OMAHA, Neb.

In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Big East Conference preseason player of the year, lit up the scoreboard with a career-high 49 points, leading 15th-ranked Creighton to a thrilling 99-86 victory over the UT-Rio Grande Valley in their season opener on Wednesday night.

Standing at an imposing 7-foot-1, the fifth-year center showcased his remarkable shooting prowess, hitting an impressive 20 of his 22 attempts from the field. Kalkbrenner also drained both of his 3-point attempts and converted 7 of 8 free throws while contributing 11 rebounds and blocking three shots in a performance that left fans and analysts in awe.

“We went into the game with a plan to establish me in the post, and I focused on executing that plan,” Kalkbrenner shared. He emphasized his commitment to each play, saying, “I was just trying to make the next one.”

His remarkable scoring feat not only secured the win but also placed him among the elite in Big East history:

Historic Stats

- **Fifth-most points** in a game in Big East history.

- **Second-most points** in Creighton history, just behind Bob Portman's 51 points in 1967.

- **Second-most** points scored by a player in a season opener over the past 25 years, only surpassed by Arkansas' Rotnei Clarke with 51 points in 2009.

- His **20 made field goals** tied the single-game Big East record, a mark previously held by Providence's MarShon Brooks in 2011.

- Kalkbrenner’s **91% shooting accuracy** is the highest for a Division I player scoring at least 45 points in a game over the last quarter-century.

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott praised Kalkbrenner’s hard work in the offseason, stating, “To come out and perform under the spotlight like he did is something special. He truly deserves this recognition.”

As the game neared its conclusion, the electrified crowd encouraged Kalkbrenner to shoot for that elusive 50-point mark. However, unaware that he was just one point shy, he chose to pass the ball to a teammate and let the clock wind down. “Having a great first game is fantastic,” he stated, “but we’re only just getting started. There are still many games left that will mean even more.”

As he exited the court, fans erupted in joy, chanting “MVP! MVP!” for the standout player.

Despite Kalkbrenner's exceptional performance, Creighton faced a challenge from the Vaqueros, who remained competitive until the final moments. Hasan Abdul Hakim led the Vaqueros’ effort with 24 points, and teammates Cliff Davis and DK Thorn contributed 17 each, narrowing the score to 87-82 with just 2:37 remaining.

Kalkbrenner, who averaged 14 points per game throughout his career, contemplated entering the NBA draft after last season but opted to return for a fifth year to further refine his skills. Coach McDermott remarked on their long-standing relationship, stating, “It’s been a blessing to coach him. He’s as eager to learn now as he was as a freshman.”

As the Bluejays gear up for the rest of the season, fans and analysts are buzzing with excitement about the possibilities ahead, particularly with Kalkbrenner leading the charge. Will this phenomenal start foreshadow an unforgettable season for Creighton and their star center? Only time will tell!