Creighton Stuns No. 15 Iowa State in Players Era Festival Upset

The Creighton Bluejays delivered a stunning blow to the undefeated No. 15 Iowa State Cyclones. They secured a decisive 71-58 victory on November 25th. The game was a part of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

This loss marks the first blemish on Iowa State’s previously perfect 5-0 record. The Cyclones were heavily favored but could not overcome a massive first-half deficit. Creighton’s dominant performance sends a strong message to the college basketball world.

How the Bluejays Built an Insurmountable Lead

Creighton came out with explosive energy from the opening tip. They executed their offense with precision and locked down defensively. The Bluejays built a commanding 46-23 lead by halftime.

Nik Graves led the offensive charge for Creighton. He finished the game with 13 points and 5 assists. Austin Swartz and Fedor Žugić provided crucial scoring support to stretch the lead.

Iowa State struggled immensely with their shooting. The Cyclones went 0-for-14 from the three-point line in the game. This catastrophic shooting performance made a comeback nearly impossible.

Analyzing the Cyclones’ Historic Shooting Collapse

The story of the game was Iowa State’s inability to score from distance. According to ESPN’s game statistics, their 0% three-point shooting was a critical factor. It highlighted a complete offensive breakdown for a ranked team.

Joshua Jefferson was a bright spot for the Cyclones, recording a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. His individual effort, however, was not enough to compensate for the team’s overall struggles. The Cyclones shot a meager 36.1% from the field overall.

Creighton’s defense deserves significant credit for this upset. They contested shots effectively and controlled the tempo. The Bluejays also won the rebounding battle, grabbing 42 boards to Iowa State’s 39.

Creighton’s victory over a top-15 opponent provides massive momentum early in the season. It proves their capability to compete at the highest level. This upset will likely see them enter the national conversation.

Thought you’d like to know-

Where was the Creighton vs. Iowa State game played?

The game was held at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was part of the Players Era Festival tournament. The neutral site hosted several high-profile college basketball matchups.

What was the final score of the game?

Creighton defeated Iowa State with a final score of 71-58. The Bluejays led by 23 points at halftime. Iowa State could not close the gap in the second half.

Who was the leading scorer for Creighton?

Nik Graves was the top scorer for the Bluejays with 13 points. He also contributed 5 assists in the victory. His backcourt leadership was essential to the win.

How did this loss affect Iowa State’s ranking?

The loss dropped Iowa State from its undefeated 5-0 record to 5-1. As a ranked No. 15 team, they are expected to fall in the next AP Top 25 poll. Such a significant defeat often leads to a drop in rankings.

What was Iowa State’s biggest weakness in the game?

Their three-point shooting was historically bad. The team missed all 14 of their attempts from beyond the arc. This shooting slump was the primary reason for their offensive failure.

What tournament did this game belong to?

The matchup was part of the Players Era Festival. This multi-team event features several prominent college basketball programs. Games are played in Las Vegas throughout November.