Box Score

A second-half comeback fell short for the Bulldogs as No. 25 Creighton pulled out an 85-74 win at CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb., Tuesday night. Butler turned a 17-point halftime deficit into a six-point game with less than four minutes to play.

Creighton improves to 14-3 overall and 4-1 in BIG EAST play. The Bulldogs have lost three straight games – all against ranked opponents – to stand at 12-6 on the season and 2-3 in conference play.

Marcus Foster led Creighton with 23 points. Martin Krampelj had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

"They got comfortable early, and we didn't want to allow them to do that, especially in this environment," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "It's tough to dig out of that hole. I'm proud of the fight to get it back to a two-possession game. Just needed one or two more to fall at that time. We'll get back in the film room and be better for the next one."

Twenty-one of Foster's points came in the first half as Creighton took a 49-32 lead after 20 minutes. The Bluejays committed only one turnover in the opening half, using a 22-6 run midway through to turn a 19-18 lead into a 41-24 advantage. Creighton made seven of eight shots during a portion of the run.

Back-to-back Kelan Martin baskets in the paint pulled Butler within six at 74-68 at 3:55 to play. However, the Bulldogs could not push any closer than that. Earlier in the half, Butler made six straight baskets to pull within 10 (65-55) for the first time since midway through the first half.

Paul Jorgensen led Butler with 18 points. He was one of four Bulldogs in double figures, followed by Kamar Baldwin (15), Aaron Thompson (12) and Martin (10). Martin added 11 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season.

Creighton shot 54 percent in the contest and had 23 assists on 33 makes. Butler shot 47 percent.

The Bulldogs return to Hinkle Fieldhouse for a Friday night match-up with Marquette. Tickets are still available for the 6:30 p.m. tip. The game will air on FS1.