The basketball court is a battlefield, and for UConn’s Dan Hurley, every game is a shot at redemption. After a gut-wrenching 68-62 loss to St. John’s, UConn’s drop from the AP Top 25 was a stark reminder of how quickly the rankings can shift. But Hurley isn’t one to get caught up in February’s drama. His mantra remains unwavering: the road to glory runs through March. “No one gets crowned in February. There are no crowns handed out for a while here,” Hurley said, his focus set firmly on the future.
Now, with a key matchup looming against Creighton, on Tuesday, 9 p.m. EST, Hurley knows this game could mark the start of UConn’s next chapter—a chapter where every possession matters, and every win counts in the push for the Big East and beyond.
Injury update: UConn faces uncertainty ahead of Creighton showdown
But UConn’s path to redemption isn’t simple. With crucial games on the horizon, Hurley faces more than just tactical challenges—injuries to key players H. Diarra and S. Ball add complexity to an already high-stakes scenario. Diarra, who played through pain to log 34 minutes against St. John’s, posted 3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Ball, who contributed 13 points and 3 assists in that game, is also uncertain about the Creighton matchup. Their potential absence could severely test UConn’s depth as they battle to regain momentum.
Creighton, too, is fighting its own battles. The Bluejays have remained competitive with their depth and defensive strength missing star P. Isaacs since December because of a hip injury. This matchup will come down to which team can execute under pressure.
Hence, their respective starting 5’s might include :
UConn: H. Diarra (questionable GTD), S. Johnson, A. Karaban, S. Ball (questionable GTD), J. Stewart, L. McNeely
Creighton: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Steven Ashworth, J. Neal, J. Green, J. McAndrew
Creighton enters the matchup with a strong 12-1 home record and a perfect 2-0 in one-possession games, led by key players like Ryan Kalkbrenner, who has averaged 21.9 points over the last 10 games, and Steven Ashworth, who is putting up 16.9 points and 6.7 assists. The Bluejays are a high-scoring team, averaging 75.6 points per game, and will look to continue their momentum against a UConn squad that has been solid but inconsistent, holding an 8-4 record in Big East play.
While UConn’s defense has been strong, limiting opponents to 42.5% shooting, their 68.6 points allowed Creighton’s potent offense will be severely challenged per game. The Huskies’ lineup, with players like Tarris Reed Jr. (9.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) and Solomon Ball (3.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games), will have to step up, especially with key contributors H. Diarra and S. Ball listed as questionable.
Both teams are coming off strong performances, with Creighton boasting a 9-1 record in their last 10 games, averaging 76 points, 33.6 rebounds, and shooting 49.2% from the field. Meanwhile, UConn has been averaging 72.8 points and 48.3% shooting. This clash will test both teams’ resilience, depth, and execution as they vie for a crucial Big East victory.
Greg McDermott and his Bluejays: A storm Hurley’s Huskies can’t ignore
Across the court, Creighton is ready to capitalize on UConn’s vulnerabilities. The Bluejays, led by the sharp-shooting duo of R. Kalkbrenner and S. Ashworth, have been in stellar form. Kalkbrenner, who posted 19 points and 7 rebounds in their last game, and Ashworth, who added 22 points and 7 assists, will be key players to watch. They are surely raising the bar.
Dec 4, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts after a three point basket by guard Aidan Mahaney (20) as they take on the Baylor Bears at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Creighton is also a team that thrives on balance—J. Neal and J. Green, contributing 14 and 8 points respectively in their last outing, give the Bluejays a deep roster capable of spreading the floor and making adjustments mid-game. UConn has seen both highs and lows against Creighton in recent seasons. The Huskies emerged victorious in their most recent encounter in January, winning 68-63, but this rivalry has been tight. With only a few points separating them in their previous matchups, the game is bound to be a slugfest.
The odds say it all—ESPN gives UConn just a 39.6% chance to claim victory, and with the Huskies failing to cover the spread in January, the pressure’s on. Recent games have leaned toward the under, and with both teams locked into a win-now mentality, every possession will be a battle.
As Hurley fights to find his rhythm, one thing is clear: rankings and injuries won’t stop him. March is on the horizon, and Hurley’s laser-focused on leading his team there—one game, one play at a time.
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