Kalkbrenner Leads Creighton To Road Win At Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner had 35 points and 12 rebounds to lead Creighton men's basketball to an 80-69 win at Providence on Wednesday night. Kalkbrenner's output was the second-highest scoring output of his career, trailing only his 49 points in the season-opener vs. UTRGV.

Creighton improved to 17-6 with its eighth straight win, moving into sole possession of second place in the BIG EAST with a 10-2 league mark. CU's eight straight league wins tie a program record since joining the BIG EAST in 2013. Providence dropped to 11-12 and is now 5-7 in BIG EAST action.

The first half featured five ties and nine lead changes, with seniors Kalkbrenner (15) and Steven Ashworth (13) combining for 28 of CU's final 34 points en route to a 40-39 lead at the break. Kalkbrenner scored CU's final 10 points before the break, including a pair of dunks, a three-pointer and four free throws. CU committed just one turnover before the break. Jayden Pierre had 10 points and five assists before the break to pace PC. The Friars, who shot 4-for-20 from three-point range in Omaha, made 7-of-12 shots from distance in the first half on Wednesday evening.

With Creighton clinging to a 64-63 lead, Kalkbrenner buried a three-pointer before hammering home his fifth dunk of the game to give CU a 69-63 lead. Though PC answered with a three-pointer by Rich Barron, Kalkbrenner put in another lay-up before a triple from Ashworth gave CU a 74-66 lead.

Following the final media timeout Providence guard Bensley Joseph knocked down a triple, but Kalkbrenner made a pair at the line to put CU up 76-69 with 2:48 left. Jamiya Neal then finished a lay-up in transition and made two free throws with 1:02 remaining as CU's lead grew to 80-69.

Kalkbrenner had 35 points and 12 rebounds, while Ashworth accounted for 23 points. Creighton made 18-of-21 free throws and tied the rebound battle, 39-39.

Corey Floyd Jr. had 16 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double, and Pierre added 14 points.

Creighton is back in action on Saturday at 1 p.m. when it hosts No. 11 Marquette.