Junior Christian Bishop dribbles past Villanova's Cole Swider during Creighton's 86-70 win over the Wildcats Saturday at the CHI Health Center. The Jays moved up five spots to No. 14 in Monday's edition of the AP Top 25 poll.
The Jays earned a top-10 victory Saturday when they took down Villanova in a convincing 86-70 blowout. They moved up in the rankings as a result.
Creighton rose to No. 14 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, released Monday.
It’s still below the Wildcats in the rankings — Villanova landed at No. 10. But the Jays’ five-spot jump is the largest upward move of any team in the AP poll this week. They also defeated Georgetown 63-48 Tuesday.
CU is also now 3-1 this season in games against opponents ranked inside the top 25. It’s 9-3 in those games dating back to last season.
The Jays actually have a good chance to move up a bit in the polls again this week — simply because they don’t play. They can devote their practice time to addressing their own flaws while watching the sport’s unpredictable results unfold.
CU has just four regular-season games remaining on its schedule. Home games against DePaul and Butler, and road games at No. 10 Villanova and Xavier, the only other Big East team that received votes in Monday’s AP poll.
Creighton (16-5, 12-4) is also in the hunt for the Big East regular-season title.
The Jays sit below the Wildcats (13-3, 8-2) in the standings, but only by percentage points (.800 to .750).
This week’s AP Top 25 poll
1. Gonzaga (last week: 1) 1,595 (59 first-place votes)
2. Baylor (2) 1,541 (5)
3. Michigan (3) 1,469
4. Ohio State (4) 1,402
5. Illinois (6) 1,290
6. Houston (8) 1,171
7. Virginia (9) 1,130
8. Alabama (11) 1,086
9. Oklahoma (12) 1,072
10. Villanova (5) 1,061
11. Iowa (15) 911
12. Texas (13) 886
13. West Virginia (14) 837
14. Creighton (19) 794
15. Texas Tech (7) 792
16. Florida State (17) 625
17. USC (20) 587
18. Virginia Tech (18) 514
19. Tennessee (16) 453
20. Missouri (10) 413
21. Wisconsin (21) 274
22. Loyola-Chicago (22) 167
23. Kansas (NR) 141
24. Arkansas (NR) 111
25. San Diego State (NR) 75
Others receiving votes: Oklahoma State 71, Rutgers 49, Belmont 47, Louisville 40, Colorado 31, Oregon 30, Drake 22, Purdue 20, Florida 17, Clemson 17, LSU 16, UCLA 11, Virginia Commonwealth 10, Saint Louis 5, Xavier 4, Toledo 3, UC Santa Barbara 2, Western Kentucky 2, North Carolina 2, BYU 1, Wichita State 1, Wright State 1, Utah State 1
Photos: Creighton vs. Villanova
Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski attempts a 3-pointer against Villanova.
Creighton's Christian Bishop reacts after scoring in Villanova traffic.
Creighton's Christian Bishop drives to the basket against Villanova's Cole Swinder.
Creighton's Damien Jefferson looks to the hoop past a Villanova triple team composed of Jerimiah Robinson-Earl, Jermaine Samuels, and Cole Swinder.
Creighton's Christian Bishop is blocked by Villanova's Jeremiah Robinson-Earl while attempting a shot.
Creighton's Denzel Mahoney attempts a shot with Villanova's Justin Moore on his back.
Creighton's Greg McDermott fist bumps Denzel Mahoney before the game against Villanova.
Creighton's Christian Bishop guards Villanova's Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Villanova's Justin Moore attempts a shot over Creighton's Denzel Mahoney.
Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski attempts a 3-pointer
Creighton's Shereef Mitchell attempts a shot in Villanova traffic.
Creighton fans celebrate during a timeout against Villanova.
Creighton's Mitch Ballock fights for possession with Villanova's Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels.
Creighton's Greg McDermott congratulates Denzel Mahoney on a made 3-pointer against Villanova.
Creighton's Mitch Ballock attempts a shot against Villanova.
Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski attempts a 3-pointer against Villanova.
Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski drives to the basket against Villanova's Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Justin Moore.
Creighton's Shereef Mitchell attempts a 3-pointer against Villanova.
Creighton's Mitch Ballock fights for posession with Villanova's Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Creighton's Denzel Mahoney looks to pass the ball out against Villanova.
Creighton's Mitch Ballock shoots a 3-pointer over Villanova's Justin Moore.
Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski attempts a layup in traffic.
Villanova's Jermaine Samuels tips Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski's attempted 3-pointer.
Creighton's Christian Bishop blocks a layup from Villanova's Justin Moore.
Creighton's Marcus Zegarowski gestures to cheering fans while heading to the locker room after their win against Villanova.
Jon Nyatawa
Reporter - Creighton athletics
Jon covers Creighton athletics, the College World Series and more for The World-Herald. Follow him on Twitter @JonNyatawa. Phone: 402-444-6611
