defenses with consistent outside shooting.
Rutgers Team Overview
Rutgers relies more on balanced scoring rather than a single dominant offensive style. The Scarlet Knights average slightly above 70 points per game but have struggled with efficiency throughout the season.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 70.6 |
| Field goal percentage | 41.8% |
| 3-point percentage | 32.8% |
| Free throw percentage | 74.1% |
One of Rutgers’ biggest issues this season has been defending the perimeter. Opponents have frequently found success from three-point range against the Scarlet Knights.
Key Players
| Player | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Tariq Francis | Leading scorer and playmaker |
| Dylan Grant | Secondary scoring option |
| Darren Buchanan Jr. | Versatile forward scoring inside |
| Jamichael Davis | Rotational scoring depth |
Tariq Francis leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals. His ability to create offense will be crucial if Rutgers hopes to keep pace with Creighton’s shooting.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 1 |
| Creighton Wins | 1 |
| Rutgers Wins | 0 |
The only previous meeting between the two programs occurred in Las Vegas as well, when Creighton defeated Rutgers 85-75.
Recent Team Momentum
Creighton has shown flashes of explosive offense late in the season. One of its standout performances came in a road win over Connecticut where the team scored more than 90 points.
Rutgers had a difficult stretch during conference play, including a seven-game losing streak in mid-season, but improved slightly toward the end of the schedule.
Both teams enter the tournament after several weeks without consistent game action, making early rhythm an important factor.
Key Matchup: Creighton Shooting vs Rutgers Defense
One of the biggest storylines in this game is Creighton’s three-point shooting against Rutgers’ perimeter defense.
Rutgers has struggled to limit outside scoring during the season, while Creighton thrives on spacing and quick ball movement.
If the Bluejays consistently find open looks from deep, the offensive pace could quickly swing in their favor.
Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Creighton -4 |
| Moneyline | Creighton -180 / Rutgers +150 |
| Over/Under | 151 |
Creighton enters the matchup as a slight favorite due to its offensive potential and stronger advanced projections.
Best Picks
| Pick Type | Selection |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | Creighton |
| Team Total | Creighton Over 77.5 |
| Spread Pick | Creighton -4 |
| Same-Game Parlay | Creighton -5.5 + Over 151 |
Creighton’s offense has the potential to produce a high scoring output if perimeter shooting becomes a factor early.
Another interesting prop focuses on Josh Dix, who could exceed expectations in three-point shooting and assists if he continues his recent form.
Coaching Storyline: Greg McDermott’s Final Run
This postseason appearance is especially meaningful for Creighton because it marks the final games of Greg McDermott’s long tenure as head coach.
McDermott has led the program for 16 seasons and built Creighton into a consistent contender with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in recent years.
His teams have become known for offensive efficiency, three-point shooting, and strong player development.
The players have openly expressed motivation to extend the postseason and give their coach a memorable farewell.
Team Comparison
| Category | Creighton | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Style | Three-point heavy offense | Balanced scoring |
| Defensive Strength | Solid team defense | Struggles vs perimeter |
| Key Strength | Bench scoring and shooting | Guard play |
| Weakness | Injury depth | Defensive consistency |
Creighton also receives strong production from its bench, which averages nearly 26 points per game.
Match Prediction
Creighton’s offensive identity revolves around perimeter shooting and ball movement, while Rutgers prefers a slower and more balanced scoring approach.
If the Bluejays establish rhythm from three-point range early, the game could shift heavily in their favor. Rutgers must slow the tempo and limit outside shooting opportunities to remain competitive.
The emotional motivation of playing for their retiring coach could also provide Creighton with an extra boost in intensity.
With superior offensive spacing and shooting depth, Creighton enters the matchup with a slight advantage.
Predicted Score
Creighton 82 – Rutgers 74
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