Creighton prevents UConn’s comeback and stuns No. 14 Huskies at home with a 68-63 win

Fresh from climbing back into the Top 25, No. 14 UConn suffered another upset on Saturday, falling to unranked Creighton after a failed comeback attempt. The Huskies, who trailed 35-28 at halftime, scraped through the second half and retook the lead with less than four minutes remaining, keeping it a close battle for the rest of the game.

With four seconds left, UConn forward Alex Karaban went for a tying 3-pointer, but it bounced back. A pair of free throws from Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner secured the 68-63 win for the Bluejays.

The Huskies did everything they could to close the gap in the closing minutes. With less than 30 seconds left, forward Jaylin Stewart slipped but made an impressive pass from the ground; the save gave Karaban a chance on a floater that brought UConn within one point of the Bluejays.

Creighton’s Jamiya Neal led both teams with 24 points, while Kalkbrenner posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Steven Ashworth contributed 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the Bluejays’ win.

UConn guards Hassan Diarra and Solo Ball each scored 15 points, with Diarra also getting six rebounds and seven assists, while Stewart added 14 points.

It’s been a tough run for the defending NCAA champions, who started the season at the top of the rankings plummeted after consecutive losses Unpleasant Memphis And Colorado at the Maui Invitational in November.

Since then, the Huskies have bounced back and picked up a number of ranked wins, including a huge one 77-71 win over Gonzaga. UConn slid back in the AP Poll in December, but between Saturday’s loss and a loss of two points against Villanova on Jan. 8, things may look bleak again for the Huskies. UConn head coach Dan Hurley, as usual, will not be satisfied.