Greg McDermott’s Perfect Exhibition Record Remains Untouched as Creighton Defeats Purdue in Charity Showdown! How This Match Raised $150,000 and Showcased Team Unity and Determination!

OMAHA, Neb. — The 15th-ranked Creighton men’s basketball team clinched a thrilling 93-87 victory over 14th-ranked Purdue in a charity exhibition game Saturday night at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The game not only delivered exciting moments but also raised a substantial $150,000 for the United Way of the Midlands Disaster Relief Fund, demonstrating the unifying power of sports and Creighton’s community spirit.

Pop Isaacs stood out with an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and dishing out six assists to lead Creighton to a win over the formidable Purdue team. Purdue star Braden Smith showcased his skill, tallying 31 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, making him the game’s top scorer. Purdue initially seized the lead by scoring the first four points, but Creighton quickly countered with an eight-point streak, including five from Isaacs, pushing the team ahead 25-15. A dunk from Fredrick King extended the Jays’ lead further, helping them close the first half with a 46-43 advantage.

After halftime, Purdue scored eight straight points to retake the lead, but Creighton quickly responded. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner landed a three-pointer, putting the Jays back in front. The game continued with both teams trading tense scoring plays, but Creighton held its lead and broke away in the final minutes. A pivotal moment came when freshman Jackson McAndrew nailed a three-pointer, extending Creighton’s lead to 68-60 and forcing Purdue to call a timeout. Purdue narrowed the gap to four points, but Creighton ultimately held strong, sealing the win with Jasen Green’s final free throw.

Creighton completed the game with a high shooting percentage, making 60% of their field goals, with 13 three-pointers and 25 assists. Steven Ashworth and Ryan Kalkbrenner both had standout performances, with Ashworth scoring 16 points and recording eight assists, while Kalkbrenner contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Additionally, Creighton outperformed with 46 points in the paint and 31 points off the bench. On Purdue’s side, alongside Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer also made key contributions with a combined total of 39 points and 13 rebounds.

Coach Greg McDermott maintained his impressive streak of fall exhibition wins, bringing his record to 32-0. Under Coach Matt Painter, Purdue also boasts an admirable exhibition record of 29-1, though they have now lost two consecutive charity exhibitions. While only an exhibition, this result raises expectations for both teams as they approach the regular season. Creighton officially kicks off their season on November 6 with a game against UTRGV.