University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Creighton
UConn MBB Challenges #11 Creighton
1/21/2021 9:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UConn Athletic Communications / Jan. 22. 2021
The #23 UConn men's basketball team makes a first-ever trip to Omaha, Neb., Saturday to challenge nationally-ranked (#11/#11) Creighton at the CHI Health Center. The game tips off at noon on the FOX network.
The teams will be meeting for the second time this season, following Creighton's 76-74 win in overtime on Dec. 20 at Gampel Pavilion. UConn sophomore James Bouknight poured in 40 points in that overtime loss, but is not expected to play Saturday as he recovers from elbow surgery.
Without leading scorer Bouknight (20.3), the Huskies (7-2 overall, 4-2 BIG EAST) are led by junior Tyrese Martin (11.0), who is also UConn's top rebounder (7.6). Junior guard R.J. Cole (10.6 ppg, 3.9 apg) and senior Tyler Polley (10.0 ppg) are also averaging double figures.
The Huskies are currently riding a five-game winning streak on the road, dating back to their final two road games last season (at ECU, at Tulane) and extending to three this season at Marquette, at Butler, and at DePaul.
UConn also leads the BIG EAST in scoring defense, holding opponents to 63.0 ppg, in three-point percentage defense at .308, and in offensive rebounds at 13.2 per game.
Creighton (10-4, 6-3) will be out to break a two-game losing streak. The Bluejays, who lead the league in field goal percentage (.476) and field goal percentage defense (.405), boast four double-figure scorers, led by Denzel Mahoney (15.1) and BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year Marcus Zegarowski (14.3).
The game is the start of a busy time for UConn, as the Huskies are scheduled to play four games in a nine-day span, two of them on the road. Â Â Â Â Â
