Kalkbrenner Shines, Creighton Downs UT-RGV

The Creighton Bluejays began their season with a 99-86 win over UT Rio Grande Valley from the Southland Conference. Despite some early stumbles, it was a strong opener that showcased standout performances, particularly from Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Creighton’s expected starting lineup saw a late change as Pop Isaacs, who scored 24 points in a recent scrimmage win over Purdue, missed the game due to a hip tweak. Yet, the night belonged entirely to Ryan Kalkbrenner. The fifth-year center and Big East preseason Player of the Year dazzled with an extraordinary 49-point performance, shooting 20-22 from the field (90.9%)—the second-highest single-game point total in Creighton history, just shy of Bob Portman’s record. Kalkbrenner also tallied 11 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.

Kalkbrenner’s stat line was historic: he became the first Division I or NBA player to score 45+ points on such efficient shooting (missing no more than three field goals or free throws) since Dirk Nowitzki’s playoff run in 2011. His 49 points were also the most by any Division I player on 90% shooting in the last 40 years, if not ever.

Steven Ashworth contributed a solid 25 points, with an impressive 17-17 from the free-throw line—a new Creighton record for free throws without a miss. Ashworth added seven rebounds and seven assists, quietly filling up the stat sheet on both ends.

Despite the win, the game was certainly a mixed bag for the Jays, who struggled to get stops defensively. UTRGV shot 4-7 from beyond the arc early, taking an initial lead. By halftime, the Vaqueros had made 8-17 three-pointers, benefiting from Creighton defenders going under screens and loosening their on-ball coverage against UTRGV’s high-volume shooting. Ashworth noted that Creighton’s defensive issues were "all about toughness" in the post-game press conference. The Bluejays have two more tune-up style games to ramp up their defensive efforts before facing a skilled UMKC team, a potential Summit League champion.

Offensively, Creighton found success right from the start. Kalkbrenner dominated the post, putting up 20 points by halftime, a personal best. Isaac Traudt also provided an offensive spark with two three-pointers in the first half and finished with 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting. Traudt appears far more confident this season, and continues to be Creighton's best option for offensive production at the four.

UTRGV tried a 1-3-1 zone in the second half, but a three-pointer from Traudt quickly dismantled that approach. Meanwhile, Creighton’s trio of wings outside of Traudt—Mason Miller, Jasen Green, and Jamiya Neal—struggled offensively, combining for just 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting and committing nine turnovers. The three of them simply have to be better for Creighton to achieve the type of success they desire. Ryan Kalkbrenner, although incredible, won't be able to bail you out with 49 points every night. A note that Isaacs’ absence forced Neal to play the two, a role he hasn't had much experience with.

Freshman guard Ty Davis was a bright spot off the bench, registering five rebounds, two assists, and two points with a +16 plus-minus. Davis showcased high IQ and court vision and could have a really solid Bluejay career with further development, especially on defense.

Creighton’s reliance on Kalkbrenner was evident: the team was -8 in the four minutes he spent on the bench. For a top-15 team, the Bluejays must find ways to stay competitive without their star center on the floor.

After this phenomenal performance, Kalkbrenner has made a strong early case for National Player of the Year, and his outing has undoubtedly garnered national attention. The Bluejays will return to the court against Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday at 4 PM, with coverage on FS1.