The Creighton Bluejays came to XL Center in Hartford one game behind the UConn Huskies, set on getting at least a share of the Big East regular season title. For a few minutes, it looked as though they might get their wish. Creighton came out of the gate hard and fast, and although it was a very low scoring first quarter, the Bluejays jumped out to an 8 – 0 lead before Jana El Alfy scored a layup for the Huskies.
Sarah Strong added a pair of layups, making it 8 – 6 Creighton, when Kiani Lockett made a pair of free throws. KK Arnold made a three and Azzi Fudd a 2 point jumper, giving the Huskies an 11 – 10 lead at the end of the quarter. Creighton would never have another lead.
The second quarter saw UConn tighten up their offense while playing stronger defense. Creighton turned the ball over eight times, adding to the six from the first quarter. The pace of the game also sped up, and even though Creighton did what they could, the Huskies outscored the Bluejays 27 – 12, giving UConn a halftime lead of 38 – 22.
A Tight Third Quarter at the XL Center
Creighton seemed to find some rhythm in the third quarter, but the best they could do was match UConn’s point production. With only one turnover in the quarter, Creighton had a better showing and scored 20 to UConn’s 25. But the damage was done, and even with a very low scoring fourth quarter, UConn finally took the game 72 – 53, giving the Huskies their fifth consecutive Big East regular season title.
UConn struggled from three, scoring only 6 – 17 from deep. While at times it seemed as though Creighton was doing much better from three, they only scored 8 – 28. Rebounds were close, with UConn having a slight edge. The Huskies outdid Creighton on steals 15 – 7 and 7 – 1 on blocked shots. UConn owned the points in the paint and fast-break points.
The Huskies are BIG EAST Champions! ? pic.twitter.com/RpqsIy2y02
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 28, 2025
Considering what is at stake for both teams, they are both going to need to end the regular season on a strong note. Creighton, currently ranked No. 22, could drop out of the Top 25 with a loss to Villanova on Sunday. UConn will also need a win over Marquette to secure at least a two-seed for the NCAA tournament, depending on what happens in the Big East tournament.
Scoring for UConn and Creighton
Strong had a better game of late, scoring 22 points. Paige Bueckers scored 15, and Kaitlyn Chen 11. With Morgan Cheli out, the bench is going to need to step it up, particularly Ashlynn Shade and Arnold. Allie Ziebell, who also is a good three-point shooter, will need to be more productive when called upon. Fudd only scored nine points as well. Overall, the Huskies have to increase their point production to make an impact in both the Big East and March Madness.
Creighton was stifled on offense, with Morgan Maly scoring 11 points, the only player in double figures. Both Molly Mogensen and Lauren Jensen were held to nine and seven points respectively. Jensen is averaging 17.9 ppg and Maly 17.6. With a bench that has a low scoring average, the team leaders are going to have to up their games to make an impact. Creighton, with an overall record of 23 – 5, is a very good team, but they’ve got work to do to keep going.
What happens next is anybody’s guess, but I’m guessing that UConn will begin to play their brand of March basketball, and from that, anything can happen.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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