Creighton’s 69-62 victory over UConn in the Big East Tournament semifinals was supposed to be a celebration for the Bluejays, but the final seconds of the game turned into a heated altercation. With the outcome already decided, Creighton’s Jamiya Neal threw down an unnecessary dunk as time expired, sparking a scuffle that resulted in technical fouls and an ejection.
The Controversial Dunk That Ignited a Scuffle
With under 10 seconds left on the clock and Creighton holding a comfortable lead, UConn coach Dan Hurley instructed his team to let the game end without fouling. The Huskies had missed a shot, and the Bluejays secured the rebound, at that point, the game was essentially over. However, Neal saw an opportunity for one last highlight and threw down a dunk, much to the frustration of UConn players.
Huskies guard Hassan Diarra immediately confronted Neal, shoving him in the chest and appearing to square up as tensions escalated. Both players were issued technical fouls, while UConn reserve forward Jayden Ross was ejected for coming off the bench during the scuffle. The heated exchange took attention away from what had been a hard-fought game and left many questioning the sportsmanship of the move.
Neal’s Apology After the Game
Following the altercation, Neal addressed the incident and took responsibility for his actions.
His apology was a clear attempt to defuse the situation and move forward as Creighton advanced to the Big East Championship game.
Despite the apology, the dunk remains a talking point among fans and analysts. Some viewed it as an unnecessary act that violated the unwritten rules of the game, while others believed UConn overreacted. Regardless of perspective, the moment overshadowed Creighton’s impressive performance against one of the nation’s top teams.
Creighton’s Defensive Masterclass Against UConn
Before the controversy, Creighton delivered one of its best defensive performances of the season. The Bluejays shut down UConn’s usually dominant offense, limiting them to just 1.00 points per possession in the second half. Neal played a significant role in the victory, scoring 19 points, including a backbreaking three-pointer that halted a UConn rally.
The win was especially meaningful given that UConn had earned its first-ever victory in Omaha earlier this season. This time, Creighton refused to let the Huskies dominate, securing a statement win heading into the championship game.
Creighton Falls Short in the Big East Championship
Unfortunately for the Bluejays, their momentum didn’t carry into the Big East Championship game, where they fell to St. John’s. The loss was a disappointing end to their tournament run, but their semifinal victory over UConn proved they are a legitimate contender heading into March Madness.
Meanwhile, UConn will use the loss as motivation as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. The defending national champions remain one of the top teams in the country, and the extra fuel from the controversial ending against Creighton could serve as a rallying point moving forward.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament
With the Big East Tournament now behind them, both Creighton and UConn turn their focus to the NCAA Tournament. Neal’s dunk may have caused a stir, but his play throughout the game was crucial in getting Creighton past UConn. While the Bluejays couldn’t secure the Big East title, they’ve shown they can compete with the best, and they will be a dangerous team in March. As for UConn, the Huskies will look to bounce back quickly as they set their sights on defending their national championship.
Follow LoganHorito on X for live updates and make sure to check in on Hardwood Heroics here!
