The Crieghton Bluejays have just one defeat on their record this season and that came against the No. 1 team in the country. But the Bluejays suffered perhaps the biggest loss of the year when star point guard Mo Watson Jr. was felled with a torn ACL in Monday’s game. It will be impossible to replace what Watson brings to the court and the Bluejays will struggle without him. They could have a difficult time dispatching the Marquette Golden Eagles when the two square off on Saturday.
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The line will likely take a hit now that the Bluejays are playing without their best player, but they will be a significant favorite at home against an underachieving Marquette club. Creighton’s only loss this season came at home to No. 1 ranked Villanova, but the Bluejays have won everything else and are 10-1 SU and 6-3 ATS on their own floor. Creighton has covered in six of its last seven matchups, failing only against the Wildcats, losing 80-70 as a 1.5-point underdog.
Marquette has a golden opportunity to pick up a signature win and climb above the middle of the pack in the Big East. The Eagles are 0-3 SU and ATS against top 25 teams and blew an 18-point lead against No. 18 Butler on Monday, losing 88-80 and failing to cover the 7.5-point line. The Eagles have yet to win a road game in league play and are 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS in their four true road games this season.
Injury Report
The loss of Watson is a significant blow to the Bluejays, who will be without the nation’s leader in assists and their floor general. Watson plays nearly 30 minutes per game and averages 12.9 points and 8.5 assists. He makes his teammates better with his court vision and ability to draw defenders. His play on the defensive end of the court is underrated due to his exploits handling the basketball, and the Bluejays will suffer on both ends of the floor. Creighton gutted out a victory at Xavier after Watson was helped off the floor late in the first half, now they must press forward knowing he’s not available.
Player to Watch
The Golden Eagles will look to attack Creighton now that Watson is out for the year and the player leading the way will be Markus Howard. The freshman has established himself as one of the best young players in the star-studded Big East and he’s just gotten better since the beginning of the year. Howard wasn’t expected to contribute much with Traci Carter at the point to start the season, but an injury forced Howard into the lineup and he’s not leaving.
Howard scored a career-high 26 points in just 23 minutes in Monday’s loss to Butler and four of his five 20-plus point games have come since the start of conference play. He’s also a better shooter percentage-wise from three-point range than on overall field goal attempts. Howard is connecting on 51.9 percent of his treys and 51.8 percent overall. He’s been plagued by foul trouble, but if he can stay on the court he could be tough for Creighton to handle.
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Losing a player the stature of Watson could go one of two ways for the Bluejays. The team could fold the tent if the point guard by committee situation doesn’t work out. Or they could band together and move forward with what they have. Creighton did the latter in a tough environment on Monday, building a lead and then holding on to beat Xavier with Watson in the locker room getting his knee tended to.
The Bluejays will be a different looking team without Watson. They won’t be as dynamic in transition and will probably play more of a half court game. That style will also help slow down the Golden Eagles, who love to run and score. If this game gets in the 80s, Marquette will have an advantage. Creighton will keep it from getting there and, after learning how to win without Watson on Monday, they’ll carry that over to a home win.
College Basketball Odds: Creighton 71, Marquette 65
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