Preview: Creighton Bluejays at Saint John’s Red Storm NEW YORK (Interstat) — A surging Saint John’s team will look to solidify its standing near the top of the Big East when it hosts a Creighton squad seeking consistency Saturday at Carnesecca Arena. The No. 21-ranked Red Storm (21-5, 11-3 Big East) have won nine consecutive games, including an impressive 76-70 road victory at Marquette on Wednesday. Forward Bryce Hopkins has been a catalyst, averaging 16.4 points during the win streak and coming off a 23-point performance against the Golden Eagles. Saint John’s, which boasts one of the nation’s top defenses, has not lost since Jan. 10. That date is significant for the visiting Bluejays (14-13, 6-8), as it marks their 90-73 home loss to these same Red Storm. Creighton arrives with momentum from a stunning 91-84 road win at then-Connecticut on Wednesday, led by 21 points from guard Josh Dix. However, that victory snapped a three-game skid, highlighting the team’s erratic season. Dix, Creighton’s leading scorer in conference play, will be a key factor. He is averaging 17.4 points over his last five games but was held to just nine points in the January loss to Saint John’s. Containing Hopkins and the Red Storm’s balanced attack, which saw Zuby Ejiofor add 10 points and three blocks off the bench Wednesday, will be the primary challenge for a Creighton defense that ranks in the middle of the conference. Saint John’s won both meetings last season and will aim for a regular-season sweep. A victory would keep pressure on first-place Connecticut in the league race. For Creighton, the matchup represents a critical opportunity to build on its UConn upset and enhance its resume for postseason consideration. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST Saturday. The game will be televised on FS1.