Creighton Men’s Basketball Falls to Providence on Senior Day

OMAHA, Neb. — The Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball team suffered a 79-76 defeat against the Providence Friars on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in a game that marked Senior Day for Bluejay guards Nik Graves and Josh Dix. The loss drops Creighton to 14-16 with an 8-11 record in Big East play. Providence improves to 14-15, also with an 7-11 Big East record.

Close Contest Defined by Multiple Lead Changes

The game featured 13 ties and nine lead changes, with neither team establishing a dominant lead. Providence’s largest lead was eight points, although Creighton’s was only two. The Friars ultimately secured the victory with a late basket by Jaylin Sellers.

Senior Performances

Josh Dix led Creighton in scoring with 18 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range in 36 minutes. He also had a two-handed slam that energized the crowd. Nik Graves contributed 10 points and six assists in 35 minutes, with Creighton outscoring Providence by six points during his time on the court. Austin Swartz also added 18 points and seven rebounds.

Sellers Shines for Providence

Jaylin Sellers led all scorers with 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. He scored 20 of his points in the second half, including the game-winning layup with 15 seconds remaining. Sellers was held to just four points in the first meeting between these two teams.

Key Stats and Game Flow

Jasen Green added 12 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high eight assists for Creighton. Providence shot 50.8% from the field and scored 40 points in the paint. Creighton addressed some areas of concern from their previous matchup against Providence, achieving a slight edge in second-chance points and a draw in points off turnovers. However, the Bluejays struggled to maintain consistency and execute in crucial moments.

Coach McDermott Reflects on the Game and Seniors

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott expressed disappointment for Dix and Graves, acknowledging their contributions to the team despite a challenging season. He highlighted Dix’s perseverance through personal hardship and Graves’s supportive role. McDermott also praised the unwavering support of Creighton’s fan base, noting their attendance even during a difficult season.

Looking Ahead

Creighton will travel to Butler for their next game, seeking to improve their position in the Big East Tournament standings. The Bluejays will need to locate consistency and improve their execution to secure a favorable seed in the tournament. McDermott stated the team will continue to work hard and give their best effort in the remaining games.