Liam McNeeley scored a career-high 38 points, leading UConn to a thrilling 70-66 victory over No. 24 Creighton, effectively snapping the Bluejays’ nine-game winning streak. The Huskies demonstrated resilience, overcoming a significant 14-point deficit late in the first half during the game held on Tuesday night.
With just 1:44 remaining, Alex Karaban’s floater in the lane broke a 65-all tie, securing the win for UConn (17-7, 9-4 Big East). This marked their first victory in Omaha since rejoining the Big East in 2020, a significant milestone for the team.
Creighton (18-7, 11-3), which had recently re-entered the AP Top 25, struggled offensively in the second half, shooting just 30%. This defeat was their first since January 3, highlighting a stark turnaround after their recent successes.
McNeeley was a standout performer, showcasing his skills in only his second game back from an ankle injury that had kept him out for eight games. The freshman not only recorded his fourth double-double but also made a significant impact in the second half, scoring 23 points and hitting four of his five three-pointers.
On the other side, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth led the Bluejays with 13 points each. Despite Ashworth’s struggles from the field, where he shot just 1-of-8, he managed to convert 11-of-12 free throws, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Takeaways
UConn: The Huskies, facing the challenge of being unranked for the first time since the start of the 2022-23 season, successfully avoided back-to-back losses for the first time since November, showcasing their determination and grit.
Creighton: The Bluejays experienced a dip in performance, shooting only 40.4% from the field and 29.2% from beyond the arc. Notably, Ashworth was unable to make a three-pointer for the first time this season, a statistic that reflects the team’s overall struggles.
Key moment
The turning point for UConn came when McNeeley hit back-to-back three-pointers midway through the second half, giving the Huskies their first lead at 51-46. This prompted Creighton to call a timeout, while McNeeley celebrated by engaging with the fans, energizing both the team and the crowd.
Key stat
UConn’s ball control improved significantly, committing only six turnovers in this game after a staggering 47 turnovers in their previous two outings, demonstrating their ability to adapt and learn from past mistakes.
Up next
UConn is set to visit Seton Hall on Saturday, looking to build on this momentum.
Creighton will face No. 9 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, aiming to bounce back from this defeat.
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