UConn’s reign as the top-ranked team in college basketball came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday night when they faced off against No. 15 Creighton at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. In a stunning upset, the Bluejays delivered a resounding 85-66 victory over the Huskies, marking the program’s first-ever win over a No. 1 team and igniting jubilant celebrations on the court.
The defeat marked a significant shift for UConn, who had dominated the college basketball landscape in recent months. With an impressive 24-2 record and fresh off a commanding 28-point win over then-No. 4 Marquette, the Huskies had appeared virtually untouchable. However, their undefeated streak since December 20th was shattered by Creighton in a game that showcased the Bluejays’ remarkable shooting prowess.
Creighton seized control early on, building a commanding 14-point lead by halftime with a blistering 22-6 run. Despite a brief resurgence from UConn in the second half, where they managed to trim the deficit to 10 points, Creighton’s lead proved insurmountable. The Bluejays maintained their dominance down the stretch, clinching a decisive 19-point victory.
Tristen Newton led the charge for UConn with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Donovan Clingan contributed 12 points and seven rebounds. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Creighton’s collective performance, with Steven Ashworth leading the charge with 20 points, supported by Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 15 points and Trey Alexander’s 16 points.
Despite the setback, UConn remains in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, with four games remaining before the Big East tournament. However, Creighton’s emphatic win serves as a reminder that the path to victory is far from guaranteed, highlighting the competitive landscape of college basketball as the season progresses.