Creighton Men's Basketball Falls 72-71 in Rematch vs. Blue Demons

OMAHA, Neb. -- Two weeks to the day that DePaul snapped a 23-game losing streak to Creighton with a basket in the closing seconds to win 72-71 in Chicago, the Blue Demons did it again in Omaha as N.J. Benson's lay-up with 32.5 seconds left proved to be the difference in DePaul's 72-71 win in Omaha on Wednesday.

DePaul improved to 15-13 and is 7-10 in the BIG EAST, one-half game behind Creighton (14-15, 8-10 BIG EAST).

Brandon Maclin had 19 of his season-high 21 points in the second half to lead DePaul, while Benson had 14 points and nine rebounds on 7-for-9 shooting.

Creighton had four players in double-figures, paced by 15 from Josh Dix and 14 points, four assists and four rebounds by Nik Graves. Fedor Zugic and Jasen Green also chipped in with 13 points, with Green snaring a team-best nine rebounds and blocking a pair of shots.

Zugic scored Creighton's first seven points, including a dunk to take the lead at 7-6. CU led the remainder of the first half, including a 38-30 advantage at intermission. CU's advantage got as large as 11 as the Blue Demons didn't regain the lead again until two Maclin free throws with 1:55 left made it 68-66.

Creighton retook the lead on a Dix three-pointer 10 seconds later, only to have Maclin put back his own miss at the 1:12 mark to give DePaul a 70-69 edge. CU took its final lead with 57.1 seconds to go on a pair of shots at the foul line by Graves. DePaul maintained possession after Zugic forced a tie-up with Maclin at the 36.3 second mark. Out of timeouts, Maclin spun out of a double team near the top of the key and found an open Benson underneath, who made a lay-up with 32.5 seconds left for the game's final points. He was fouled on the play but missed the ensuing free throw, setting the stage for two final chances for the host Bluejays.

Graves tried a scoop shot while going to his left with 14 seconds left, which proved to be too strong. Green was there to tip the rebound back out to Blake Harper, and after finding no immediate openings, CU called a timeout with 3.3 seconds left. Graves would inbound the ball to Harper, who faked a handoff from just outside the elbow and spun left but missed a shot from close range as Benson hauled down the rebound to secure the road win.

Creighton is back in action on Saturday when it hosts Providence on Senior Day at 4:30 p.m. The Bluejays will honor Graves and Dix, along with student managers Patrick Gorman and Billy Brezonik, following the contest.