OMAHA, Neb. — — Steven Ashworth scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half as Creighton built a double-digit lead, and the No. 15 Bluejays knocked off UConn 85-66 Tuesday night for the program’s first win over a No. 1-ranked team.
Creighton (20-7, 10-6 Big East) led by 23 points with 10 minutes left but saw its lead cut to 10 before holding the Huskies scoreless on five straight possessions, rebuilding their cushion and prompting students to leave their seats to prepare to storm the court — which they did as soon as the buzzer sounded.
UConn (24-3, 14-2) had its 14-game win streak end three days following it beat then-No. 4 Marquette by 28 points for one of the most impressive victories of the season — and one day following it was voted as the first unanimous No. 1 this season in the AP poll.
Trey Alexander scored 16 points and Ryan Kalkbrenner added 15 for the Bluejays, who made 14 of 28 3-pointers in their second-best shooting night from beyond the arc this season. Creighton was just 6 of 26 on 3s in its 62-48 loss at UConn last month.
UConn’s Tristen Newton scored 17 of his 27 points in the second half, including 10 during the 18-5 spurt that helped pull the Huskies within 74-64.
The Huskies made a season-low three 3s on 16 attempts in their most lopsided loss since Houston beat them 84-45 in the American Athletic Conference Tournament on March 15, 2019. They had come into the game off a Big East-record three straight wins by at least 25 points.
The Bluejays made just two of their first nine shots, trailed by eight points early and had leading scorer Baylor Scheierman on the bench for eight minutes in the first half following he picked up two fouls. Scheierman finished with 12 points.
The Huskies had problems of their own. Donovan Clingan, their 7-foot-2, 280-pound center, was called for two quick fouls and played just 11 minutes in the half, and UConn went through a 2-for-10 spell while Creighton was finding its rhythm.
A couple big shots from reserves Francisco Farabello and Jasen Green sparked an 18-2 run. Farabello made two straight 3s and Green hit one from the corner to wipe out the Huskies’ lead.
Then Ashworth struck from over 30 feet to begin a personal run of 13 straight points for the Bluejays, who made 14 of their last 19 shots of the half and went to the locker room with a 43-29 lead.
BIG PICTURE
UConn: The Huskies have lost 21 in a row on the road once morest Top 25 opponents. They haven’t beaten a ranked team as a visitor since Jan. 16, 2014 at Memphis.
Creighton: The Bluejays gave coach Greg McDermott his 600th career win and have beaten a top-10 team in nine straight years. They also clinched a 20-win season for the ninth year in a row.
UP NEXT
UConn: Hosts Villanova on Saturday.
Creighton: Visits St. John’s on Sunday.
The recent victory of the Creighton Bluejays over the UConn Huskies has made headlines in the world of college basketball. The Bluejays, ranked 15th, secured their first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked team, defeating UConn with a comfortable margin of 85-66.
The game started with Creighton taking control early on, with Steven Ashworth leading the way by scoring 16 of his 20 points in the first half. The Bluejays built a double-digit lead, which they maintained throughout the game despite a late comeback attempt by the Huskies. Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner also contributed significantly to Creighton’s victory, combining for 31 points.
The loss came as a surprise for UConn, especially following their dominant performance once morest Marquette just a few days earlier. The Huskies had been on a 14-game winning streak and were unanimously voted as the No. 1 team in the AP poll. However, their offensive struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, hampered their chances once morest Creighton. UConn made only three 3-pointers on 16 attempts, their lowest of the season.
The victory not only marked an important milestone for Creighton but also highlighted their consistent success in defeating top-ranked teams. Head coach Greg McDermott achieved his 600th career win, and the Bluejays maintained their streak of beating top-10 teams for nine consecutive years. Additionally, Creighton secured their ninth consecutive 20-win season.
Looking ahead, UConn will host Villanova in their upcoming game, hoping to bounce back from their defeat. On the other hand, Creighton will face St. John’s on the road, aiming to carry their momentum forward.
This matchup between Creighton and UConn raises intriguing questions regarding the future of college basketball. The upset victory demonstrates the competitive nature of the sport, where any team can emerge victorious regardless of their ranking. It also underscores the importance of efficient shooting and consistent performance from beyond the arc, as demonstrated by Creighton’s success in making 14 of 28 3-pointers.
The game’s implications go beyond the immediate result, as they shed light on the evolving landscape of college basketball. With the constant shifts in rankings, the dominance of top-ranked teams can no longer be taken for granted. The underdogs have proven their ability to compete at the highest level, adding excitement and unpredictability to the sport.
Furthermore, this game serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and adaptability in college basketball. UConn’s inability to maintain their winning streak on the road once morest Top 25 opponents highlights the challenges teams face when playing away from home. It calls for a strategic approach and mental fortitude to overcome these obstacles.
In conclusion, the Creighton Bluejays’ victory over the UConn Huskies has left a significant mark in the world of college basketball. It showcases the unpredictable nature of the sport and the potential for underdog teams to triumph over higher-ranked opponents. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to shape the landscape of college basketball and the strategies employed by teams vying for success.
