Box Score

Eighth-ranked Creighton used a quick start and got 21 points from Maurice Watson, Jr., to post a 75-64 win over Butler Wednesday night in Omaha, Neb. The host Bluejays shot 55 percent from the field to improve to 16-1 overall and 4-1 in BIG EAST play.

Butler entered the contest ranked No. 12 and 13, respectively, in this week's national polls. The Bulldogs are now 14-3 (3-2).

"I have to give Creighton a lot of credit," said Butler coach Chris Holtmann. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. Right now, we're just not good enough to take on a team like this, especially on the road. The first half showed that."

The Bluejays used 60-percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes to take a 47-27 lead at the half. Butler shot only 34 percent in the opening half, including just 2-of-11 from behind the arc. That was nine points more than the previous high for a Butler opponent in the first half and tied Butler's lowest output in a half so far this season.
Avery Woodson led Butler with 14 points. Six other Bulldogs scored between six and nine points.

For the game, Creighton shot 55 percent from the field. In addition to Watson's night, three other Bluejays were in double figures including a double-double for Khyri Thomas.

In the second half, Butler was able to trim the lead to 15 on several occasions, but only got under that total in the final 90 seconds of the contest.
Butler shot 41 percent on the night.

Creighton visits Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, hosting rival Xavier in a match-up of Top 15 programs. The 2 p.m. tip will air nationally on FS1. Tickets for the contest are sold out, but tickets remain for Butler's Monday game against Marquette. The game, which is part of the BIG EAST's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Marathon, tips at Noon.

(Photo courtesy of A.J. Olnes)