Creighton Dominates Rutgers in NCAAB Showdown
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 10:54 PM ET · MGM Grand Garden Arena
Creighton Bluejays 82, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Creighton Bluejays?
Creighton Bluejays beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 82-69 at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Creighton Bluejays?
Creighton Bluejays were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Creighton Bluejays triumphed over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a final score of 82-69 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This victory underscores Creighton's ability to perform in high-stakes situations, especially given their home record of 16-17 against Rutgers' away record of 14-20.
Creighton entered the game with a mixed recent form, having recorded a 3-7 record in their last 10 games. They had been struggling, with a streak of one loss leading into this game, averaging 70.4 points scored and allowing 74.3 points per game during that stretch. Their last five games saw them average just 67.2 points while allowing 72.6, indicating defensive challenges that they managed to overcome in this contest.
On the other hand, Rutgers had a more balanced recent performance, finishing their last 10 games with a 5-5 record. They were coming off a loss, averaging 71.5 points scored and allowing 72.5 points in that timeframe. Their last five games showed a slight improvement, with an average of 72.2 points scored and 71.4 allowed. This indicates that while both teams had their struggles, Rutgers had been more competitive in their recent outings compared to Creighton.
The game showcased Creighton's home advantage, as they had a home record of 1-3 in their last five games leading up to this match. Conversely, Rutgers had a 3-3 away record in their last six games, but they faced a tough challenge against a determined Creighton squad.
In terms of previous meetings, the block does not provide specific details about past encounters between these two teams, but the current form and records suggest that Creighton was better positioned to capitalize on their home court.
Injuries were not mentioned in the provided facts, so both teams appeared to field their best available rosters for this crucial game. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of a match, but in this instance, both teams seemed to be in a competitive state.
The market had set the odds with DraftKings, pricing Creighton as 4.5-point favorites with a money line of -218, while Rutgers was at +180. The total for the game was set at 151.5, reflecting expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair. The odds indicated a clear expectation of a Creighton victory, which they delivered convincingly.
The conditions during the game were not detailed, but the venue at MGM Grand Garden Arena is known for its vibrant atmosphere, which likely contributed to the intensity of the matchup. Fans witnessed a range of scoring plays, including free throws and dunks, highlighting both teams' offensive capabilities.
As the game progressed, significant moments included Tariq Francis making crucial free throws and Josh Dix executing a one-foot dunk, which helped solidify Creighton's lead. The final scoring plays showcased Creighton's ability to maintain control and extend their lead in the closing moments.
Overall, this game was a testament to Creighton's resilience and ability to leverage their home court advantage, while Rutgers will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CREI -4.5 | 151.5 o -110 / u -110 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +180 · Creighton Bluejays -218 |
Leaders
- PointsNik Graves28Creighton Bluejays
- AssistsNik Graves8Creighton Bluejays
- ReboundsJasen Green9Creighton Bluejays
- PointsTariq Francis19Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsTariq Francis3Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsLino Mark7Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
Creighton Bluejays
Last 10: 3-7Streak L170.4 scored · 74.3 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L61-72at Seton Hall PiratesMar 12
- W76-59at Butler BulldogsMar 4
- L76-79vs Providence FriarsFeb 28
- L71-72vs DePaul Blue DemonsFeb 26
- L52-81at St. John's Red StormFeb 21
- W91-84at UConn HuskiesFeb 19
- L69-80vs Villanova WildcatsFeb 14
- L71-72at DePaul Blue DemonsFeb 12
- W69-68vs Seton Hall PiratesFeb 7
- L68-76at Georgetown HoyasFeb 5
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 5-5Streak L171.5 scored · 72.5 allowed per game3-3 away
- L59-72at UCLA BruinsMar 13
- W72-67at Minnesota Golden GophersMar 12
- W74-62vs Penn State Nittany LionsMar 8
- L87-91at Michigan State SpartansMar 6
- W69-65at Maryland TerrapinsMar 1
- L72-79vs Washington HuskiesFeb 24
- L61-80at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 21
- W85-72at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 18
- W68-57vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 15
- L68-80vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Creighton Bluejays |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-65 | 27-59 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 2-14 | 8-28 |
| Three-point % | 14 | 29 |
| Free throws | 19-26 | 20-24 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 32 |
| Assists | 8 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fouls | 18 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 41 | 50 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-48Nik Graves makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half39-50Nik Graves makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half39-52Blake Harper makes layup
- 2nd Half41-52Jamichael Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-52Jamichael Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half42-54Jasen Green makes layup (Hudson Greer assists)
- 2nd Half44-54Lino Mark makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half44-55Nik Graves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-56Nik Graves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-56Harun Zrno makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-56Harun Zrno makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-59Josh Dix makes 27-foot three point jumper (Owen Freeman assists)
- 2nd Half47-60Nik Graves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-61Nik Graves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-61Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-63Nik Graves makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-63Emmanuel Ogbole makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half50-64Nik Graves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-67Nik Graves makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jasen Green assists)
- 2nd Half52-67Jamichael Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-67Jamichael Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-69Jasen Green makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Nik Graves assists)
- 2nd Half55-69Jamichael Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-69Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-69Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-71Blake Harper makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-71Jamichael Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-71Jamichael Davis makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half63-71Tariq Francis makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-73Jasen Green makes layup (Nik Graves assists)
- 2nd Half63-74Jasen Green makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-77Nik Graves makes 25-foot three point jumper (Fedor Zugic assists)
- 2nd Half64-77Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-77Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-79Josh Dix makes 1-foot dunk (Fedor Zugic assists)
- 2nd Half67-79Dylan Grant makes 5-foot dunk (Jamichael Davis assists)
- 2nd Half67-80Nik Graves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-81Nik Graves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-82Shane Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-82Lino Mark makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Creighton Bluejays, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- MGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, NV
- OfficialsMike Roberts, Brian Dorsey, Chris Pacsi
Elsewhere
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
- All-SEC F Mitchell reenrolls at Missouri, avoids transfer battle
- Duke's Coach K Court to have sponsorship logo for first time
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