Senior guard Austin Swartz erupted for a career‑high 33 points, leading Creighton past Georgetown 86‑83 after a dramatic overtime finish. The comeback snapped a potential skid, lifted the Bluejays to 11‑7 overall and 5‑2 in Big East play, and positioned them as a serious contender heading into their next clash with Providence.
Game‑Changing Performance
Swartz took control in the final minutes, knocking down a flurry of three‑pointers to shrink a 76‑69 deficit. After a key steal and a pass to Ryan Poulsen for a clutch jumper, Swartz tied the game with a contested three and delivered the go‑ahead basket that forced overtime. He added six more points in the extra period while Creighton’s defense forced two turnovers to seal the win.
Season Context for Creighton
Entering the Georgetown game, the Bluejays hovered at 10‑7, balancing between the Big East’s upper and middle tiers. Their 5‑2 conference record puts them one game behind the leaders, though recent losses to St. John’s and a narrow defeat at Providence highlighted inconsistency. Swartz’s 33‑point night marks the first 30‑plus performance for a Creighton player this 2025‑26 season and boosts a roster still coping with the loss of forward Jayden Miller.
Big East Implications
The overtime victory improves Creighton’s conference standing to 5‑2, keeping them within striking distance of a top‑four seed. The win also showcases the team’s resilience, a quality that will be tested when they travel to Providence, a team struggling offensively but dangerous at home.
Preview: Creighton vs. Providence
Coach Greg McDermott is likely to emphasize a motion offense that exploits Swartz’s shooting range and opens lanes for sophomore guard Mark Vernon. Providence coach Ed Cooper should lean on a high‑press defense aimed at disrupting Creighton’s rhythm. Key matchups include Swartz versus Friars’ sharpshooter Malik Gordon and center Jordan Henderson against Providence forward Danny Larsen.
Injuries and Depth
Creighton will be without Miller, sidelined for the season with a Grade‑2 ankle sprain. Backup forward Trevor Cole steps into a starting role, averaging 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds. Sophomore point guard Trey Hall remains questionable with a sore wrist, which could provide additional playmaking if cleared.
Providence faces its own concerns, with senior forward Jalen Morris listed day‑to‑day after a recent concussion, leaving uncertainty in their frontcourt depth.
Looking Ahead
If Creighton can replicate the intensity shown against Georgetown, they are poised to extend their winning streak and solidify a top‑four Big East finish. Swartz’s emergence as a primary scorer reshapes the Bluejays’ offense and forces opponents to adjust, creating new opportunities for his teammates. A victory at Providence would strengthen their conference record and send a clear message that Creighton is back in the hunt for Big East glory and March Madness.
