Creighton Aims for Season Sweep, Seeks Defensive Answers in Xavier Rematch

OMAHA, January 21, 2026 – The Creighton Bluejays (11-8, 5-3 Big East) return home to CHI Health Center Omaha tonight for a critical conference rematch against the Xavier Musketeers (11-7, 3-4), looking to replicate a historic blowout from five weeks ago and solidify their positioning in a crowded Big East race. The game, scheduled for a 6:00 PM CT tip-off on FS1, comes as the Bluejays seek consistency and improved defense following a narrow road loss.

Seeking Momentum After Providence Setback

Creighton enters the contest having lost three of its last five games, including a 93-88 defeat at Providence this past Friday. In that game, despite a career-high 26 points from junior forward Jasen Green, the Bluejays were plagued by foul trouble for key guard Josh Dix and a rare off-night from leading scorer Austin Swartz, who was held to just six points. Head coach Greg McDermott has pointed to defensive breakdowns and a lack of rim protection as recurring issues his team must solve.

The First Meeting: A Season-Defining Rout

The blueprint for tonight’s game was established on December 17 in Cincinnati, where Creighton delivered a stunning 98-57 victory over a then 8-3 Xavier squad. That 41-point road win sparked a four-game winning streak for the Bluejays. Sophomore guard Austin Swartz erupted for 27 points in that contest, a performance that announced his arrival as a primary offensive threat. Creighton shot 58.1% in the first half of that game and authored a dominant 54-13 run spanning both halves.

Key Facts & Team Standings

Defense in the Spotlight

Coach McDermott has been vocal about his team’s search for defensive identity in the post-Ryan Kalkbrenner era. “There’s only so much you can do without rim protection,” McDermott stated this week. The Bluejays rank last in the Big East in block percentage during conference play. This has led to experiments with zone defenses, including a 2-3 look used to spark a late comeback against Providence. Stopping Xavier’s transition game, which has produced 64 points in its last two outings, will be a primary focus.

Bracketology and Postseason Implications

With a 5-3 conference record, Creighton finds itself squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. According to the latest projections, the Bluejays have a 66.1% chance of making the 68-team field, with the most likely seed being a No. 11. A win tonight against a quadrant-two opponent like Xavier would be a valuable asset for their tournament resume as they navigate a challenging second half of the Big East schedule.

Players to Watch

For Creighton, all eyes will be on Austin Swartz (Sophomore, Guard) to bounce back from his 1-for-13 shooting performance at Providence. Jasen Green (Junior, Forward), coming off his 26-point career night, will be crucial inside. Josh Dix (Senior, Guard) is the team’s primary defender and facilitator.

For Xavier, forward Tre Carroll (16.7 PPG) leads the team in scoring, though he was held to just seven points in the first meeting. Guard Malik Moore (averaging 16.9 PPG in Big East play) and Roddie Anderson III (12.8 PPG) have emerged as consistent scoring threats since December.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is the Creighton vs. Xavier game on?

The game will be broadcast nationally on FS1, with a tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM Central Time on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

What is Creighton’s biggest challenge this season?

Replacing four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner has been the central challenge. The lack of an elite rim protector has shrunk the team’s defensive margin for error, leading to inconsistencies on that end of the floor.

Did Creighton already beat Xavier this season?

Yes, Creighton defeated Xavier 98-57 on the road on December 17, 2025. That victory marked the beginning of a four-game winning streak for the Bluejays.