Creighton Upsets No. 5 UConn in Emotional Big East Clash

On February 18, 2026, the Creighton Bluejays defeated the No. 5 UConn Huskies 91-84 at Gampel Pavilion, marking UConn's first home loss in the Big East Conference this season. The game was particularly poignant as it followed a moment of silence for Creighton's Josh Dix, whose mother had recently passed away from colon cancer. Dix led Creighton with 21 points, while UConn's Braylon Mullins scored a career-high 25 points.

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Creighton, now 14-13 overall and 8-8 in the Big East, showcased a balanced offensive attack. In addition to Dix, Nik Graves contributed 18 points, and Fedor Zugic added 14 points. The Bluejays shot 49.1% from the field and capitalized on their free-throw opportunities, converting 27 of 32 attempts. UConn, falling to 24-3 and 14-2 in conference play, struggled defensively, allowing Creighton to exploit mismatches and score effectively.

Deadspin

UConn's performance was marked by a significant drop in shooting efficiency in the second half, where they managed only 34% from the field. Despite leading by seven points early in the half, the Huskies faltered, missing 10 of their last 11 shots during a critical stretch. Mullins and Silas Demary Jr. (17 points, 9 assists) were bright spots for UConn, but the team could not maintain momentum.

Associated Press

UConn head coach Dan Hurley expressed frustration with his team's defensive performance, stating, "Our defense has just been so bad... it was a game of just really bad individual defense." He acknowledged the emotional toll on both teams, particularly referencing the challenges faced by Creighton's players. Hurley also noted that the loss could jeopardize UConn's chances for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

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Creighton coach Greg McDermott praised his team's resilience, saying, "I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’m not sure I’ve been as proud of the team as I am tonight." He highlighted the significance of the victory given the recent hardships faced by his players.

ESPN

Following the loss, UConn fans expressed disappointment and frustration towards the team's performance and coaching. Some criticized Hurley for failing to adapt during the game, while others voiced concerns about the team's defensive lapses and overall trajectory as they approach the postseason.

Fans dunk on Dan Hurley after UConn Huskies’ loss to Creighton

UConn will face Villanova on February 21, 2026, in a crucial matchup as they seek to regain momentum. Meanwhile, Creighton will play St. John's on the same day, aiming to build on their significant victory over UConn.

Sports Illustrated

• "I really respect this university for doing that and thinking of my mom." — Josh Dix, Creighton Guard

ESPN

• "Our defense has just been so bad... it was a game of just really bad individual defense." — Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

Sports Illustrated

• "I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’m not sure I’ve been as proud of the team as I am tonight." — Greg McDermott, Creighton Head Coach

Sports Illustrated

This upset not only impacts UConn's standing in the conference but also serves as a reminder of the emotional and competitive nature of college basketball.

Sports Illustrated