LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Nik Graves scored 28 points and dished out eight assists to lead Creighton to an 82-69 victory over Rutgers in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena.

The Bluejays used a dominant second-half offensive surge to pull away from the Scarlet Knights, turning a narrow three-point halftime lead into a comfortable win. Creighton improved its season record to 16-17, while Rutgers fell to 14-20.

The most important part of the game was Creighton’s explosive second-half performance, which saw them outscore Rutgers 51-41. After a tightly contested first half that ended with Creighton leading 31-28, the Bluejays found their rhythm and efficiency after the break. They shot 50% from the field in the second half and consistently answered any attempt by Rutgers to close the gap, largely behind the orchestration of Graves.

Graves, a 6-foot-2 guard from Durham, North Carolina, was the catalyst, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. He scored 18 of his points in the second half, including a crucial stretch where he converted multiple three-point plays and free throws to stifle Rutgers rallies. His backcourt partner, Josh Dix of Council Bluffs, Iowa, added 14 points, including four three-pointers.

Rutgers was led by Tariq Francis with 19 points and Jamichael Davis with 17. The Scarlet Knights started strong, building an early lead behind an active defense and baskets from Emmanuel Ogbole and Francis. However, their offense struggled with consistency, particularly from beyond the arc where they shot just 2 of 14 for the game.

A key sequence early in the second half set the tone for Creighton’s pull-away. With Creighton leading 38-35, Graves drew a foul on a made floating jumper and hit the ensuing free throw. On the next possession, he was fouled again on a drive and made two more free throws, extending the lead to eight points. Rutgers never got closer than six points the rest of the way.

Creighton’s interior defense was also a significant factor, blocking eight shots compared to Rutgers’ two. Jasen Green of Omaha, Nebraska, was a force inside with 16 points, two blocks, and several key rebounds. His presence altered numerous Rutgers attempts at the rim.

The Scarlet Knights attempted to mount a late comeback, cutting the deficit to nine points with just over four minutes remaining after a Davis layup. But Graves immediately responded with a three-pointer off a Green assist, pushing the lead back to 12 and effectively sealing the outcome.

Statistically, the game was a tale of efficiency. Both teams had an identical 74 possessions, but Creighton made the most of theirs, posting an offensive rating of 110.2 points per 100 possessions. Rutgers managed a rating of just 92.8. The Bluejays shot 45.8% from the field and were a sharp 20 of 24 from the free-throw line. Rutgers shot 36.9% overall and was hampered by 14 turnovers.

The game was part of a multi-team event in Las Vegas. Rutgers will next face Stanford on Sunday, also at T-Mobile Arena. Creighton’s next opponent is to be determined.

Creighton entered the game as a 2.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, and the combined score of 151 points fell under the pregame over/under line of 148.5.