LEXINGTON, Ky. — The matchup between No. 1 seed Auburn and No. 9 seed Creighton is big enough. It’s a chance to extend the season. It’s for a spot in the Sweet 16.
But in this win or go home clash, the All-American matchup between AP first team member Johni Broome and third team member Ryan Kalkbrenner is set to be the highlight on Saturday night inside of Rupp Arena.
“My guess is that whoever wins that battle is probably winning the game. So that's an important part of what we're doing,” said Creighton head coach Greg McDermott.
While both Broome and Kalkbrenner have averaged over 17.0 points per game over the course of the season, the Tigers’ center is known more for his offense with the Bluejays’ consistently recognized for his defense.
“I hope he [Kalkbrenner] presents a challenge because you got one of the best offensive centers in the country and one of the best defensive centers and something's got to give,” McDermott said.
The four-time Big East defensive player of the year, a feat only Patrick Ewing has also reached, ranks third nationally with 93 blocks this season.
“He reminds me a lot of Walker Kessler, being 7-foot-2, and being able to catch lobs and finish and catching high and finishing. He's just a great player,” Auburn center Dylan Cardwell said Friday. “The thing that intrigues me most about him is his ability to drive. At 7'2", it's not something that you really see.”
Kalkbrenner, set to play in his school record ninth NCAA Tournament game, is one of just three men in NCAA D1 history with 2,300 points & 375 blocks.
“I think I'm one of the best, if not the best defensive player in the country. As a competitor, you want to be in situations like that. You get to go play against the best players in the country. Obviously I love the opportunity,” Kalkbrenner said. “I think any basketball player, you dream about playing in March Madness against the other best players in the country.”
Broome picked up his 79th double-double against No. 16 Alabama State in the Tigers’ 20 point win in the NCAA Tournament opener.
But after being called out by Steven Pearl in the postgame radio interview following the game, the national player of the year candidate will have his work cut out for him Saturday night.
“I would love to have a week to get ready for them, because they do so much good stuff that I think I would enjoy learning. We will be excited about trying to guard it and seeing if we can put our defensive system in place against a very unique offense with a 7'2" center and a dynamic point guard and the different pieces around them,” Bruce Pearl said.
So with the season on the line, who will win the battle of the bigs and ultimately advance to the coveted second weekend of March Madness?
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Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2022.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @patrickabingham
