Introduction
The Auburn Tigers and Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball teams have clashed three times, creating a compelling timeline of competitive matchups. From their initial encounter in 1976 to their latest battle in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, each game has showcased talent, strategy, and drama.
This article explores the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline, highlighting key moments, player performances, and the significance of each game.
The First Encounter in the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline- 1976 Louisville Holiday Classic
On December 28, 1976, Creighton Bluejays defeated Auburn Tigers 81-76 in the Louisville Holiday Classic in Louisville, Kentucky. Although detailed statistics are scarce, Creighton’s roster, led by Rick Apke, likely played a pivotal role. This game marked the start of the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline, setting the stage for future encounters.
Creighton’s 1975-76 Roster Highlights
Creighton’s 1975-76 team featured standout players who contributed to their victory. Notably, Rick Apke averaged 16.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Cornell Smith added 13.0 points, while Bob Scrutchens contributed 13.2 points. These players formed a balanced squad, showcasing Creighton’s strength in the early stages of the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline.
Context of the Louisville Holiday Classic
The Louisville Holiday Classic was a prestigious tournament, attracting competitive teams. Creighton’s win over Auburn highlighted their potential in the 1975-76 season. Meanwhile, Auburn, under coach Trudy Myers, aimed to build momentum. This game, though early in their rivalry, laid the foundation for the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline.
The 2000 NCAA Tournament Game in the Auburn vs. Creighton Series
In the 2000 NCAA Tournament First Round in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Auburn edged out Creighton 72-69. Daymeon Fishback led with 16 points, Mamadou N’diaye posted a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds), and Mack McGadney added 15 points. This victory was a critical moment in the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline.
Auburn’s 2000-01 Roster
Auburn’s roster included talented players like Mamadou N’diaye, a 6-9 freshman forward, and Daymeon Fishback, a senior guard. Other contributors were Mack McGadney and players from diverse backgrounds, such as a 7-0 center from Croatia. This depth helped Auburn secure a narrow win, advancing their standing in the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline.
Significance of the 2000 NCAA Tournament
The 2000 NCAA Tournament was highly competitive, with Auburn entering as a strong contender under coach Cliff Ellis. Their win over Creighton propelled them to the Second Round, though they later fell to Iowa State. This game underscored Auburn’s resilience, adding a thrilling chapter to the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament Rematch in the Auburn vs. Creighton Rivalry
On March 22, 2025, Auburn, the No. 1 seed, defeated Creighton 82-70 in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford led Auburn with 23 points, while Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 18 points. This game solidified Auburn’s dominance in the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
Key Performers in the 2025 Game
Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford shone with 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Chad Baker-Mazara added 17 points, and Johni Broome secured a double-double. For Creighton, Ryan Kalkbrenner led with 18 points, supported by Jamiya Neal and Steven Ashworth, each with 13 points. These performances highlighted the talent in the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline.
Auburn’s Path to the Sweet 16
Auburn’s 2025 victory showcased their depth and coaching prowess under Bruce Pearl. Their second-half surge, including a 10-0 run, overwhelmed Creighton. Advancing to the Sweet 16, Auburn demonstrated their status as a national powerhouse, further enriching the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
Coaches’ Impact on the Auburn vs. Creighton Timeline
Coaches have shaped the outcomes of these matchups, adding strategic depth to the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
1976: Eddie Sutton vs. Trudy Myers
Creighton’s Eddie Sutton, in his second season, led with a focus on balanced play. Auburn’s Trudy Myers, in his 11th year, aimed to elevate the Tigers. Sutton’s strategy prevailed, giving Creighton the early edge in the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
2000: Cliff Ellis vs. Dana Altman
Auburn’s Cliff Ellis, known for NCAA Tournament success, outmaneuvered Creighton’s Dana Altman. Ellis’s emphasis on defense and rebounding secured the win, while Altman’s offensive approach kept the game close. This coaching duel added intrigue to the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
2025: Bruce Pearl vs. Greg McDermott
Bruce Pearl’s high-energy style propelled Auburn to victory in 2025. Greg McDermott’s Creighton team fought valiantly but couldn’t match Auburn’s second-half intensity. Pearl’s leadership cemented Auburn’s lead in the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
Player Spotlights in the Auburn vs. Creighton Series
Key players have left lasting impacts on the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
Rick Apke (Creighton, 1976)
Rick Apke, a 6-8 forward, averaged 16.9 points and 7.8 rebounds. His versatility likely contributed to Creighton’s 1976 win, setting a high standard for future games in the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
Daymeon Fishback (Auburn, 2000)
Daymeon Fishback’s 16 points in 2000, including 4-of-5 three-pointers, were pivotal. His scoring prowess helped Auburn secure a narrow victory, marking a significant moment in the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn, 2025)
Freshman Tahaad Pettiford’s 23 points in 2025 showcased his potential. His second-half scoring burst, including 16 points, was crucial for Auburn’s win, adding a new star to the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
Series Overview and Statistical Comparison
The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline shows Auburn leading 2-1. Each game has been competitive, with high-scoring affairs.
| Game Year | Location | Winner | Score |
| 1976 | Louisville, KY | Creighton | 81-76 |
| 2000 | Minneapolis, MN | Auburn | 72-69 |
| 2025 | Lexington, KY | Auburn | 82-70 |
This table illustrates the close nature of the series, with Auburn’s recent dominance shaping the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
Significance of Each Game in the Timeline
Each matchup has contributed uniquely to the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
1976: Establishing the Rivalry
The 1976 game introduced the rivalry, showcasing Creighton’s early edge. It set a competitive tone for future encounters in the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
2000: NCAA Tournament Drama
The 2000 game was a high-stakes NCAA Tournament battle. Auburn’s win highlighted their tournament pedigree, adding intensity to the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline.
2025: A New Era
The 2025 game featured emerging stars like Tahaad Pettiford. Auburn’s victory underscored their evolution, while Creighton’s effort reflected their resilience, enriching the Auburn vs. Creighton timeline.
Conclusion
The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball vs. Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball timeline is a captivating narrative of college basketball excellence. From 1976 to 2025, these games have showcased talent, coaching brilliance, and competitive spirit. As both programs continue to thrive, fans eagerly await future chapters in this storied rivalry.
Meta Description
Discover the Auburn Tigers Men’s Basketball vs Creighton Bluejays Men’s Basketball Timeline, from their 1976 clash to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Explore key moments, player performances, and the rivalry’s evolution in this comprehensive article.
