Shocking Upsets Rock College Basketball as Unranked Creighton Stuns No. 1 Kansas!
2024-12-05
Author: Ting
Shocking Upsets Rock College Basketball as Unranked Creighton Stuns No. 1 Kansas!
In a night filled with dramatic twists, unranked Creighton pulled off a thrilling upset by defeating the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 76-63 on Wednesday. This marked Creighton's second triumph over a No. 1 team in less than a year, showcasing their growing prowess in college basketball.
Leading the charge for the Bluejays was Pop Isaacs, who lit up the scoreboard with a commanding 27 points. Seven-foot-one center Ryan Kalkbrenner made a notable comeback from injury, contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds. Creighton has shown impressive resilience this season, bouncing back after previously losing their first six encounters against top-ranked teams. Coach Greg McDermott celebrated this victory as his 15th win over a top-10 opponent during his tenure, confirming the team's evolution into a formidable force.
“It was going to take a special effort on our part on both ends of the floor,” McDermott expressed proudly. “Guys are beat up, guys are sick, and they found a way. I’m really proud of my team. We beat not just a great team, but a great program. This is the building No. 1 teams go to die, evidently.”
From the beginning, Creighton never trailed, but Kansas made a brief comeback with a 9-0 run at the start of the second half, narrowing Creighton's lead to only one point. However, the Bluejays responded brilliantly with a 10-0 run of their own, highlighted by two crucial three-pointers from Isaacs. As the clock wound down, the Jayhawks struggled to cut into the deficit, ultimately marking their first loss of the season.
Isaacs shared his exhilaration following the game amidst the celebration, “I haven’t quite had a moment like that in college. It was electric out there.” The atmosphere was palpable, fueled by passionate students who surged onto the court after the final whistle.
Duke Dazzles: Cooper Flagg Shines in Epic Upset over No. 2 Auburn!
Meanwhile, in another thrilling showdown, No. 9 Duke triumphed over No. 2 Auburn 84-78, showcasing the evolving talent of star freshman Cooper Flagg. Flagg, who is anticipated to be the top pick in the next NBA Draft, delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds. His presence was integral in securing Duke's comeback after trailing by 11 points early in the match.
Flagg praised Auburn's strength, stating, “They’re one of the best teams in the country, for sure. So for us to be able to compete like we did and showcase our physicality and toughness was huge.”
Supporting Flagg’s performance was Isaiah Evans, who shattered expectations with six three-pointers in the first half alone. Duke, now at an impressive 6-2 record, demonstrated their potential for greatness as they halted Auburn’s perfect start to the season.
Upsets Continue: UConn and Iowa State Make Waves!
The night was full of surprises, as No. 25 UConn edged past No. 15 Baylor with a pivotal 76-72 win, thanks to Liam McNeeley’s standout 17 points and eight rebounds. After a rocky start to the season that saw them lose several games in the Maui Invitational, UConn is getting back on track, demonstrating resilience despite their captain Alex Karaban's absence due to injury.
In another thrilling upset, No. 6 Iowa State handed No. 5 Marquette their first defeat of the season with an 81-70 victory. Cyclones guard Keshon Gilbert shined brightly, notching 24 points and seven assists, solidifying Iowa State's place as a contender in the league.
Conclusion: Upheaval in College Hoops!
Wednesday night was a watershed moment for college basketball, as long-standing hierarchies were challenged. With the dawn of potential seasons ahead, can Creighton, Duke, UConn, and Iowa State continue their ascendance? Fans and analysts alike are left eager for what the rest of the season has in store!