In the Southern Regional Final, it was two programs that have had two very different types of seasons. The Creighton Blue Jays really struggled without their star big Ryan Kalkbrenner (0-6 in games without him). However, the Aztecs really didn’t have too many struggles this season having only gone through one stretch where they lost multiple games in a row (to Arizona and Arkansas). This game may not have had the hype that it properly deserved, but it was a fantastic game regardless.

First Half

The first half was a clear display of opposing play styles. You had Creighton who was getting up and down, and it felt as if they had their own shot clock that was going to go off if it got to 20 seconds. The Aztecs stayed true to who they were, and stayed in the methodical, deliberate pace of play. This game was a chance to make it to either school’s first Final Four appearance in their respective histories.

While the teams were allowed to play through some physicality. It seemed as if the Blue Jays had settled in the most, led by the aforementioned Kalkbrenner who had 10 points and a couple boards. Although Creighton took the lead early, they weren’t able to balloon it into double digits. The Aztecs were led by Lamont Butler who had nine points. The Blue Jays took a 33-28 lead into the intermission.

Second Half

Early in the second half, you could tell what was said by Brian Dutcher resonated as SDSU came out on fire. Lamont Butler almost put up as many points as he did in the first half with seven points in almost nine minutes of game play. As things got closer to the midway point of the second, the game progressively got sloppier and sloppier.

While neither team shot the ball well at any point in the game, the Aztecs just know how to work and grind you to death. Every time you felt that one team was going to pull away the other always had a response. While this game may not have been the prettiest game of the tournament, it was certainly one of the most entertaining.

Darrion Trammall played hero for the Aztecs once again as he sunk the clutch free throw to send San Diego State to the Final Four. Lamont Butler was the games’ leading scorer as he cashed in for 18 points. Ryan Kalkbrenner led Creighton with 17 points.