Villanova Looks to Avenge Loss Against Reeling Creighton

Wildcats seek revenge after January defeat, as Bluejays struggle with consistency

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Villanova's men's basketball team, led by first-year coach Kevin Willard, is looking to avenge an earlier loss to Creighton when the two Big East rivals meet on Saturday in Omaha, Nebraska. The Wildcats (19-5, 10-3 Big East) have won four straight games and are on the cusp of their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2022, while the Bluejays (13-12, 7-7) have dropped six of their last nine games after defeating Villanova 76-72 last month.

Why it matters

This matchup is important for both teams as they jockey for position in the competitive Big East conference. Villanova is seeking to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume, while Creighton is trying to regain its footing after a recent slide. The outcome could have significant implications for the postseason aspirations of both programs.

The details

In the previous meeting, Creighton was led by strong performances from Austin Swartz (20 points), Josh Dix (17 points), and Blake Harper (17 points). However, the Bluejays have struggled with consistency since that victory, dropping six of their last nine games. Villanova, on the other hand, has been on a roll, led by the emergence of Tyler Perkins, who is averaging 13.5 points per game and has been particularly effective during Big East play.

  • Villanova defeated Marquette 77-74 on Tuesday, February 14th.
  • Creighton lost 72-71 to DePaul on Wednesday, February 15th.

The players

Kevin Willard

First-year head coach of the Villanova Wildcats.

Tyler Perkins

Villanova's leading scorer, who has emerged as a key player for the Wildcats during the Big East portion of the schedule.

Austin Swartz

Creighton's leading scorer in the previous matchup against Villanova, with 20 points.

Greg McDermott

Head coach of the Creighton Bluejays.

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What they’re saying

“The growth has been fun to watch. It's a great group to be around. They work hard, bring a great attitude. To put ourselves with 10 wins and three losses in Big East play is not me.”

— Kevin Willard, Head Coach, Villanova Wildcats (statenews.net)

“Just really unfortunate, because we shot the ball well. We did some good things well, but free-throw block-out, second-chance points, at the rim, it's kind of a broken record. It's been our weakness all season long.”

— Greg McDermott, Head Coach, Creighton Bluejays (statenews.net)

What’s next

The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the postseason aspirations of both Villanova and Creighton. A win for the Wildcats would further solidify their NCAA Tournament resume, while a victory for the Bluejays could help them regain momentum and get back into the conversation for a potential at-large bid.

The takeaway

This matchup between Villanova and Creighton showcases the competitive nature of the Big East conference, as two teams with contrasting trajectories face off. The Wildcats' quest for redemption against the Bluejays, coupled with Creighton's recent struggles, sets the stage for an intriguing conference clash with high stakes for both programs.