Creighton got some solid performances from its supporting cast Saturday night to keep its pink-clad fans from heading home feeling blue.
With one starter sick and another nursing a knee problem, the No. 15 Bluejays got some step-up performances from reserves to subdue a stubborn Bradley team 73-59 before the largest announced crowd in program history.
Most of the announced turnout of 18,436 — the season's fourth sellout at CenturyLink Center — were wearing pink as part of Saturday's promotion to increase cancer awareness. Bradley provided the crowd with some anxious moments before the Bluejays secured their 10th straight Missouri Valley victory with one final spurt in the second half.
“Bradley never quit,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. “Even though they're in a tough situation, they continue to compete and play hard. For whatever reasons, they just seem to match up with us better than they do some other teams.”
The win, which improved the Bluejays to 20-2 and 10-1 in the league, also gave them sole possession of first place in the Valley. Wichita State fell a game behind after losing 93-86 in triple overtime at Drake.
Doug McDermott, who had scored 44 points in Creighton's 92-83 win over Bradley Jan. 7 in Peoria, finished with a game-high 24, while Gregory Echenique added 14 points and 10 rebounds in his third double-double performance of the season.
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