In a thrilling showdown at Gampel Pavilion, the UConn men's basketball team faced a tough test against Creighton, ultimately falling 91-84. The Huskies, ranked fifth, couldn't quite replicate their previous dominant performance against the Bluejays, where they won by 27 points on the road just weeks ago.
This loss marked UConn's second defeat at home this season, dropping their record to 24-3 overall and 14-2 in the Big East. Creighton, sitting at No. 83 in the NET rankings, handed UConn their first Quad 3 loss of the year, improving their own record to 14-13 and 8-8 in conference play.
Creighton was propelled by a standout 21-point performance from forward Josh Dix, who played with heart following the recent passing of his mother. UConn paid tribute to her with a moment of silence before the game, adding an emotional layer to the contest.
The matchup was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 12 ties and 11 lead changes. However, UConn struggled offensively in the second half, shooting just 35% from the field and conceding their highest point total in regulation this season.
Silas Demary Jr. led the Huskies' early efforts with 17 points and nine assists, orchestrating the offense and contributing to 15 of UConn's first 20 points. Malachi Smith provided a spark off the bench, energizing the crowd with a timely 3-pointer and a 5-0 run. Yet, defensive lapses allowed Creighton to penetrate the paint and maintain their edge.
The Bluejays shot an impressive 51.6% in the first half, with guard Nik Graves contributing 18 points. Despite taking a hit to the face, Graves managed to extend Creighton's lead to 40-34 with a resilient midrange jumper.
UConn's response came through Jayden Ross, who initiated a fastbreak layup, and Braylon Mullins, who tied the game at 45 with a three-point play and a crucial 3-pointer. The halftime ceremony saw Emeka Okafor's No. 50 retired, joining UConn legends Ray Allen and Rip Hamilton.
Mullins continued his hot streak into the second half, quickly adding five points. Demary's defensive prowess sparked a 10-3 run for the Huskies, but Creighton's sharp shooting from beyond the arc, going 4-for-6, kept them in contention.
A tense moment arose when Mullins landed awkwardly and briefly wore a knee brace, but he returned with a vengeance, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers. He finished with a game-high 25 points and six rebounds, while Tarris Reed Jr. contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite their efforts, UConn's offense went cold, hitting just one of their next 10 shots, allowing Creighton to go on a decisive 14-2 run. Mullins' fifth 3-pointer briefly halted the slide, but the Bluejays maintained their momentum, building a nine-point lead that proved insurmountable.
This game showcased the intensity and unpredictability of college basketball, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in UConn's season.