Creighton Looks to Clinch Big East Tourney Bye Against Butler

Bluejays need a win and some help to avoid play-in game in New York

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Creighton is looking to end its regular season on a high note as it travels to Butler on Wednesday. The Bluejays need a win over the Bulldogs and some outside help to clinch a first-round bye in the upcoming Big East tournament. Despite losing three straight and eight of their last 10 games, Creighton can still secure a top-5 seed with a victory.

Why it matters

Creighton is fighting to avoid having to play in the Big East tournament's play-in game, which would give them a tougher path to the conference title. Earning a bye would allow the Bluejays to rest and prepare for the later rounds. Butler, meanwhile, is looking to end its season on a positive note after a disappointing campaign.

The details

Creighton (14-16, 8-11) currently sits in sixth place in the Big East, a half-game behind DePaul and a half-game ahead of Providence. The top five teams receive a bye to the second round of the conference tournament. Josh Dix and Austin Swartz each scored 18 points in Creighton's most recent loss to Providence. Jasen Green had 23 points and Swartz added 22 when the Bluejays beat Butler 89-85 in December. For the Bulldogs, Michael Ajayi leads the Big East with 16 double-doubles, averaging 16.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

  • Creighton and Butler will play their regular season finale on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The Big East tournament is scheduled to begin shortly after the regular season ends.

The players

Greg McDermott

Creighton's head coach, who is urging his team to give it their best shot against Butler to try and avoid the play-in game.

Josh Dix

Creighton's leading scorer, averaging 12.4 points per game.

Austin Swartz

Creighton guard who scored 18 points in the team's most recent loss and 22 in their earlier win over Butler.

Michael Ajayi

Butler's star forward, who leads the Big East with 16 double-doubles and averages a double-double on the season.

Thad Matta

Butler's head coach, who is looking for ways to get his team playing better as the season comes to a close.

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What they’re saying

“We're not done. We're going to go to Butler and give it our best shot. Like I told the team, we would love to not have to play in the play-in game in New York. ... But whenever we play, whoever we play, we're going to show up, we're going to be ready and we're going to give it everything we have.”

— Greg McDermott, Creighton Head Coach (austinnews.net)

“These guys come in (and) they practice. We've got to find ways to get these guys better and better.”

— Thad Matta, Butler Head Coach (austinnews.net)

What’s next

The winner of Wednesday's Creighton-Butler game will be determined, and the Big East tournament seedings will be finalized. Creighton will either clinch a first-round bye or be forced to play in the tournament's play-in game.

The takeaway

This game represents a pivotal opportunity for Creighton to end its regular season on a high note and secure a more favorable path in the Big East tournament. While the Bluejays have struggled of late, a win over Butler could provide the momentum they need to make a postseason run.