November 18, 2002
CREIGHTON SWAMPS FURMAN 82-57
IN SECOND ROUND OF GUARDIANS CLASSIC
OMAHA, NEB. -- Kyle Corver scored 20 points and claimed seven rebounds to lead the Creighton Bluejays (2-0) to an 82-57 win over Furman (1-1) in the second round of the Guardians Classic Monday at Omaha Civic Auditorium.
Corver, a senior All-America forward and MVP selection of the tournament's Omaha Regional, connected on 7-of-12 field goals and 5-of-9 three-pointers to lead a hot shooting Creighton attack. The Missouri Valley preseason No. 1 pick Bluejays shot 54.1 percent from the field and grabbed and early 8-2 lead on the way to 19-5 advantage only six minutes into the contest.
Furman, which got a game high 22 points from senior forward Karim Souchu, committed 26 turnovers. Guilherme Da Luz was the only other Paladin in double figures with 13 points.
"We knew coming in that we had to take care of the basketball against a veteran Creighton team, but we didn't do it," said Furman head coach Larry Davis. "This team (Creighton) beat Florida in the NCAAs last year and they are very experienced, so we knew it was going to be a challenge, but one that we need. I thought we missed several good shots early and lost our composure a bit, and they were able to get on top of us."
Furman trailed 38-24 at intermission and 45-31 with 15:37 remaining before Corver keyed a 14-0 Bluejay run with back-to-back 3-pointers to help extend the advantage to 59-31 with 11 minutes to play.
Deren Brody added 16 points and eight rebounds, and Larry House scored 10 points for Creighton. Furman's Paco Gonzalez led all rebounders with 10 boards.
Furman and Creighton will advance to the second week of the Guardians Classic in Kansas City, starting on Monday, November 25. Creighton will play IUPUI at 6:00 p.m. CST followed by Furman and Notre Dame beginning at 8:30 p.m. CST (9:30 EST).
Prior to the clash with the Irish, Furman will tip off its home season this Friday when it entertains James Madison at Timmons Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m.