No. 12 Creighton Takes Home Paradise Jam Hardware

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — The celebration was just as sweet as the battle. No. 12 Creighton had no problem starting the party on the University of the Virgin Islands court Monday night, because the Bluejays knew they not just deserved the 2016 Paradise Jam trophy but also earned it with an 86-77 win over Ole Miss. 

The big crowd of rabid supporters was nothing new. Neither was the hot shooting. All of that has become normal to start the season. But unlike the first two contests here, Creighton needed a strong second half and a late push to get by Ole Miss in the championship game.

Marcus Foster led Creighton with a game-high 25 points, six rebounds, and three assists to earn Paradise Jam most valuable player honors, while Khyri Thomas added 16, Toby Hegner poured in 12, and Justin Patton chipped in 11. 

The Bluejays, who scored over 100 points in wins over Washington State and North Carolina State, shot 52.5 percent from the floor, including 16 for 26 from 3-point range, to improve to 5-0.

Rasheed Brooks and Deandre Burnett scored 22 each for the Rebels (4-1).

For Creighton, though, it all ended with hats and hardware to take home. And if you thought the plane ride here was joyous after knocking off No. 9 Wisconsin a week ago, just imagine the one headed back to Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday.

FULL TOURNAMENT RESULTS

THIRD-PLACE GAME: North Carolina State 73, Saint Joseph’s 63

Dennis Smith Jr. dropped 24 points and eight assists, and big man Abdul-Malik Abu posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds to help the Wolfpack finish the Paradise Jam on a strong note. Saint Joseph’s Shavar Newkirk had another impressive outing with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.

FIFTH-PLACE GAME: Loyola (Chicago) 88, Washington Sate 79

The Ramblers suffered their first loss of the season in the opening game of the Paradise Jam, but ended up bouncing back nicely. Led by 19 points from point guard Clayton Custer and 17 more from Donte Ingram and Aundre Jackson, Loyola used a balanced effort to get a quality win. Ike Iroegbu had 19 points to lead the Cougars, and Josh Hawkinson tallied yet another double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

SEVENTH-PLACE GAME: Montana 68, Oral Roberts 47

Give it up for the Griz. Following two frustrating losses at the Paradise Jam and a winless start to the season, Montanta played with great energy and emotion to earn its first victory. Brandon Gfeller had 19 points, Ahmaad Rorie scored 16, and Sayeed Pridgett added 13. On the other hand, it was a frustrating week for the Golden Eagles, going from almost upsetting Ole Miss to shut out in the Paradise Jam.

PARADISE JAM ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM:

G: Dennis Smith, Jr. -- NC State
G: Deandre Burnett -- Ole Miss
F: Cole Huff -- Creighton
F: Aundre Jackson -- Loyola (Chicago)
F: Josh Hawkinson -- Washington State)

PARADISE JAM MVP:

Marcus Foster (Creighton)