San Diego State faces Creighton in a marquee matchup at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 26. Both teams enter the game with something to prove, as Creighton looks to rebound from its first loss of the season and San Diego State aims to show it can compete with elite programs. This game promises high-intensity basketball as the Aztecs and Bluejays clash in Las Vegas.
Creighton, ranked No. 14, will need to adjust without senior guard Steven Ashworth, who suffered an ankle injury in the team’s recent loss to Nebraska. Meanwhile, San Diego State, coming off a loss to Gonzaga, seeks to regain its form and prove its mettle in a neutral-site environment.
San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State comes into the game with a 2-1 record and is eager to bounce back after an 80-67 loss to Gonzaga. Guard Nick Boyd has been the standout performer, averaging a team-high 14.7 points per game. Boyd delivered an impressive 23-point performance against Gonzaga before being sidelined with cramps late in the game. His contributions will be critical if the Aztecs hope to prevail. Nick Boyd will need to lead the charge offensively.
San Diego State’s strength lies in its defense, particularly around the rim. The team averages 8.3 blocks per game, led by strong performances from its frontcourt. However, offensive inconsistency has been a recurring issue, especially from beyond the arc. The Aztecs shoot a respectable 39.1% from three-point range but lack the volume to consistently stretch defenses.
Rebounding and limiting turnovers will be key for San Diego State. They average 35.3 rebounds per game but will need to contend with Creighton’s size and physicality on the boards to secure second-chance opportunities.
Creighton Bluejays
Creighton, with a 4-1 record, is coming off a disappointing 74-63 loss to Nebraska, where their shooting woes were exposed. The Bluejays shot just 28.6% from three-point range, despite attempting a school-record 42 shots from deep. Without Steven Ashworth, Creighton will need its other stars to step up, particularly Ryan Kalkbrenner, who had a quiet game against Nebraska. Ryan Kalkbrenner is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 21.4 points per game, and his presence in the paint will be vital.
The Bluejays will also look to Pop Isaacs, who had a season-high 25 points against Nebraska. His ability to score from beyond the arc and create his own shot will be crucial in breaking down San Diego State’s defense. Isaacs has shown he can rise to the occasion in big games, and his Las Vegas roots add extra motivation for this tournament.
Creighton’s defense will need to focus on containing Boyd and the Aztecs’ perimeter shooters. Despite the loss of Ashworth, the Bluejays boast depth in their backcourt, with players like Jason Neal stepping into larger roles. Neal’s playmaking ability and defensive tenacity will be tested against a physical San Diego State team.
Pick and Prediction
This game will likely be decided by which team can impose its style of play. San Diego State’s defense and rebounding prowess will challenge Creighton’s high-powered offense, especially with Ashworth sidelined. Kalkbrenner’s ability to dominate the paint and Isaacs’ perimeter shooting will be critical for the Bluejays.
Expect a close contest with both teams trading blows throughout. Creighton’s depth and home-state advantage in Las Vegas give them a slight edge, but San Diego State’s defense will keep it competitive.
- Prediction: Creighton 71, San Diego State 67
