KANSAS CITY – Des Watson and Braden Norris combined for 29 points against Creighton Wednesday night in the first game of the 2023 Hall of Fame Classic. The effort came up short despite a first-half lead for Loyola Chicago. The Bluejays took an 88-65 win to advance to the championship game.
 
With the loss, Loyola falls to 2-3 overall. 
 
"Creighton is pretty offensively gifted, and I think in the second half they showed why they're one of the best offensive teams in the country," said head coach Drew Valentine. "We showed at times today just how competitive we will be this season. I think this group, as we continue to get guys back from injury, stay healthy, and get our newcomers accustomed playing mistake free, has a high ceiling."
 
How It Happened
The Ramblers kept the first-half competitive forcing six lead changes and two ties. Dame Adelekun and Greg Dolan drove in on back-to-back possessions for a 4-3 edge and Loyola's first lead of the game. By the 16:17 mark, Norris made it 11-10 with a fastbreak feed from Dolan off a steal. Watson then scored five straight points for a 16-12 Loyola lead.
 
The Ramblers held on to a five-point advantage with 10:46 to play before the Jays used an eight-point swing to retake the lead with nine to go. The Ramblers tied the half once more on a Watson three-pointer, but Creighton built their lead back up before by the break, 45-37.
 
Creighton reached a double-digit lead less than two minutes into the second. Miles Rubin hit a jumper in the paint cutting it to nine, but it was the closest the Ramblers would get for the remainder of the game.
 
Steven Ashworth hit two straight three-pointers for the Jays with just under 14 left on the clock for a 20-point lead. Loyola attempted late rallies getting within 14 twice, but Creighton held on for an 88-65 win.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Norris scored a season-high 14 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3PT). He added a team-high five assists.
- Watson extended his double-figure scoring streak to four consecutive games. He dropped a team-leading 15 points and drained three from deep.
- Watson grabbed a sason-best six boards.
- Rubin made another three blocks. He matched his career-high seven rebounds.
- Creighton was the second top-10 opponent the Ramblers faced off against this season.
 
Up Next
Loyola wraps up the 2023 Hall of Fame Classic with Boston College at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.