Creighton Upsets No. 15 Iowa State in Players Era Festival Shocker

The Creighton Bluejays delivered a stunning blow to a top-ranked team. They defeated the No. 15 Iowa State Cyclones 71-58 on November 25. The game was part of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

This victory marks a significant statement for Creighton’s early season. It hands Iowa State its first loss after a perfect 5-0 start. The Cyclones’ offensive struggles were the story of the night.

Bluejays Dominate with Early Barrage

Creighton seized control immediately and never relented. They built a commanding 46-23 lead by halftime. A devastating 23-0 run in the first half essentially decided the contest early.

Nik Graves led the Bluejays with 13 points and 5 assists. His playmaking set the tone. Austin Swartz and Fedor Žugić provided crucial scoring support throughout the game.

According to Reuters, Iowa State’s shooting was historically cold. The Cyclones failed to make a single three-pointer. They finished 0-for-14 from beyond the arc.

Cyclones’ Offensive Woes Prove Costly

Iowa State’s undefeated record crumbled due to poor shooting. Beyond the three-point disaster, they shot only 36.1% from the field overall. Free throws were also a problem, hitting just 58.3%.

Joshua Jefferson was a bright spot with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. His effort alone could not compensate for the team’s overall inefficiency. The Cyclones managed only 6 total assists, highlighting stagnant ball movement.

Creighton, in contrast, executed a clean and balanced game plan. They shot 40% from the field and a solid 81.8% from the free-throw line. Their 13 assists demonstrated effective team offense.

This resounding victory solidifies Creighton as a serious contender early in the season. The Bluejays exposed a key vulnerability in a highly-ranked Iowa State squad. This Players Era Festival upset will resonate as both teams enter conference play.

Dropping this nugget your way

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 multi-team Players Era Festival tournament happening this week.

What was Iowa State’s record before this loss?

The Cyclones were a perfect 5-0 before facing Creighton. This loss is their first of the 2025-26 season and drops their record to 5-1.

How did Creighton build such a big lead?

They used a massive 23-0 scoring run in the first half. Combined with Iowa State’s ice-cold shooting, this created an insurmountable deficit by halftime.

What does this mean for Iowa State’s ranking?

As a top-15 team, a 13-point loss will likely cause them to fall in the next AP Top 25 poll. The severity of the shooting performance is a major concern for voters.

Who was the leading scorer for Creighton?

Guard Nik Graves led the Bluejays with 13 points. He also added 5 assists, directing the offense effectively during their key runs.

Did any key players miss the game?

Yes, Iowa State played without star guard Tamin Lipsey. His absence undoubtedly impacted their backcourt execution and ball movement against Creighton’s defense.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, NCAA Official Statistics