Struggling Creighton's NCAA hopes on tenterhooks

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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Creighton has lost five of its last eight games and the team is no longer considered a sure bet to make a deep postseason run.

The Bluejays (20-6) are out of the Top 25 after being ranked No. 12 a month ago. They've lost three straight, the last one a 61-54 defeat at Northern Iowa on Wednesday.

Coach Greg McDermott says his players face the choice of wallowing in self-pity or dedicating themselves to regaining the form that earned wins in 17 of their first 18 games.

The Bluejays are tied with Indiana State for second place in the Missouri Valley Conference, one game behind Wichita State. Creighton plays three of its last five on the road, including one at surging Saint Mary's next week.