In an electrifying matchup at Lexington, Kentucky, the Creighton Bluejays delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Louisville Cardinals 89-75 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2025. Jamiya Neal was the standout star for Creighton, scoring a career-high 29 points and bringing down 12 rebounds, while Steven Ashworth added 22 points, showcasing remarkable shooting from beyond the three-point line.

This victory marks the Bluejays' fifth consecutive win in the opening game of March Madness and cements their stature with two wins against top 10 teams this season. Creighton, now holding a record of 25-10, demonstrated that their seventh seed in the tournament belied their abilities.

Head coach Greg McDermott emphasized their strategy, saying, “We felt like we had to win the 3-point-line battle. We did what we could to force them into 2s, and if they shot 3s, they’d be challenged." The tactical focus paid off, as Creighton effectively pressured Louisville into low-percentage shots throughout the game.

Next up for Creighton will be a challenging second round against the tournament's No. 1 overall seed, Auburn, which triumphed over Alabama State 83-63. The Bluejays aim for their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five years.

Despite their loss, Louisville showed significant improvement this season, boasting a record of 27-8 under first-year coach Pat Kelsey. The team, which has integrated many new transfers, made their first March Madness appearance since 2019. Kelsey acknowledged Creighton's performance, stating, “They were the better team today.”

The game started off cold for the Bluejays, but with Ashworth and Jackson McAndrew heating up from the three-point line, they orchestrated a remarkable 12-0 run that shifted the game's momentum. Ashworth's impressive shooting helped them extend their lead to 20 points by halftime, ultimately allowing them to control the pace throughout the second half.

Neal, who transferred from Arizona State, was pivotal in the second half, scoring 17 points after halftime, surpassing his previous best of 24 against UConn. Fifth-year senior Ryan Kalkbrenner contributed 14 points as he looks to increase his postseason experience.

On the other hand, Louisville struggled offensively, shooting only 30 of 70 (43%) overall and a disappointing 8 of 29 from three-point range. Reyne Smith, the Cardinals' key perimeter player, faced a setback when he re-injured his ankle midway through the second half, leaving him visibly distressed on the court.

As the tournament continues, March Madness remains unpredictable — with thrilling performances and heart-wrenching injuries — keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Can the Creighton Bluejays continue their winning streak against Auburn? Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament heats up!