Villanova Wildcats vs. Creighton Bluejays Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

Villanova may be finding its groove at a favorable moment.

The Wildcats will take on Creighton in their first road game of the Big East Conference on Saturday afternoon in Omaha, Nebraska, riding a five-game winning streak.

In their last three games, Villanova (8-4, 1-0) has been efficient on offense, shooting over 55 percent from the field.

Coach Kyle Neptune attributes this success to the team's unselfishness and trust in each other.

Eric Dixon, who is currently tied for first in the country with 25.7 points per game, has historically performed well against Creighton, averaging 28.5 points per game last season and 19.5 points per game in eight career matchups.

In Tuesday's 79-67 win against Seton Hall, Dixon scored 25 points while guard Tyler Perkins added 17 points off the bench.

Neptune praised Perkins for his defensive efforts and energy, noting that he is also a reliable scorer for the team.

Creighton (7-5, 0-1) has struggled in the first half of their losses this season, but boasts a 6-1 home record, including a win against then-No. 1 Kansas. However, they will be looking to bounce back from a tough 81-57 loss to Georgetown in their Big East opener.

According to Creighton coach Greg McDermott, the team will need to adjust to opponents' defensive strategies in order to be successful in the Big East.

Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, and Steven Ashworth lead the Bluejays in scoring with 16.7 points per game each.

Ashworth currently holds the longest active streak of consecutive games with at least one 3-point basket in the Big East, with 30 games.

Villanova has utilized different zone defenses this season, which may be a key strategy in their matchup against Creighton.

Neptune explains that this approach forces opponents into difficult shots and limits their scoring opportunities.

The teams split their two games last season, with each game being decided by just two points. Villanova's victory came in overtime.

This will be the third time in four seasons that Villanova will face Creighton in a pre-Christmas matchup on the road. The teams have split the previous two encounters.

Overall, Villanova holds a 19-9 record against Creighton, but has a slightly less successful record of 6-5 when playing at Creighton.

PREDICTION

Villanova Wildcats

Creighton Bluejays

Villanova Wildcats vs. Creighton Bluejays Recap DEC 21TH 2024

Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 23 points and Jamiya Neal sizzled from the perimeter on his way to 20 points as Creighton held off Villanova for an 86-79 victory Saturday at Omaha, Neb.

Steven Ashworth added 20 points and 11 assists and Jackson McAndrew had 13 points for Creighton (8-5, 1-1 Big East), which shook off a loss at Georgetown early in the week to improve to 7-1 in home games.

Eric Dixon, the nation's leading scorer, pumped in 27 points for Villanova (8-5, 1-1), but the Wildcats' five-game winning streak ended. Dixon was 10-for-17 from the floor with four 3-point baskets.

Woogla Poplar's 19 points and 10 rebounds and Jhamir Brickus' 16 points also helped Villanova, which couldn't pull off the road victory despite being charged with one turnover.

Creighton doubled Villanova's number of 3-point baskets (14 to seven). The Bluejays were charged with only eight fouls, so Villanova was limited to 7-for-9 on free throws.

Creighton was up 67-53 with 10 minutes to play before the Wildcats made a move. The gap dipped to nine points, but Neal's 3-pointer restored the 14-point margin at 78-64.

Villanova responded by scoring the next six points, aided by Creighton going more than three minutes without scoring. Neal hit another 3 to thwart the comeback.

During its winning streak, Villanova never allowed more than 72 points, but Creighton reached the 40-point mark in both halves.

Kalkbrenner, the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, finished 10-for-15 from the field, while Neal sank five of six attempts from 3-point range. Ashworth and McAndrew both made three 3-pointers.

The Bluejays, who trailed at halftime in four of their five losses, clung to a 40-38 lead at the break. Neal kept Villanova within range by scoring the team's first 11 points of the second half.

Creighton's reserves accounted for only two points.

Villanova fell to 6-6 in road games vs. Creighton.