MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES

Creighton's Maurice Watson Jr. out for season

Matt Velazquez

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott (right) checks on guard Maurice Watson Jr. (10) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center. Creighton won 72-67.

On Monday afternoon, Creighton senior guard Maurice Watson Jr. had to be carried off the court at Xavier's Cintas Center due to a left knee injury. On Tuesday, his worst fears were confirmed as an MRI revealed a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.

The fifth-year senior was averaging 12.9 points, 8.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 50.8% from the field and 46.9% from three-point range. A second-team all-Big East selection last season, Watson was on pace to be a first-team all-league pick this season and could have figured into national awards as well.

Marquette (12-6, 3-3 Big East) visits No. 7 Creighton (18-1, 5-1) on Saturday in the next game for each of the two teams. Playing with Watson confined to the sidelines is not how either team wanted to meet for the first time this season.