Mohegan Sun Arena was packed Monday night in anticipation of the rematch of the regular-season title between the Creighton Bluejays and the UConn Huskies. Creighton trailed UConn throughout most of the season, losing only two conference games, both to UConn. The Huskies ran the table in Big East play and were looking to close it out without a loss.
Paige Bueckers won her third Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, finishing this game with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals. A case certainly could have been made for freshman Sarah Strong, but the night belonged to Paige.
The Huskies won conference tournament title No. 30, including 12 straight. Bueckers has never lost a Big East game going 66 – 0.
Creighton came into this game probably more equipped to beat UConn than any other team in the Big East. Their trio of sharpshooters, Lauren Jensen, Morgan Maly, and Molly Mogensen, had the firepower to challenge the Huskies seriously. On this night, the three were held to a combined 32 points. The UConn trio of Bueckers, Strong, and Azzi Fudd combined for 50 points. Neither team got significant help from anyone else.
Rough Start for the Blue Jays Versus the Huskies
Creighton essentially lost the game in the first quarter. They didn’t score until Lauren Jensen made a layup 5:30 minutes into the game. UConn had scored 11 points by then, and didn’t make a push until Bueckers hit a three and a pair of free throws a minute later, in which time Creighton had begun to sink some shots, just not enough. The quarter ended with UConn up 27 – 11.
The rest of the game told a different story. Creighton, over the next three quarters, were only outscored by a total of four points, 43 – 39. But the game was more about the UConn defense, which Creighton couldn’t seem to overcome. The Huskies did not play their best game, turning the ball over 17 times, but managed to turn Creighton over 19 times. UConn did have better luck with shooting threes going 9 – 24, but held Creighton to 6 – 23.
After halftime, both teams looked noticeably tired. The first half was a fast-paced and highly energetic 20 minutes, and given what was on the line, not surprising. Creighton certainly didn’t roll over, but you have to wonder how demoralizing that first quarter was. UConn’s heart was never an issue, just how much was left in the tank. Even though the bench didn’t contribute much in this game, coach Geno Auriemma now has a bench, something the Huskies have not had for quite some time.
NCAA Tournament Impact for UConn and Creighton
How this loss will affect Creighton in tournament seeding remains to be seen. Additionally, with UConn currently ranked No. 3 in the AP and Coaches’ poll, do they have a case to be a No. 1 seed? Currently, Charlie Creme’s Bracketology has Texas, South Carolina, USC and UCLA as No. 1 seeds. Of the four, Texas might be the most vulnerable.
Depending on what the committee sees, UConn could very well gain a No. 1 seeding. Looking at the current #2 seeds, which are UConn, Notre Dame, TCU and NC State, there may not be a huge difference between the #1s and #2s. This win for UConn, plus it being a conference tournament title, might push the Huskies up a notch. Creighton is currently a No. 8 seed, so, likely, they won’t fall too far, if at all.
Going forward, each team has work to do. More consistent shooting, fewer turnovers, and better control of the ball. When the final seeding comes out, the picture will be much clearer. Creighton had a great season, and despite the losses, so did UConn. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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