photo credits: (Nati Harnik/AP)
Early on I sensed a blow out. L. J. Peak and D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera combined for the first nine points before an official timeout during the first half. DSR tallied in 24 points today. He’d managed a season-low five points when the teams met Jan. 3 in Washington. “I didn’t think back to that,” Smith-Rivera said. “I just wanted to start the game off being aggressive and making sure the guys ere aggressive also.“We didn’t want to have any let-up throughout the game offensively or defensively.”
As the Hoyas missed five jump shots and Creighton went on an 8-0 run. The score was 12-10 in favor of the Hoyas. On Creighton’s next position Avery Dingman’s three pointer briefly gave his team a 13-12 lead with 10:52 until half time.
With 7:42 to go in the half, it’was senior Aaron Bowen’s energy off of the bench that gave the Hoyas a 17-15 lead making one of two free throws. In eleven minutes Bowen had four rebounds. Bowen helped set the tone for the remainder of the first half. “That was a battle of toughness, and we certainly weren’t up to the challenge,” McDermott said. “They were focused and they played with energy. They played with enthusiasm and we did not.
With the first half winding down Smith-Rivera hit five points in a row stretching the lead to 24-16 with 2:49 left in the first half. Isaac Copeland (7 pts. 8 rebs. 1ast., 1 blk.) scored the Hoyas next four points to end the half 28-16. He had a put back dunk as the last shot sending a statement and the tone for the second half. That’s all about having each other’s back.
Senior Jabril Trawick (15 pts., 4 rebs.) started things off for the Hoyas in the second half knocking down one of his three point shots. Trawick shot 3-5 from the three point line today. Another three pointer came soon after by DSR extending the lead 34-17. “Coming out of halftime, if they hit one or two shots, it’s a whole different tone to the second half,” Thompson said. “Fortunately, we h two or three shots and the 11 extends.“I thought that first part of the second half was key.”
Due to the Hoyas’ intense defense, Creighton couldn’t seem to put any points up. “They missed a few shots that they normally make,” Thompson said. Hoyas are leading the Big East in scoring defense in league games. Hoyanation, you have to love the way the Hoyas are diving for loose balls, this shows they want it!
Trawick was fouled on the Hoyas next possession. He made both free throws increasing the lead 36-17 with 16:05 left in the game.
With 13:00 to go in the game Trawick, again, knocked down a three point shot inceasing the Hoyas lead by twenty-five points, 43-18.
Under six minutes Creighton tried to make one last run but the Hoyas still would not be denied. DSR continued his three point rampage taking the Hoyas back up by twenty points 59-39. The Hoyas would go on to get the bounce back road win by sweeping Creighton. Good defense Hoyas! Creighton only shot 20%. Hoyas shot 50.0% 26-52, 43.5% 10-23 in 3’s, 55.0% 5-9 ft’s, 10 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, and 10 turnovers. The Hoyas outrebounded the Blue Jays 38-36.
The Hoyas refocused and bounced back with a with a sense of urgency in a big road win against the Blue Jays. What more can you ask for going into their next game at the phone booth vs. the Providence Friars. Momentum. Hoya Saxa!
Hoyas, Back In Stride Again!
Photo Showcase: Hoyas vs. Creighton click on link below
http://odc.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=5002&p=5724
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