OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — Kansas State built a large early lead and withstood a second-half charge to defeat Creighton 83-76 in a men’s NCAA basketball game Saturday at a sold-out CenturyLink Center. The Wildcats, led by David Castillo’s 19 points, dominated the first half, shooting 51 percent from the field to take an 18-point lead into halftime. The Bluejays, sparked by Isaac Traudt and Josh Dix who each scored 18 points, rallied after the break, cutting the deficit to single digits but never overtaking Kansas State. The Wildcats sealed the victory at the free-throw line, making 13 of 15 attempts. Kansas State improved to 7-4, while Creighton fell to 5-5.

OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a blistering start and a furious finish, the Kansas State Wildcats weathered a second-half storm from the Creighton Bluejays to secure an 83-76 victory in a nonconference men’s basketball clash Saturday afternoon at a sold-out CenturyLink Center. A crowd of 16,657 saw the Wildcats, propelled by a scorching first-half shooting performance and a critical late-game response, snap a two-game skid and improve to 7-4. Creighton, which mounted a massive comeback after intermission, fell to 5-5. The most important part of the game was unquestionably Kansas State’s explosive first half, which built an 18-point cushion that ultimately proved just enough to survive Creighton’s relentless push. The Wildcats came out with exceptional offensive efficiency, connecting on 12 of 28 attempts from three-point range in the opening period. Abdi Bashir, a hometown product from Omaha, ignited the early barrage, hitting four first-half threes on his way to 18 points. This perimeter assault, combined with active defense that generated five first-half steals, allowed Kansas State to build a commanding 51-33 lead at the break. Creighton, which had been projected as a significant favorite according to pregame analytics, looked stunned. The Wildcats’ offensive rating of 120.1 for the game, fueled by that half, underscored their effectiveness against a Creighton defense that entered with a strong reputation. However, the second half presented a starkly different narrative, constituting the game’s dramatic counterpoint. The Bluejays, led by Isaac Traudt’s 18 points and Josh Dix’s 18, emerged with renewed defensive intensity. They began the half on a 14-2 run, quickly erasing the large deficit and injecting palpable energy into the arena. Creighton’s seven blocked shots for the game, many coming after halftime, disrupted Kansas State’s rhythm, while the Wildcats’ offense grew stagnant, managing only 32 second-half points. The Bluejays methodically chipped away, eventually pulling within a single possession on multiple occasions in the final ten minutes. The Kansas State lead, once so comfortable, was whittled down to 70-68 with just over four minutes to play after a pair of Traudt free throws. Facing the collapse of their large lead and the roaring home crowd, the Wildcats demonstrated crucial resilience. The decisive sequence came from guard David Castillo. After Creighton had closed the gap, the sophomore from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, drove for a layup to push the lead to four. Following a defensive stop, Castillo struck again, converting another driving basket to make it 74-68 with 2:01 remaining, momentarily stemming the Creighton tide. Creighton would get no closer than four points the rest of the way as Kansas State sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting 13 of 15 attempts overall. Castillo finished with 19 points, including several key baskets down the stretch, to lead the Wildcats. While Creighton won the second half 43-32 and showcased the offensive firepower that made them a pregame favorite, their first-half deficit was too substantial to completely overcome. The Bluejays shot just 39.7% from the field for the game and were hampered by 12 missed three-pointers. Kansas State’s Nate Johnson provided a steadying hand with eight points and a game-high six assists, often navigating Creighton’s increased defensive pressure in the second half. The Wildcats also won the battle on the glass, securing 13 offensive rebounds which led to 15 second-chance points. The victory provides a significant momentum boost for Kansas State as it heads into a challenging stretch of its schedule. For Creighton, the loss extends a pattern of uneven performances against high-major competition this season, despite the valiant comeback effort that fell just short. The game’s total points, 159, finished under the pregame over/under line of 156.

Preview: Kansas State Wildcats at Creighton Bluejays OMAHA, Neb. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before conference play begins will meet Saturday when the Kansas State Wildcats visit the Creighton Bluejays at CenturyLink Center. Kansas State (6-4) enters off a dominant 108-49 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Monday, a needed rebound after consecutive losses to Seton Hall and Bowling Green. The Wildcats’ season has been marked by high-scoring wins and narrow defeats, including an 85-86 loss to Nebraska. Creighton (5-4) looks to recover on its home floor after a difficult 50-71 road loss to in-state rival Nebraska last Sunday. The Bluejays have struggled against high-major competition, with losses to Nebraska, Iowa State, Baylor and Gonzaga this season. The matchup features a compelling contrast in backcourt stars. Kansas State is led by dynamic guard PJ Haggerty, who is coming off a 28-point performance in just 24 minutes Monday. Haggerty has been a consistent offensive force, scoring 16 or more points in seven straight games, including a 37-point outburst against Mississippi State. Creighton will counter with guard Austin Swartz, who provided a bright spot in the Nebraska loss with a team-high 16 points. Swartz’s playing time and production have fluctuated, but his scoring ability will be crucial for a Bluejays offense that was held to a season-low 50 points last time out. For Kansas State, support for Haggerty comes from guards David Castillo and Nate Johnson, who combined for 33 points and 11 assists in the latest win. Creighton will need more from its core, including Josh Dix and Nik Graves, to complement Swartz. Historically, this nonconference clash serves as a final tune-up before both teams dive into their respective league schedules. Kansas State begins Big 12 play in early January, while Creighton opens Big East action on Dec. 20. The Wildcats hope to carry over their offensive firepower from Monday, while the Bluejays aim to rediscover their defensive identity and protect their home court in Omaha. Tip-off is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at CenturyLink Center.