Creighton Bluejays Face Xavier Musketeers in Crucial Matchup

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Creighton Bluejays (20-8, 13-4 BIG EAST) will play the Xavier Musketeers (18-10, 10-7 BIG EAST) on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Cintas Center at 3:30 p.m. Central. This matchup is critical for both teams as they near the conclusion of the regular season.

Creighton is making its final road trip of the season, seeking to extend its recent success after winning 11 of its last 13 games. The Bluejays, currently in second place in the BIG EAST standings, aim to solidify their position and improve their NCAA Tournament seeding.

Xavier, on the other hand, is riding a wave of momentum, having won four consecutive games before a bye week. The Musketeers, fighting for their tournament hopes, need to continue their winning streak to secure a better position when the conference tournament begins.

Creighton is led by senior Ryan Kalkbrenner, who has been a force on both ends of the court, averaging 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game this season. Kalkbrenner’s dominant performances have earned him recognition as one of the top players in the BIG EAST. He was named the Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year and has been pivotal in Creighton’s recent success.

In addition to Kalkbrenner, Steven Ashworth has emerged as a critical player for Creighton, averaging 17 points and 6.9 assists per game. As a veteran guard, Ashworth’s ability to create opportunities and maintain ball security will be essential against a formidable Xavier defense.

The Musketeers are led by forward Zach Freemantle, who has been consistent with 16.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His return from injury has significantly boosted Xavier’s postseason hopes. The team also counts on Ryan Conwell and Dayvion McKnight to provide scoring depth within their high-powered offense.

Historically, matches between Creighton and Xavier have been closely contested, with many games within single-digit margins. In their previous meeting earlier in the season, Creighton emerged victorious, and they are looking to replicate that success, aiming for a rare back-to-back sweep over the Musketeers.

Fans can listen to the game on KOZN (1620 AM) and KOOO (101.9 FM), with John Bishop providing play-by-play. The game will also be televised on FOX, with Brandon Gaudin and Robbie Hummel calling the action. For those who prefer digital viewing, a live stream will be available on the FOX Sports website.

With the stakes high for both teams, this matchup will be crucial not just for standings but also for momentum heading into the postseason. As the Bluejays seek their fourth consecutive win against Xavier, the Musketeers will aim to defend their home court and enhance their playoff position.