The No. 1-ranked UConn women’s basketball team used its defense to pull off a dominate victory, 100-51, over Creighton in the Big East semifinals at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The Huskies had 33 points off turnovers, 13 steals and held Creighton to 33% shooting from the field.
‘Most of our wins come because of our defense,’ UConn coach Geno Auriemma said postgame. ‘We create so many opportunities for ourselves.’
Sarah Strong led the Huskies with 23 points, seven rebounds, six steals, four assists and three blocks. Point guard KK Arnold had a season-high 18 points. Senior Azzi Fudd added 16 points.
Up next, the Huskies will face the winner of Villanova-Seton Hall the championship on Monday (7 p.m. ET, Peacock). UConn (33-0) is riding a 69-game win streak in the conference.
Caroline Ducharme 3-pointer
UConn’s Caroline Ducharme, who was the No. 5 players coming out of high school, is in the game. The senior has dealt with concussions throughout her career and is a fan favorite. She got big cheers when hit a 3-pointer.
Third quarter: UConn 82, Creighton 38
The Huskies starters have all gong to the bench with a comfortable lead in hand. Sarah Strong is likely done for the day with 23 points, seven rebounds, six steals, four assists and three blocks. KK Arnold has 18 points and Azzi Fudd 16.
KK Arnold showing out
KK Arnold, the Huskies junior point guard, has a season-high 18 points to go with four steals and two steals.
Halftime: UConn 57, Creighton 22
The Huskies have one of the top defenses in the country and that is showing up against Creighton. The Bluejays have 14 turnovers which UConn has turned into 27 points.
UConn has three players in double figures including Sarah Strong (17), KK Arnold (15) and Azzi Fudd 11. The Huskies look like they are well on their way to their 69th straight conference win.
Sarah Strong is going off
The UConn sophomore sensation has 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting to go with six steals, four rebounds, two steals and two assists.
‘She is thinking score first and pass second, always a good thing for the team, Coach Geno Auriemma said at halftime. ‘… I like when she is in this mode, mmkes me very happy.’
First quarter: UConn 29, Creighton 9
Sarah Strong and KK Arnold have nine points each as the Huskies have jumped out to a nine-point lead in the Big East semifinals at Mohegan Sun. Azzi Fud added six points for UConn, which is looking for its 33rd win of the season.
UConn off to a hot start
The Huskies are shooting a red-hot 78% from the field in the early going and are out to a 17-4 lead. KK Arnold is 4-for-4 and leads the scoring with nine points. Sarah Strong has four steals and UConn had nine points off turnovers.
UConn starting lineup
What time is UConn vs Creighton?
- Date: Saturday, March 7
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, Connecticut)
The UConn Huskies play the Creighton Bluejays in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
UConn vs. Creighton: TV, streaming
- Stream: Peacock