OMAHA, Neb. – In a stunning upset, the unranked Creighton Bluejays toppled the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks 76-63 on Wednesday night, fueled by a stellar performance from Pop Isaacs.
Isaacs, a transfer from Texas Tech, erupted for a season-high 27 points, matching his career best with six 3-pointers. “it was a great team win,” Isaacs said. “We came out with a lot of energy and played hard for 40 minutes.”
Kansas, who had not lost a regular-season game to an unranked nonconference opponent in three years, cut Creighton’s 13-point lead to just one early in the second half.However, Isaacs responded with back-to-back 3-pointers, effectively extinguishing the Jayhawks’ comeback attempt.
The victory marked Creighton’s second triumph over a top-ranked opponent this year. They previously defeated connecticut 85-66 in Omaha back in February. The Bluejays, who had been ranked in the Associated Press poll for 16 consecutive weeks before dropping out this week after three losses in their last four games, sent their fans into a frenzy as students stormed the court at the final buzzer, celebrating amidst flames shooting up behind each backboard.
The highly anticipated matchup between two of the nation’s premier big men, Creighton’s 7-foot-1 Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kansas’ 7-2 Hunter Dickinson, was overshadowed by Isaacs’ explosive performance.
Isaacs shot an remarkable 10-of-15 from the field, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, and added seven rebounds and four assists. Kalkbrenner, returning from a lower-body injury that sidelined him in Creighton’s previous game, contributed 17 points, while Steven Ashworth, still nursing an ankle sprain from two weeks ago, also scored 17.
Kansas struggled offensively throughout the game and never held a lead. Dajuan Harris led the Jayhawks with 15 points, while AJ Storr and Zeke mayo each chipped in 12.
The Jayhawks shot a dismal 36% from the field,unable to keep pace with Creighton’s hot shooting and tenacious defense.
In a stunning upset, the No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of the unranked Texas Tech Red Raiders on Wednesday night. The final score of 77-64 sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, marking a rare double-digit loss for Kansas when facing an unranked opponent as the top-ranked team.
The Red Raiders dominated the game from start to finish,showcasing impressive offensive prowess and stifling defense. “We played with a lot of energy and focus tonight,” said Texas Tech coach Mark Adams. “Our guys executed the game plan perfectly and really made Kansas work for every basket.”
This loss marks only the third time in Kansas history that the Jayhawks have fallen by double digits when facing an unranked opponent while holding the No. 1 ranking. The previous two instances occurred in 1997 and 2008.
The defeat serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion on any given night. For Kansas, the loss will undoubtedly serve as a wake-up call as they look to regain their footing and maintain their position atop the college basketball landscape.
## Creighton stuns #1 Kansas: A Q&A with College Basketball Analyst,jim Williams
**World Today News:** Jim,what can you tell us about this monumental upset? did anyone see this coming?
**jim Williams:** This was a genuine shockwave in the college basketball world. While Creighton has been a solid programme, toppling the reigning national champions and No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks on their home court is a remarkable feat. Not manny analysts predicted this outcome, with most focusing on Kansas’ experience and dominance.
**WTN:** Pop Isaacs was the standout performer for Creighton, amassing a season-high 27 points.What did you make of his performance?
**JW:** Isaacs was sensational. He was the catalyst for Creighton’s offense, displaying amazing shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc.his six three-pointers were crucial, especially when Kansas threatened to mount a comeback. This performance will definitely put him on the radar of NBA scouts.
**WTN:** Kansas appeared to gain momentum in the second half, cutting Creighton’s lead to just one point. What changed the momentum back in Creighton’s favor?
**JW:** Isaacs’ back-to-back three-pointers were pivotal. They came at a crucial juncture, silencing the Kansas crowd and reminding them that Creighton wasn’t about to fold. Creighton also showed commendable defensive grit throughout the game,forcing Kansas into uncharacteristic turnovers and contested shots.
**WTN:** What does this victory mean for Creighton’s season outlook?
**JW:** This win is a massive confidence booster for Creighton. It proves they can compete with the nation’s elite and potentially challenge for a high seeding in the NCAA Tournament. It also puts them firmly on the national radar.
**WTN:** Conversely, what impact will this loss have on Kansas?
**JW:** While a challenging defeat, one regular-season loss shouldn’t derail Kansas’ season. They are still a tremendously talented team with championship aspirations. This could serve as a valuable learning experience, emphasizing the importance of consistency and focus against any opponent.
**WTN:** Thank you for your insights, Jim. This Creighton win will undoubtedly be discussed and analyzed for weeks to come.
