The Laser Pass: Fedor Zugic’s Full-Court Assist Caps Creighton’s Dominant Quarterfinal Win
The Laser Pass: Fedor Zugic’s Full-Court Assist Caps Creighton’s Dominant Quarterfinal Win
In the closing moments of the Creighton Bluejays’ 82-69 victory over Rutgers, a single play perfectly encapsulated the skill and vision of Greg McDermott’s squad. With the game well in hand, sophomore guard Fedor Zugic delivered a jaw-dropping, full-court baseline pass that found a streaking Josh Dix for an easy slam dunk. The "laser pass," as it was immediately dubbed by commentators, served as the exclamation point on a performance that saw Creighton overwhelm the Scarlet Knights in the second half to advance to the College Basketball Crown semifinals.
The play began after a made Rutgers basket. Zugic, a native of Montenegro who has become a fan favorite in Omaha, took the ball out of bounds and immediately looked up-court. Seeing Dix leaking out behind the Rutgers defense, Zugic unleashed a precise, 90-foot overhead throw that hit Dix perfectly in stride. The execution was flawless, showcasing the high-level basketball IQ that has defined the Bluejays' offensive system for over a decade. The highlight quickly went viral, illustrating Creighton's confidence as they look to win the tournament for their departing coach.
Fedor Zugic: More Than Just a Shooter
Known primarily for his perimeter shooting, Fedor Zugic has steadily developed into a multi-dimensional threat for the Bluejays. While he didn't lead the team in scoring on Thursday, his impact was felt in his decision-making and defensive energy. Zugic’s ability to facilitate from the wing has added a new layer to Creighton’s attack. Earlier in the season, he earned his first collegiate starts due to his defensive tenacity, but it is his professional-level vision—honed during his years playing in Europe—that was on full display in Las Vegas.
Zugic finished the regular season as a key contributor off the bench, providing a spark in transition and reliable spacing. His full-court assist to Dix was a reminder that he is comfortable making high-risk, high-reward plays under pressure. As Creighton prepares for a physical semifinal matchup against West Virginia, Zugic’s ability to stretch the floor and find open teammates will be crucial.
Josh Dix and the Bluejay Efficiency
For Josh Dix, the recipient of Zugic’s incredible pass, the dunk was just one part of a highly efficient night. Dix finished with 14 points, including four three-pointers, continuing his streak of elite shooting. Under McDermott, Dix has blossomed into a reliable secondary scorer who thrives in Creighton’s floor-spacing sets. His chemistry with Zugic and Nik Graves was evident throughout the game, as the Bluejays carved up the Rutgers defense with precise ball movement and timely cuts.
Creighton’s offensive execution in the second half was nearly perfect, as they shot 61.5% from the field. The Bluejays’ ability to turn defense into offense, highlighted by the Zugic-to-Dix connection, allowed them to turn a tight contest into a double-digit victory. Dix's veteran presence and calm demeanor in the postseason have been essential for a team that is playing with the added pressure of sending their coach into retirement with a trophy.
Semi-Final Bound in Las Vegas
The victory sets up a Saturday afternoon showdown with West Virginia, a team that survived an overtime thriller earlier in the day. The Bluejays will enter the game as one of the favorites to win the College Basketball Crown, especially if they continue to play with the flair and efficiency shown against Rutgers. For Greg McDermott, the win was his 21st postseason victory at Creighton, further cementing his status as a program legend.
As the Bluejays move closer to the championship game, they will rely on the blend of veteran scoring from Graves and Dix and the creative playmaking of Zugic. The atmosphere at the MGM Grand Garden Arena is expected to be electric, as Creighton fans travel in droves to support the team's quest for a postseason title. If Thursday night was any indication, this Bluejays squad still has plenty of magic left in the tank.
