STORRS, Conn. — In a stunning upset that silenced the home crowd at Gampel Pavilion, the Creighton Bluejays defeated the fifth-ranked UConn Huskies 91-84 on Wednesday night, handing the top team its first conference loss on its home floor this season.
The victory came as a 15.5-point underdog, according to DraftKings Sportsbook odds, and spoiled a ceremonial halftime event honoring former UConn star Emeka Okafor, whose jersey number was retired in a nod to his legacy as the 2004 NCAA champion and national player of the year. Okafor joined Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton as the only men's basketball players in program history to have their numbers retired by the Huskies.
Creighton, now 14-13 overall and 8-8 in the Big East, relied on a balanced attack led by Josh Dix, who erupted for 13 of his 21 points in the second half. Nik Graves contributed 18 points, while Fedor Zugic added 14, helping the Bluejays outscore UConn 27-11 from the free-throw line in a game that turned physical and foul-heavy.
For UConn, which fell to 24-2 overall and 14-2 in conference play, the loss marked a rare stumble for a team that had dominated at home. Braylon Mullins paced the Huskies with 25 points, including a clutch 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer that tied the score at 45-45. Silas Demary Jr. chipped in 17 points and nine assists, and Tarris Reed Jr. notched a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, though he managed just two points after intermission.
The game remained tight early in the second half, with UConn holding a seven-point lead. But the Huskies' offense went cold, shooting only 34% from the field in the period. After Mullins drained back-to-back 3-pointers to push UConn ahead 63-59, Creighton responded with a decisive 14-2 run, missing just one shot during the spurt while UConn bricked 10 of its next 11 attempts. That surge put the Bluejays up by seven, a margin they protected down the stretch.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott, whose team improved to 1-1 against UConn this season, etched his name into the record books. According to ESPN Research, McDermott became the first coach to defeat a Dan Hurley-led team four times on the road, a testament to his program's resilience in hostile environments.
This win represents Creighton's first road victory against an AP top-five opponent since a memorable trip to Villanova in January 2014, highlighting the rarity of such achievements in college basketball's power conferences. The Bluejays' free-throw disparity proved pivotal, as they capitalized on UConn's aggressive defense, which sent them to the line repeatedly in the closing minutes.
UConn coach Dan Hurley, known for his fiery sideline presence, watched as his team's undefeated home conference streak came to an end. The Huskies had been flawless in Big East play at Storrs prior to this matchup, a run that underscored their status as national title contenders. Creighton's upset injects uncertainty into the conference race, where UConn had been running away with the top spot.
Emeka Okafor's halftime ceremony added emotional weight to the evening. The former Huskies center, who led UConn to its second NCAA title in 2004, received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of over 10,000. Okafor, who later enjoyed a successful NBA career, reflected on his college days during the tribute, though the on-court drama overshadowed the festivities.
From Creighton's perspective, the game showcased their growth under McDermott, who has rebuilt the program into a consistent Big East contender. The Bluejays entered the night struggling with a middling record but have now won three of their last four, boosting their NCAA tournament hopes. Dix, a junior guard, credited the team's preparation in postgame remarks, saying the upset was the result of executing a game plan tailored to exploit UConn's defensive lapses.
UConn's second-half shooting woes were uncharacteristic for a team that ranks among the nation's best offensively. The Huskies, who average over 80 points per game, managed just 39 in the final 20 minutes against Creighton's swarming defense. Reed's drop-off after halftime was particularly noticeable, as the big man, who had been a rebounding force early, picked up fouls that limited his impact.
Looking back, the first half set the tone for a battle of wills. Creighton hung tough despite UConn's early pressure, trading baskets and forcing turnovers. Mullins' buzzer-beater 3-pointer not only evened the score but also energized the home fans, who expected their team to pull away. Instead, Creighton's poise in the second half flipped the script.
This matchup was part of a grueling Big East schedule that tests the mettle of every team. UConn, fresh off a dominant win over a ranked opponent the previous week, appeared poised for another statement victory. Creighton, meanwhile, was fighting to stay above .500 in conference play, making the stakes personal for the visitors from Omaha.
The upset has ripple effects across the college basketball landscape. For UConn, it serves as a wake-up call ahead of upcoming road games that could define their season. The Huskies remain a lock for the NCAA tournament but now face questions about their consistency under pressure. Creighton, on the other hand, gains momentum and confidence, potentially positioning themselves as a dangerous at-large candidate come March.
As the final buzzer sounded, Creighton players celebrated on the floor while UConn's stars trudged to the locker room. In a season full of parity in the Big East, this game reminded everyone that no lead is safe and underdogs can still bite. The Associated Press contributed to this report.