Oregon coach Dana Altman led his new team to his former home, but the Ducks fell short against Creighton on Monday night.
The Blue Jays from Creighton made nine of their first ten shots and were up by double digits by the 13 minute mark in the first half. Oregon would fight back, but Creighton took momentum once more by going on a 12-0 run to start the second half and give the Blue Jays a 17 point led.
Oregon would fight back and cut the deficit to under five points twice, but Creighton fought back and took the lead every time and, eventually, walked out of their home arena, for the final time this season, with a victory, 84-76.
Creighton was led by their leading scorer Gregory Echenique who had 15 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Oregon was led by their leading scorer Joevan Catron who scored 15 points.
Dana Altman will lead his Duck back to Eugene for game two of this three game final on Wednesday night. The tip will be at 7:00 Pacific and can be viewed live on HDnet.
For more on the game, head on over to SB Nation’s Oregon blog, Addicted to Quack. Check out the full CBI bracket and stay with our 2011 CBI StoryStream for the latest on the tournament.