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Dec 8, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Marcus Zegarowski (11) shoots a free throw against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 8, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Marcus Zegarowski (11) shoots a free throw against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Creighton Bluejays begin their Big East campaign tonight as they take on the Marquette Golden Eagles. They have had a strong 4-1 start to the season and are coming off a 24-point win against Nebraska.
Their only loss came against the #5 ranked Kansas, which ended in heart-breaking fashion. The Bluejays were down by three, and sophomore guard Marcus Zegarowski had a chance to tie the scores with three free throws.
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But he missed the third, and the Bluejays recorded their first loss of the season. They bounced back with the win against Nebraska and will be eager to build a winning streak now.
The Golden Eagles have also had a brilliant start to the season. They are currently 4-2, and their biggest win is their upset victory against rivals, Wisconsin. Their two losses have come against tough opponents, Oklahoma State and UCLA, but they have still looked bright all season.
Expected lineups
The Bluejays have had a consistent lineup so far comprising Denzel Mahoney, Christian Bishop, Damien Jefferson, Marcus Zegarowski, and Mitch Ballock. They missed Mahoney for the first game, but since then he has been the rock of the team.
He is averaging 15 points per game while shooting 40% from three. He and Zegarowski have been lighting it up from outside, with the point guard averaging exactly similar numbers of 15 points per game and 40% from three.
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Dec 11, 2020; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Denzel Mahoney (34) attempts a shot over Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden Eagles will start with a lineup of D.J. Carton, Koby McEwen, Dawson Garcia, Jamal Cain, and Theo John. McEwen has been tearing it up for Marquette and is currently averaging 15.3 points while shooting 43% from three.
Carton was introduced into the starting lineup after underwhelming performances from Symir Torrence, and the transferee from Ohio has done well so far, putting up 18 points in his last game against Nebraska.
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Dec 11, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard D.J. Carton (21) shoots the ball as UCLA Bruins guard Chris Smith (5), guard Jules Bernard (1) and forward Jalen Hill (24) defend in the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Creighton Bluejays continue their ascent?
The Bluejays are the favorites to win this matchup. They have been impressive since the start of the season, and their squad boasts of quality. They started preseason ranked 11th in the AP Poll and are currently 8th. This win should help them climb up further.
The Golden Eagles have been a strong defensive team, but the Bluejays should be able to break their defense. While one cannot write off Marquette completely, it should be a close win for Creighton.
