Courtesy of Alpha Media USA Lincoln.OMAHA–(CU Athletics Dec. 13)–Down by as much as 20 early in the second half, Creighton Men’s Basketball closed within three before falling 83-76 to Kansas State on Saturday, Dec. 13. The loss evened the Bluejay record at 5-5 on the season, while Kansas State moved to 7-4. Setting the pace offensively 10 of the first 12 combined shots came from long range. It was Wildcat guard Abdi Bashir Jr. to take full advantage, hitting four-of-seven from beyond the arc in the opening eight minutes as Kansas State led 17-14 with 11:47 remaining. After scratching back within a bucket at 23-21 (9:46), Creighton had a shot to reclaim the lead on a three-pointer attempted by Josh Dix. The step-back trey rimmed out and ignited a 21-6 run for Kansas State as the Wildcats pushed their advantage to 46-29 with 3:32 remaining. The deficit grew with 51-33 as the two teams went to their respective locker rooms at the half. Trailing 53-33 early in the second half, the Bluejays responded with an 11-0 run to get back within striking distance. Isaac Traudt got things going with back-to-back treys, followed by a three-pointer from Austin Swartz and punctuated by a defensive stop and layup from Dix to bring the Bluejays within nine at 53-44 (16:38). Creighton continued to close the gap to six points at 61-55 (12:25) with an 8-0 run, getting treys from Ty Davis and Dix, followed by a dunk from Owen Freeman. Kansas State responded to push the gap back to double digits, but the Bluejays had one final push remaining. Facing a 12-point deficit (72-60) with under seven minutes left, Creighton connected with a 10-1 surge to make it a one possession game at 72-69. Once more Dix got a look, this time contested from the top of the key. The shot rolled off the rim with just over two minutes left, allowing KSU to respond with consecutive buckets to put the game out of reach. Dix and Traudt led Creighton with 18 points, while Swartz rounded out the Bluejays in double figures with 12. Kansas State closed the contest with four players in double digits, led by 19 points from David Castillo as well as 18 from Bashir Jr. The Bluejays will return to the hardwood on Wednesday, Dec. 17 for the opening game of BIG EAST play at Xavier. The contest is slated for a 5:30 pm tip on FS1 ...read more read less