Clawing back from a 14-point deficit against Creighton, UConn Huskies proved they were still in the game. Dan Hurley would clap back at the boos, Liam McNeely would make a statement and the Huskies weren’t as far out as a few guessed. It was a momentum to be set at the right time. However, what could really lock in the team as a contender is yet to come and Hurley has a few things to sharpen.

On a recent episode of The Mark Titus Show, the host was all praise for UConn. With an inconsistent run of late, managing a 2-game win streak at best since early January, a win against Creighton was a must for the Huskies. They weren’t letting it slip. McNeely exploded for 38 points, proving himself as a go-to scorer and leader on the court. For Titus, that “was a massive win.” Why? Given their upcoming schedule against comparatively lower teams, that was the momentum that could set the Huskies on the winning path.

However, really solidifying their status would be the game at the Madison Square Garden.

“The ultimate test for them will be going to St John’s, going to the Garden, playing St John. You get that win against St John, like you’re really cooking at that point, and maybe we get the ball rolling,” Titus shares on the podcast.

The Red Storm bested Dan Hurley & Co., only a week ago with a 68-62 victory at Gampel Pavilion. They were forced into 22 turnovers which would turn into an 18-point advantage for St. John’s, and limited to a season-low 39.2% shooting from the field. The star freshman would put up 18 points and 11 rebounds, however, the team’s offensive rut in the second half pulled him down. That’s a game the Huskies will look to avenge and with one of the best offense in the country, Titus believes they are still gonna prove to be a threat.

As Mark put it bluntly, “Ihey could win the Big East tournament, they could go to a 36—h-ll, I could see them in the Final Four, sure. I don’t think they play defense. I don’t think they play good enough defense. But yeah, they are going to be a very scary matchup because their offense is still very hard to guard.”

UConn is averaging 78.7 points per game, ranking 75th nationally, with an impressive 118.6 offensive efficiency (15th in the country). However, their defense remains a concern—they allow 68.5 points per game (81st nationally) and hold a defensive efficiency of 103.1, ranking 154th. While their offensive firepower makes them a dangerous matchup for any team, their ability to tighten up defensively could determine just how deep they go in the postseason.

With Madison Square Garden as the battleground, UConn’s next showdown with St. John’s is more than just another regular-season game—it’s a statement opportunity against the 67 teams for the March Madness. A win would prove the Huskies are heating up at the right time, putting the rest of the NCAA tournament field on high alert.

McNeeley shines as UConn stuns Creighton

Coming off a tough home loss to St. John’s, UConn faced a major test Tuesday night against a red-hot Creighton team riding a nine-game win streak. The Bluejays’ momentum didn’t make things any easier for the defending national champions, who were looking to bounce back in a crucial matchup.

One of the key storylines heading into the game was a lineup change, as Jaylin Stewart stepped into the starting five while Hassan Diarra, dealing with a knee issue, came off the bench. The fifth-year guard has been logging heavy minutes lately, with UConn battling depth challenges. However, the Huskies had all their key players, including freshman standout Liam McNeeley, ready to go.

McNeeley delivered a performance for the ages, dropping a career-high 38 points—the most by a UConn freshman since the 1986-87 season. He capped off his dominant night with 10 rebounds, securing a double-double and leading the Huskies to a much-needed victory.

With the postseason approaching, UConn is hitting its stride at the perfect time. Their resilience against Creighton and the emergence of Liam McNeeley as a key playmaker have put the Huskies back in the spotlight. Now, with another crucial test at Madison Square Garden, they have a chance to prove they’re a serious threat. A strong performance could be the spark that fuels a deep tournament run.