The Creighton Bluejays enter their March 20, 2025, NCAA Tournament matchup against the Louisville Cardinals as a battle-tested team looking to make a deep run. With a 24-10 record, Creighton has faced one of the tougher schedules in the country, navigating a challenging Big East season that has prepared them well for the intensity of March Madness. As the 9th seed in the South Region, they will be looking to pull off a minor upset against an 8th-seeded Louisville team that has had a strong year under head coach Pat Kelsey. Creighton, known for their inside-out style of play, will look to exploit Louisville’s aggressive defensive approach by playing through the post and controlling the pace of the game. At the heart of Creighton’s success is star center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who has been a dominant force in the paint all season. The senior big man is averaging 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting over 60% from the field. His size and footwork make him a difficult matchup for any team, and Creighton’s game plan will likely revolve around getting him touches early and often. Against a Louisville team that excels at pressuring guards and playing passing lanes, the Bluejays will need Kalkbrenner to establish himself inside and serve as a steady offensive anchor. If he can force Louisville’s defenders into foul trouble, it could significantly impact the Cardinals’ defensive intensity. In the backcourt, Creighton is led by guard Steven Ashworth, who has been the primary playmaker for the Bluejays this season. Ashworth is averaging 16.3 points and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 38% from three-point range. His ability to break down defenses and create for both himself and his teammates will be crucial against Louisville’s aggressive perimeter defense.

The Cardinals rank among the nation’s leaders in steals and forced turnovers, meaning Ashworth will have to be composed under pressure and limit mistakes. If he can navigate Louisville’s full-court press and set up Creighton’s offense efficiently, the Bluejays will have a good chance of dictating the game’s tempo. One of Creighton’s biggest concerns heading into this game is their depth. Injuries have taken a toll on the team, with guard Pop Isaacs sidelined due to a hip injury. Isaacs was a key contributor, particularly as a perimeter defender, and his absence could leave Creighton vulnerable against Louisville’s backcourt scoring. This puts additional pressure on Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman, both of whom have been strong secondary scoring options throughout the season. Alexander, a versatile guard-forward hybrid, is averaging 14.9 points per game and will need to step up in both scoring and ball-handling responsibilities. Scheierman, one of the best rebounding guards in the country, will play a vital role in helping Creighton control the glass and generate second-chance opportunities. Defensively, Creighton will need to focus on limiting Louisville’s transition offense. The Cardinals thrive on forcing turnovers and scoring quickly, meaning the Bluejays must be disciplined in their half-court sets and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Creighton has been solid defensively, ranking among the top teams in the Big East in opponent field goal percentage, but they have struggled at times against teams that push the pace. If they can slow the game down and force Louisville to play more of a half-court style, it will favor Creighton’s strengths. Another key factor in this game will be Creighton’s three-point shooting. The Bluejays have been a streaky shooting team this season, with games where they have been lights out from beyond the arc and others where they have struggled to hit open shots. Against Louisville’s aggressive defense, Creighton will likely have opportunities to take open threes if they move the ball effectively. Players like Scheierman, Ashworth, and Alexander will need to capitalize on these opportunities, as hitting shots from deep will force Louisville to extend their defense and open up space for Kalkbrenner inside. From a betting perspective, Creighton has been strong against the spread as an underdog, covering in seven of their nine games when receiving 2.5 points or more. This suggests that they tend to perform well when they are not the favorites, which could bode well for this matchup. Louisville, meanwhile, has been decent against the spread as a favorite, covering in 13 of their 25 games when giving 2.5 points or more. Additionally, with the total set at 145.5 points and Louisville playing in numerous high-scoring games this season, the over may be a strong betting consideration. Overall, Creighton enters this game as a confident, well-coached team that has been tested against some of the best programs in the country. Their ability to control the tempo, establish Kalkbrenner in the paint, and take advantage of Louisville’s defensive aggressiveness will be critical in determining the outcome. If they can handle the Cardinals’ full-court pressure and execute their offensive sets efficiently, they will have a strong chance of advancing to the second round. However, if they allow Louisville to speed them up, force turnovers, and turn the game into a track meet, it could spell trouble for the Bluejays. Either way, this 8 vs. 9 matchup has all the makings of a classic NCAA Tournament battle, with both teams fighting for survival on the road to the Sweet 16.