OMAHA, Neb. — The Creighton University men’s basketball team made history on Tuesday night by securing its first-ever victory over a No. 1-ranked team. After six previous attempts without success, the No. 15 Bluejays defeated the UConn Huskies with an impressive 85-66 win at home.
Coach Greg McDermott expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, attributing the historic win to the collective efforts of everyone involved in the program. Creighton, now 20-7 for the season, maintained a double-digit lead throughout the game, showcasing their prowess against the defending national champions.
The Huskies, who entered the game with a 14-game win streak, encountered a tough battle against the Bluejays. UConn coach Dan Hurley acknowledged the team’s defeat, admitting that Creighton’s performance posed a significant challenge to his players.
The victory was fueled by standout performances from Creighton players Steven Ashworth, Trey Alexander, and Ryan Kalkbrenner, who combined for a total of 51 points. The team’s remarkable defensive effort, along with their success in 3-point shooting, contributed to their resounding win over UConn.
Creighton’s strong offensive flow in recent games, coupled with their solid home-court advantage, set the stage for their historic triumph. The team’s unwavering confidence and resilience, even after a slow start, were key factors in securing the win against a top-ranked opponent.
The Huskies, who had been riding high from several decisive victories, were clearly taken aback by the formidable performance displayed by the Bluejays. Despite a late-game surge, they fell short of making a significant comeback, ultimately succumbing to their first loss in two months.
In the end, as the buzzer sounded and the final score was settled, Creighton’s victory over UConn marked a significant milestone for the team and highlighted their potential as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate basketball.