- Creighton's 11-0 first-half run secures decisive lead
- Jasen Green shoots 80% from the field with 19 points
- Bluejays to face St. John's in championship final
In a high-stakes Big East Conference Tournament semifinal, Creighton delivered a masterclass performance to overpower UConn 71-62. The Bluejays' dynamic duo of Jasen Green and Jamiya Neal proved unstoppable, each contributing 19 points through precision shooting and clutch plays. The game turned during a critical first-half stretch where Creighton capitalized on UConn's defensive lapses with an 11-point scoring spree, six coming from Green alone.
Green's flawless first-half execution saw him convert all seven field goal attempts, including a momentum-shifting three-pointer. Neal complemented this effort with 13 pre-halftime points, demonstrating remarkable efficiency by making 80% of his shots from the floor. Despite UConn's Solomon Ball and Liam McNeeley combining for 26 points, the Huskies struggled to contain Creighton's offensive rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc where they shot just 20%.
Three unique insights define this matchup: First, Creighton's bench depth provided critical defensive stops during UConn's second-half rally attempts. Second, the Bluejays' 62% two-point shooting efficiency highlights their strategic focus on high-percentage shots. Third, this victory marks Creighton's third consecutive Big East semifinal appearance, signaling program stability under coach Greg McDermott.
A regional case study reveals Nebraska's growing basketball prominence, with Creighton attracting top-tier recruits and boosting Omaha's sports economy. The Bluejays' consistent tournament performances have increased local viewership by 41% since 2020, according to NCAA regional reports.
As Creighton prepares to face St. John's, analysts note their 8-2 record in neutral-site games this season could prove decisive. With NCAA Tournament seeding implications on the line, Saturday's championship promises high-intensity action from two of college basketball's most disciplined programs.