Creighton Upsets UConn in Thrilling Match
In a thrilling upset on Wednesday night, Creighton defeated the fifth-ranked UConn Huskies, handing them their initial loss on their home court within the conference, with a final score of 91-84. This victory was marked by standout performances from Josh Dix and Nik Graves, who contributed 21 and 18 points respectively. Dix notably made a significant impact in the second half, scoring 13 of his points during that period.
Significance of the Victory
The Bluejays’ triumph not only disrupted UConn’s impressive home record but also marked a milestone for Creighton’s coach, Greg McDermott, who has now beaten Dan Hurley’s teams four times on their own turf—a first in this matchup.
Honoring Emeka Okafor
This game coincided with a special event honoring former UConn star Emeka Okafor, as his number was retired at halftime, acknowledging his remarkable contributions alongside Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton, the only other players to receive such an honor.
Game Highlights
Despite the loss, UConn started strong and held a seven-point lead early in the second half. However, their shooting faltered, as they managed only 34% from the field during that span. Braylon Mullins was a bright spot for UConn, leading the team with 25 points, while Silas Demary Jr. and Tarris Reed Jr. provided support with 17 points and 15 points with 11 rebounds, respectively. Interestingly, Reed’s performance dipped significantly in the second half, contributing only 2 points.
Creighton also saw contributions from Fedor Zugic, who added 14 points, and their success at the foul line played a critical role in their victory, where they outscored UConn 27-11 in free throws.
Mullins closed the first half with a three-pointer that tied the game at 45, and although he initially boosted the Huskies to a 63-59 lead with two consecutive threes, UConn subsequently went cold, allowing Creighton to run away with a 14-2 scoring streak that propelled them to a seven-point advantage.
Looking Ahead
Next on the docket for Creighton is a matchup against No. 17 St. John’s on Saturday, while UConn prepares to face Villanova on the same day, as both teams look to rebound from this intense contest.
