Creighton defeats Rutgers 82-69 in the College Basketball Crown quarterfinals, advancing to face West Virginia in the semifinals.
The win marks head coach Greg McDermott's 366th victory at Creighton, extending his tenure following his announced retirement at season's end.
Creighton secured the victory with a strong second-half performance after a period of uncertainty regarding team focus post-retirement announcement.
The College Basketball Crown involves strategic preparation debates among coaches, balancing rest after a long season versus maintaining momentum.
📖 Full Retelling
MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — With 7:23 remaining in a game that felt more and more like a foregone conclusion, a fan behind the Creighton bench held up a sign for all to see. On a white background and written in blue letters, the message was equal parts clear and concise: "THANK YOU Coach Mac!!!" The sign, of course, referred to Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott, who won his 366th game for Creighton on Thursday night by pulling away from Rutgers, 82-69, in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown. Last month, the 61-year-old McDermott announced his intention to retire at the end of this year, calling it quits on an exceptional career that included 10 NCAA Tournament appearances with the Bluejays and 14 seasons featuring at least 20 victories. For now, though, McDermott’s legendary run continues thanks to a second-half surge against the Scarlet Knights. His team will move on to face West Virginia in the semifinals on Saturday. Here are my takeaways from Day 2 of the College Basketball Crown: 1. Creighton comes to life in the second half to prolong Greg McDermott’s tenure Because of when the College Basketball Crown takes place each year — roughly three weeks removed from the end of most conference tournaments — there is an element of strategy involved when it comes to preparation. Some coaches have chosen to afford their players extra time off following a grueling five-month season. Others have preferred to parlay whatever momentum their programs might have into additional practices that can play an important role in player development. There is no universal, or universally accepted, approach. How and when Creighton might prepare for this year’s event was draped with an extra layer of uncertainty once McDermott shared his decision to retire at the campaign’s end. That meant it was fair to wonder about the Bluejays’ collective level of focus given the impending transition from McDermott, who has been at the helm since 2010, to associate head coach Al
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, commonly referred to as Rutgers University or simply Rutgers ( RUT-gərz), is a large public land-grant research university consisting of three campuses in New Jersey. Chartered in 1766, Rutgers was originally called Queen's College and was affiliated with...
Greg McDermott (born November 25, 1964) is an American basketball coach who is the head coach of the Creighton Bluejays men's basketball team. Previously, McDermott served as the head coach at Wayne State College, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, and Iowa State. He is the father of NBA player Doug...
The College Basketball Crown (CBC) is an American men's college basketball tournament promoted by Anschutz Entertainment Group and Fox Sports. The inaugural tournament was held in March and April 2025, at two venues on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada: T-Mobile Arena and MGM Grand Garden Aren...
This news matters because it highlights the final chapter of a legendary coach's career, impacting Creighton's basketball program, its fans, and the broader college sports community. Greg McDermott's retirement marks the end of a successful era, with implications for team morale, recruiting, and future performance. The College Basketball Crown's timing adds strategic complexity, influencing how programs balance rest versus preparation in a postseason event.
Context & Background
Greg McDermott has been Creighton's head coach since 2010, amassing 366 wins and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances.
The College Basketball Crown is a postseason tournament held roughly three weeks after most conference tournaments, involving strategic decisions on player rest and practice.
McDermott announced his retirement last month, ending a 14-season tenure that included at least 20 victories each year.
Creighton's associate head coach Al is poised to take over, signaling a planned transition within the program.
What Happens Next
Creighton will face West Virginia in the semifinals on Saturday, with a potential championship game to follow. McDermott's retirement will take effect after the tournament, leading to Al's likely promotion as head coach. Offseason developments will include recruiting adjustments and team restructuring under new leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the College Basketball Crown?
It is a postseason tournament held about three weeks after conference tournaments, featuring teams that may use it for development or momentum, with no universal preparation strategy.
Why is Greg McDermott retiring significant?
His retirement ends a 14-season tenure at Creighton marked by consistent success, including 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, impacting the program's future direction and fan sentiment.
How did Creighton perform in the quarterfinals?
Creighton defeated Rutgers 82-69 with a second-half surge, advancing to the semifinals against West Virginia and extending McDermott's final coaching run.
Who will replace McDermott as coach?
Associate head coach Al is expected to take over, ensuring continuity within the program after McDermott's planned retirement at the season's end.
What challenges do teams face in the College Basketball Crown?
Teams must decide between giving players rest after a long season or using the tournament for extra practice, with timing adding strategic uncertainty to preparation.
}
Original Source
MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — With 7:23 remaining in a game that felt more and more like a foregone conclusion, a fan behind the Creighton bench held up a sign for all to see. On a white background and written in blue letters, the message was equal parts clear and concise: "THANK YOU Coach Mac!!!" The sign, of course, referred to Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott, who won his 366th game for Creighton on Thursday night by pulling away from Rutgers, 82-69, in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown. Last month, the 61-year-old McDermott announced his intention to retire at the end of this year, calling it quits on an exceptional career that included 10 NCAA Tournament appearances with the Bluejays and 14 seasons featuring at least 20 victories. For now, though, McDermott’s legendary run continues thanks to a second-half surge against the Scarlet Knights. His team will move on to face West Virginia in the semifinals on Saturday. Here are my takeaways from Day 2 of the College Basketball Crown: 1. Creighton comes to life in the second half to prolong Greg McDermott’s tenure Because of when the College Basketball Crown takes place each year — roughly three weeks removed from the end of most conference tournaments — there is an element of strategy involved when it comes to preparation. Some coaches have chosen to afford their players extra time off following a grueling five-month season. Others have preferred to parlay whatever momentum their programs might have into additional practices that can play an important role in player development. There is no universal, or universally accepted, approach. How and when Creighton might prepare for this year’s event was draped with an extra layer of uncertainty once McDermott shared his decision to retire at the campaign’s end. That meant it was fair to wonder about the Bluejays’ collective level of focus given the impending transition from McDermott, who has been at the helm since 2010, to associate head coach Al
