The Creighton Bluejays (12‑8, 6‑3 BIG EAST) travel to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum on Jan 27 at 8:30 p.m. Central to face the Marquette Golden Eagles (7‑14, 2‑8 BIG EAST). A win could push Creighton into second place behind Villanova, while Marquette looks to spark a comeback and stay alive for the BIG EAST tournament and improve their NCAA tournament résumé.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
Tip‑off is set for 8:30 p.m. Central at the Fiserv Forum. The matchup will be shown nationally on TNT with a simulcast on truTV. Viewers can also stream the game live via the Watch TNT app or HBO Max, and cord‑cutters may use Sling TV packages that include TNT and truTV.
Why This Game Matters in the BIG EAST
At the midpoint of the conference schedule, every victory reshapes the standings. Creighton sits just two games behind league leader Villanova and needs a win to solidify a top‑three seed for the postseason tournament. For Marquette, a triumph would lift them to 3‑8 in conference play, keeping postseason hopes alive and potentially moving them out of the league’s lower tier.
Recent Form and Key Players
Creighton Bluejays
After a rocky start, Creighton strung together four straight wins in December, highlighted by a 78‑71 victory over No. 23 Xavier. Senior guard Ryan Nembhard averages 15.2 points, 4.8 assists and shoots 42 % from three‑point range. Forward Alex O’Connell adds 11.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while sophomore guard Jalen Wilson provides a defensive spark off the bench.
Marquette Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles have lost five of their last six games. Senior point guard Tyler Kolek is battling a shoulder issue, limiting his shooting efficiency to 38 % this month. Junior forward Justin Lewis leads the team with 16.1 points per game, but the supporting cast has struggled to generate consistent secondary scoring.
Head‑to‑Head History
The teams met earlier this season at the “Battle in the Blue” event in St. Louis, where Creighton edged Marquette 71‑66. That contest showcased Creighton’s ability to execute in clutch moments, a trait they will aim to replicate on the road.
Betting Angles to Watch
- First‑Half Performance: Creighton has covered the first‑half spread in 68 % of its games, while Marquette covers only 42 %.
- Three‑Point Shooting: Creighton ranks 12th nationally at 38.9 % from beyond the arc; Marquette’s defense allows opponents to hit 35.2 %.
- Rebound Margin: Marquette averages 31.4 rebounds per game versus Creighton’s 35.1, giving the Bluejays a potential edge on the glass.
Implications for the BIG EAST Standings
A Creighton victory would cement a second‑place position behind Villanova and position the team as a potential #2 seed in the conference tournament, often translating into a more favorable NCAA bracket. It would also push Creighton past the 20‑win mark for the first time this season, a psychological milestone heading into the final stretch. Conversely, a Marquette upset could tighten the middle of the standings, pulling Villanova and Seton Hall into a closer race for the top three seeds.
How to Watch the Game
East Coast fans can catch the live broadcast on TNT at 8:30 p.m. ET, with a simulcast on truTV. Cable subscribers may stream via Watch TNT or HBO Max using provider credentials. Cord‑cutters can take advantage of Sling TV’s free trial that includes both networks. Radio listeners in the Omaha market can follow the action on KOZN (1620 AM) and KOOO (101.9 FM).
Final Takeaway
The Creighton‑Marquette showdown is a pivotal test for two divergent BIG EAST narratives. Creighton seeks to cement its tournament contender status, while Marquette fights to salvage a season that has fallen short of expectations. With veteran leaders, emerging talent, and high stakes on both sides, Tuesday night at Fiserv Forum promises a defining moment in the 2024‑25 college basketball calendar.
