One of the newest and most intriguing new members of the Big East conference is the Creighton Blue Jays. The former MVC powerhouse takes its home court for the first time ever within the Big East when Marquette rolls to town.
The Eagles are 9.5 point underdogs in this game, a testimony to the overall difference in offensive efficiency between the two programs. While Creighton has one of the nation’s best offensive players in Doug McDermott, Marquette boasts only two players in double figures.
But while the Golden Eagles might not be an intriguing proposition for some, I like what they bring to the table here. They are an athletic, gritty and well coached bunch. They have to players in Juan Anderson and Jamil Wilson whom they can throw at McDermott, and also feature nice depth to go along with having played a difficult schedule in preparation for this moment.
Creighton has faltered when faced with versatile and athletic teams. They proved that in losses to San Diego State and George Washington. They have good firepower, however, and steady guard play in the form of Grant Gibbs, Devin Brooks and Austin Chatman. While this team is about more than just McDermott, they are a finesse bunch.
Only seven teams shoot the three ball more often than this group does, but they back it up by averaging 49% from downtown. They are also steady at the line and perform the sports most necessary function, shooting, at a better clip than almost anyone.
While Buzz Williams has his hands full here, but you have to like what he has proven capable of over the years. Williams is a savvy coach who knows how to get the most out of his team. While the offense has been slow to come, they have showed improvement over time. They have routed weaker opponents the way a decent team should, and their losses really don’t look all that bad.
More importantly, however, is their veteran attitude. They feature four seniors and three juniors on a group that goes about ten deep. Deonte Burton and JaJuan Johnson are supremely talented freshmen who, along with senior sharpshooter Jake Thomas, provide outstanding depth to a backcourt that will need to be in charge come the second half of this one.
You have to worry about Marquette’s ability to play from behind on the road against a club that is dynamite at home. Creighton can turn a four point game into a ten point deficit at the drop of a hat given the way they shoot it from deep.
Still, the current spread is just too high. I bought the half point up to ten, and do not see this team, with all its veterans and coaching, going down easily in their conference opener.
Marquette +10
