In a dramatic turnaround, the Creighton Bluejays shocked the college basketball world by defeating the fifth-ranked UConn Huskies 91-84 on Wednesday night. This victory not only shook up the Big East standings but also put a dent in UConn's hopes for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The game was a stark contrast to their last meeting on January 31, where UConn cruised to an 85-58 victory. This time, Creighton (14-13, 8-8 Big East) came out firing, handing the Huskies their most surprising loss of the season. The 91 points marked the most UConn has allowed in a home conference game since 2003, underscoring the magnitude of Creighton's offensive performance.
UConn (24-3, 14-2 Big East) has been showing signs of vulnerability, with a recent loss to then-No. 22 St.
John's and struggles against lower-ranked teams. Wednesday's defeat highlighted these issues, particularly on the defensive end.
Sophomore guard Blake Harper's game-sealing three-pointer was emblematic of UConn's defensive lapses.
Creighton was led by the dynamic duo of senior guards Josh Dix and Nik Graves, who combined for 39 points. The Bluejays shot an impressive 49% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Stathead's Katie Sharp noted that UConn has recorded four of its five worst defensive efficiency games in the last four matchups, signaling a need for defensive adjustments. Despite a standout performance from freshman guard Braylon Mullins, who scored a career-high 25 points, UConn's key players like Solo Ball and Alex Karaban were largely ineffective.
Ranked 13th by KenPom, UConn boasts five ranked wins this season. However, their recent losses to St.
John's and Creighton raise concerns as the postseason looms. While setbacks like these can be disheartening, they might serve as a wake-up call for the Huskies to address their weaknesses.
Looking ahead, UConn faces Villanova on Saturday before a rematch with No. 17 St.
John's on February 25. Despite the setback, the Huskies still have everything to play for.
With the unpredictable nature of the NCAA Tournament, a loss like this could ultimately benefit UConn by highlighting areas for improvement.
For the Huskies to regain their footing in the Big East, a renewed focus on defensive intensity will be crucial. If they can shore up their defense, UConn remains a formidable contender.