Kalkbrenner's 49 Points Lead Creighton to Season-Opening Victory

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton's fifth-year center and Big East preseason player of the year, scored a career-high 49 points in a 99-86 season-opening win against UT-Rio Grande Valley. Kalkbrenner's performance included 20-of-22 shooting, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, marking the fifth-most points in a Big East game and the second-most in Creighton history. Despite his standout game, Creighton only secured the win in the final minutes. Kalkbrenner, who considered entering the NBA draft last season, returned to Creighton to further develop his skills.