Top-Ranked UConn Men's Basketball Welcomes Back Donovan Clingan, Cruises to a 62-48 Victory Over No. 18 Creighton
In a thrilling showdown at Gampel Pavilion on Wednesday night, the UConn men's basketball team secured a 62-48 victory over No. 18 Creighton, marking their first game as the top-ranked program since 2009.
Head coach Dan Hurley expressed the importance of maintaining their top rank, saying, "You can’t lose the next game after you’re ranked first." However, facing one of the best teams in the country, the Huskies had their work cut out for them.
The return of Donovan Clingan, who had been sidelined with a foot injury since the December 20 loss to Seton Hall, made a significant impact on UConn's defense. They managed to force Creighton, known for their three-point shooting prowess, into 14 turnovers and a shooting percentage of just 34.6% from the field and 23.1% from deep.
The key difference came on the offensive glass, an area where UConn had struggled in recent games without their star big man. Despite missing 45 shots, the Huskies dominated the offensive boards, grabbing 21 rebounds to Creighton's six and converting those opportunities into 17 second-chance points.
Coach Hurley emphasized the team's effort in rebounding, stating, "We’re an effort rebounding team. We get there with quickness and life or death pursuit." The players responded positively, showing resilience and determination.
Leading the charge on the scoring front, Tristen Newton contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Alex Karaban and Cam Spencer added 13 points each, with seven and six rebounds, respectively. Hassan Diarra made a significant impact off the bench, contributing five points, six rebounds, and a steal.
Donovan Clingan, in his return, recorded six points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. The team showcased their dominance, being plus-nine on the scoreboard during his 16 minutes off the bench.
The sold-out crowd at Gampel Pavilion, donned in white and enjoying a $2 Miller Lite promotion, witnessed a strong collective effort from the Huskies.
Despite a solid performance from Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner and Baylor Scheierman, UConn's defensive focus and offensive resilience secured a comfortable lead. Trey Alexander struggled, shooting just 3 of 12 from the field and contributing six points.
Reflecting on the game, Alex Karaban highlighted the team's improved toughness, stating, "Everyone was locked in defensively, offensively we shared and we created for each other. We really just were a lot tougher than we had been in previous games."
Tristen Newton's impactful three-pointers in the first half set the tone for UConn's offensive prowess. Donovan Clingan's presence in the paint provided a much-needed boost, diverting Creighton from the lane.
The first half saw a dynamic performance from Newton and Spencer, who combined for 21 of UConn’s first 23 points. Spencer's three difficult shots, including a 3-pointer while being fouled, contributed to a 14-2 run during Clingan’s initial three-minute stint, giving the Huskies a 23-14 advantage.
UConn continued their dominance in the second half, starting with a 9-2 run. Karaban, Castle, and Newton extended the lead, with the gap reaching as many as 22 points. Despite Creighton's late push, UConn maintained their composure and sealed the game at the free-throw line.
Alex Karaban emphasized the team's commitment to protecting their No. 1 ranking, calling it a "temporary belt." He stressed the need to continue playing UConn basketball and hailed the game as their best overall performance of the year.
In conclusion, the UConn men's basketball team showcased resilience, defensive prowess, and offensive efficiency in their victory over Creighton, solidifying their position as the top-ranked program. The return of Donovan Clingan played a pivotal role, and the team's collective effort bodes well for their continued success.