Star duo look to keep carrying Creighton vs. Providence

Field Level Media|published: Tue 14th January, 04:02 2025

Jan 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) blocks a shot attempt from Butler Bulldogs forward Jahmyl Telfort (11) during the second half at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth look to continue their torrid play when Creighton hosts Providence on Tuesday night in Omaha, Neb.

Kalkbrenner erupted for 26 points, nine rebounds and a season-high six blocks as the Bluejays (10-6, 3-2 Big East) recorded their third win in four games with an 80-76 victory over reeling Butler on Saturday. The Big East Preseason Player of the Year has 58 points, 30 boards and 11 blocked shots over his past three games.

Kalkbrenner will be honored prior to the Tuesday game for scoring his 2,000th career point in a 79-71 loss at then-No. 8 Marquette on Jan. 3.

Ashworth collected 22 points, a career-high 12 rebounds and nine assists vs. the Bulldogs. He has 53 points, 21 boards and 23 assists in his past three games.

Impressive numbers to be certain, but there is one aspect of Ashworth's game that has been a pronounced struggle of late.

Ashworth let out a sigh of relief after he made a 3-point attempt on Saturday -- this on the heels of misfiring on his previous seven attempts from deep in the contest. And that came following a dismal 1-for-13 performance from behind the arc in the meeting with Marquette.

"That was a blessing from heaven. I needed one to go down," Ashworth said, per the Omaha World-Herald. "Shooters keep shooting, and that's what we're going to do, and that's what I did."

Providence's Bensley Joseph likely would echo a similar sentiment in regard to shooting. He made 15 of 23 shots from the field to lead the Friars (9-8, 3-3) to a pair of victories last week after the team lost eight of its previous 10 games.

Coming off the bench, Joseph recorded career-high totals in points (28) and made 3-pointers (seven) in Providence's 91-85 win over visiting Seton Hall on Saturday.

"Doing anything in any possible way to help my team win," Joseph said, per the Providence Journal. "Whether it's coming off the bench, whether it's starting -- just going out there and playing as hard as we can."

Oswin Erhunmwunse notched his first career double-double with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds against Seton Hall. He also blocked a career-high five shots.

--Field Level Media

Latest