It’s about to go down! UConn and Creighton are about to clash in a showdown you won’t wanna miss. The Huskies are coming in hot, looking to flex their dominance, while Creighton’s ready to show they’re not just a dark horse—they’re a force to be reckoned with. Will UConn keep the momentum rolling, or will the Bluejays swoop in and steal the spotlight?

Both teams are set to bring their A-game to the CHI Health Center, with tip-off scheduled for 2:00 PM ET and broadcast live on FS1. The UConn Huskies boast an impressive 13-4 record, while the Creighton Bluejays sit at 11-6 this season, aiming to make a statement in this much-anticipated showdown.

In their last game, Ryan Kalkbrenner was the standout performer for the Creighton Bluejays, dropping 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a great victory 84-64 against the Providence. On the other side, Alex Karaban led the charge for the UConn Huskies, scoring 19 points and six rebounds. Both teams are ready to go head-to-head in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.

UConn vs Creighton: Injury report and lineup

Talking about injuries, let’s start with some uncompromising news for UConn fans—Freshman forward Liam McNeeley remains sidelined as he focuses on his recovery from a high ankle sprain suffered a few weeks ago. While McNeeley has expressed positivity about returning soon and his eagerness to help the Huskies, who are currently third in the Big East with a 5-1 record, the timeline for his return remains uncertain.

Coach Dan Hurley provided some updates on McNeeley’s injury status. Still, the Huskies will have to lean even more heavily on veterans Alex Karaban and Hassan Diarra to step up and fill the void. Meanwhile, The Creighton Bluejays are set to enter the game with a fully fit team.

The Huskies showcased their depth in their recent win over Georgetown, even in the absence of freshman forward Liam McNeeley. Alex Karaban led the team with 19 points, while Solo Ball added 15 points, providing a significant offensive boost. Samson Johnson chipped in with 9 points and 5 rebounds, contributing on both ends of the court.

UConn shot an efficient 46.4% from the field while holding Georgetown to just 38.8%, underlining a strong defensive effort that secured the victory. Their three-point shooting, highlighted by Karaban and Ball’s combined 7-of-14 from beyond the arc, was a key factor. This perimeter accuracy will be vital against Creighton to stretch the defense and create scoring opportunities.

Despite McNeeley’s continued absence (13.6 ppg), the Huskies have shown resilience, with head coach Dan Hurley making effective adjustments. By leaning on veterans like Karaban and increasing Aidan Mahaney’s role, Hurley has maintained the team’s competitive edge. UConn’s consistency in the Big East has been remarkable, winning 28 of their last 31 regular-season conference games.

Now, let’s take a look at the predicted starting five.

UConn Huskies:

• G: Tristen Newton
• G: Stephon Castle
• G: Cam Spencer
• F: Alex Karaban
• C: Donovan Clingan

Creighton Bluejays:

• G: Steven Ashworth
• G: Jamiya Neal
• F: Mason Miller
• F: Isaac Traudt
• C: Ryan Kalkbrenner

Now holding a 5-1 conference record, the Huskies aim to extend their Big East streak against a tough Creighton team. Hurley’s emphasis on player development and fostering a competitive environment has been instrumental in UConn’s strong start. As they prepare for this matchup, the Huskies will look to build on their balanced attack and defensive intensity to solidify their position at the top of the standings.