NCAA Tournament: Creighton 67, Cincinnati 63

PHILADELPHIA — Doug McDermott can put his decision on hold about whether to stay at Creighton or leave.

McDermott had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and Gregory Echenique scored 13 points to help Creighton hold on to beat Cincinnati 67-63 on Friday in the second round of the Midwest Regional.

Ethan Wragge added 12 for the Bluejays, who won their NCAA tournament opener for the second straight year.

McDermott, the two-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year and 2012 All-American, made all 11 free throws to help the seventh-seeded Bluejays (28-7) move on to play Duke on Sunday.

Sean Kilpatrick’s driving layup after Cincinnati had the arrow on a jump ball cut it to 64-63 with 17 seconds left.

Austin Chatman sank two free throws for Creighton. Kilpatrick’s attempt at a tying 3 rimmed out, and the Bearcats were whistled for traveling after grabbing the rebound.

Chatman then hit one of two from the line to clinch it.

McDermott has said he’ll wait until after the season to decide if he’ll return for his senior year. He’s projected as a late first- or early second-round pick and could probably boost his stock with a strong season against tougher teams in a new-look Big East.

The Bluejays could never put away the 10th-seeded Bearcats (22-12) in their camouflage-patterned shorts.

Echenique snapped a tie with a layup and McDermott hit two from the free-throw line to help the Bluejays keep the lead over the final 3 minutes.

For all their offensive woes, the Bearcats stayed close and never trailed by more than eight in the second half. Cashmere Wright hit a 3 — Cincinnati’s fourth on 15 attempts — to slice it to 52-49.

McDermott had a rare miss inside and showed some visible frustration, clapping his hands trying to rally the Bluejays. Kilpatrick hit two free throws to pull the Bearcats within two. He sank consecutive jumpers to tie the game at 54-54 with 3:33 left.

That was pretty much all the Bearcats had left, and they’re heading home a year after reaching the round of 16. Except for a 5-minute spurt midway through the second half to help them tie the game, they couldn’t buy a bucket.

McDermott was double-teamed in the corner and swung his left elbow into Shaquille Thomas’ face to break free with 53 seconds left. McDermott was whistled for a flagrant foul and Thomas went to the line but missed both free throws.

Wright, though, buried a 3 on the ensuing possession to make it 60-57. The Bearcats could just never take the lead.

Kilpatrick scored 19 points, and Wright had 15.

Creighton, Butler and Xavier are set to shed the mid-major label and join Big East holdovers Georgetown, St. John’s, Villanova, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall and DePaul next season. Cincinnati is staying behind in the football-based, soon-to-be-former Big East.

The Bearcats struggled to score all season and had little production after Wright hit two quick 3s to open the game. Each team made 12 shots in the half. The difference was in efficiency. The Bearcats were 12 of 33 while Creighton was 12 of 19. The Bearcats even forced 10 turnovers and it still wasn’t enough.

McDermott had a quiet half until the final minutes. He hit his first 3-pointer, then got the ball in the low post and twirled around for a layup. He sank the free throw to complete the three-point play to send the Bluejays into halftime with a 32-27 lead.

Led by McDermott’s flawless effort from the line, the Bluejays made 22 of 25 free throws. The Bearcats made only 4 of 9, and that doomed them down the stretch.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.