2024-11-07 04:29:00
Creighton, a Sweet 16 team three of the last four seasons, couldn’t shake off the Vaqueros of the Southland Conference until the final two minutes.
The 7-foot-1 Kalkbrenner’s point total was the second-highest in program history behind Bob Portman‘s 51 against UW-Milwaukee in 1967. The fifth-year center was an astonishing 20 of 22 from the field, including 2 for 2 on 3-pointers, and he made 7 of 8 free throws. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked three shots.
Steven Ashworth scored 25 points for the Bluejays.
Hasan Abdul-Hakim had 24 points and Cliff Davis and DK Thorn added 17 apiece for the Vaqueros (0-2), who were within 87-82 when Howie Fleming Jr. made a fifth-chance basket with 2:37 left.
Takeaways
UT Rio Grande Valley: The Vaqueros kept it close by going 14 of 35 on 3-pointers and outworking Creighton on the boards in the second half. They finished with 19 second-chance points. They dropped to 0-14 against Top 25 opponents and have lost 56 straight against power-conference opponents, according to Sportradar.
Creighton: The Bluejays were 30-point favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, and got more than they bargained for against the Vaqueros. Coach Greg McDermott was forced to play his starters until the final minute.
Ryan Kalkbrenner drops a 49-point double-double in Creighton’s 99-86 win over UTRGV
Key moment
Kalkbrenner scored 10 straight points in a variety of ways in the first half. He made a free throw, hit a 3 from the wing, dunked a lob from Jamiya Neal, beat the player guarding him downcourt for a fast-break layup and showed some post moves for an easy bucket.
Key stat
Creighton won its 30th straight home opener, a streak that started in 1995.
Up next
Creighton hosts Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday in the second of four home games over 11 days. UT-Rio Grande Valley returns home to play Champion Christian College on Sunday.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
[Wantgreatstoriesdeliveredrighttoyourinbox?[Wantgreatstoriesdeliveredrighttoyourinbox?Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]
Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
1730984495
#Ryan #Kalkbrenner #scores #points #Creighton #wins #opener #UTRio #Grande #Valley
**Interview with Ryan Kalkbrenner after his historic performance**
**Interviewer:** Ryan, congratulations on an incredible season opener! Scoring 49 points is a remarkable feat. How did it feel out there on the court?
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** Thank you! It felt amazing. I was just in the zone, honestly. My teammates did a great job of getting me the ball in good positions, and I was able to capitalize on my opportunities. It’s great to start the season like this.
**Interviewer:** You shot an impressive 20 for 22 from the field. What do you attribute your shooting success to in this game?
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** I think it comes down to preparation and confidence. I’ve been putting in a lot of work in practice, focusing on my shot mechanics. Also, Coach McDermott puts us in great positions to succeed. My teammates’ unselfish play really set me up for those high-percentage shots.
**Interviewer:** This win was tighter than expected against UT-Rio Grande Valley. What was the mood like in the locker room, especially when the game got close in the final minutes?
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** There was definitely a sense of urgency. We knew we were better than that, and we needed to tighten up our defense. It reminded us that every game counts and that we need to play our style of ball for all 40 minutes.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned how your teammates supported you; Steven Ashworth also had a strong game with 25 points. How important is team chemistry for the Bluejays this season?
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** Team chemistry is crucial. We’ve been together for a while now, and we trust each other on the court. When one of us is hot, we find ways to keep that momentum going. It empowers everyone to contribute, and that’s what makes us a tough team.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, Creighton has a strong history with three Sweet 16 appearances in the last four seasons. How do you manage expectations as the preseason player of the year?
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** I try to block out the noise. The accolades don’t change how I approach the game. For me, it’s about winning games and helping my team progress through the season. We have our sights set on more than just individual awards; it’s about getting back to the tournament and making a deep run.
**Interviewer:** Great perspective, Ryan. Best of luck in your upcoming games. Any final thoughts you want to share with the fans?
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** Just a big thank you to the fans for their support. We feed off that energy, and I can’t wait to see everyone at our next home game!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ryan! Congratulations again on your performance.
**Ryan Kalkbrenner:** Thank you!
