The UConn Huskies, currently holding the second national ranking, are riding a remarkable 16-game winning streak, marking their most successful start in the Big East conference in over two decades. However, head coach Dan Hurley has publicly expressed a desire for his squad to cultivate a more aggressive and determined mindset. As they prepare to face Creighton in an upcoming road game, Hurley emphasizes the need for a 'nasty edge' and a 'killer instinct,' suggesting that even with their impressive record, there's room for greater intensity and focus on the court.
UConn's current season boasts an exceptional 20-1 record, with a perfect 10-0 in Big East play. This dominant performance places them alongside the program's storied 1998-99 team, which commenced its conference schedule with an 11-0 run. The Huskies' 16 consecutive victories this season represent the third-longest winning streak in the institution's history, trailing only the 23-game streak in 1995-96 and the 19-game streak in 1998-99. Their sole defeat this year came at home against then-No. 4 Arizona, a tightly contested 71-67 loss on November 19th. The Wildcats remain undefeated and are the only team positioned higher than UConn in the national rankings.
Despite their overall success, recent contests have highlighted the areas Coach Hurley aims to address. The Huskies have navigated a series of close encounters, including a five-point road victory against then-No. 25 Seton Hall and a narrow two-point win over Georgetown. Their resilience was further tested in an overtime battle against Villanova, ultimately securing a 75-67 triumph last Saturday. Most recently, on Tuesday, UConn edged out Providence with an 87-81 home victory, only pulling away in the final seven minutes of the game. Hurley's post-game remarks indicate a persistent concern despite the wins, as he feels certain aspects of the team's performance are consistently falling short of his expectations.
Key players have been instrumental in UConn's strong season. Tarris Reed Jr. delivered a standout performance against Providence, contributing 19 points, six rebounds, and four blocked shots. His substitute, Eric Reibe, also made a significant impact with 14 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting and eight rebounds, while Solo Ball added 17 points. Ball currently leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.8 points per game, closely followed by Reed (14.5 ppg) and Alex Karaban (13.5 ppg). Reed also tops the team with an average of 7.9 rebounds per game. The team anticipates the return of Braylon Mullins, who averages 11.4 points, after he missed the Providence game due to a concussion. Silas Demary Jr., a crucial playmaker, maintains an average of 6.1 assists per game and also contributes 10.4 points per contest.
On the other side, Creighton (12-9, 6-4 Big East) presents a different challenge. While perhaps not as dominant as in previous seasons, the Bluejays hold a historical advantage over UConn with a 9-3 all-time series record, including a 2-1 record last season where they defeated UConn in the Big East tournament semifinals. However, Creighton enters this Saturday's game in a slump, having lost four of their last seven outings. Their recent performance includes a humbling 86-62 defeat to Marquette, where they trailed by a significant 52-23 at halftime. Coach Greg McDermott candidly described the first half as "embarrassing," highlighting a lack of energy and focus from his team. The Bluejays struggled particularly in the paint, being outscored 52-24, and had a dismal shooting night from beyond the arc, converting only 7 of 34 three-point attempts. Josh Dix, Creighton's leading scorer with 12.3 points per game, notably missed all nine of his three-point attempts, ending a streak of 32 consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer.
As UConn prepares for their away game against Creighton, the emphasis remains on harnessing a more aggressive and consistent performance. Coach Hurley's call for a 'nasty edge' underscores a commitment to continuous improvement, even amidst a highly successful run. This match-up will test the Huskies' ability to maintain their winning momentum while addressing the tactical and psychological elements their coach believes are necessary for sustained excellence.