Connecticut entered Monday’s Big East Championship Game on a nine-game winning streak, undefeated in 11 all-time matchups against Creighton, and on a 12-year conference tournament winning streak spanning the Big East and AAC. The Huskies also had the benefit of playing on a pseudo-home court, playing at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., where they had never lost a Big East tournament game.
Suffice it to say, it was an uphill battle for the No. 2 seed Bluejays, and it didn’t go in their favor.
UConn took control from the jump, reeling off an 11-0 run before Creighton had even blinked. The Huskies earned their 23rd Big East tournament title with a 70-50 win, ensuring all of their streaks live on for at least another day.
Paige Bueckers, who was named the tournament’s most outstanding player for the third time, led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals. She had a personal 8-0 burst in the first quarter after the Bluejays cut the lead to 4, building a 12-point advantage that would stay in double digits the rest of the way.
Sarah Strong added 13 points, 11 rebounds and six steals — half coming in the decisive first quarter — and Azzi Fudd pitched in 13 points on three made 3s.
“It’s been a whole team effort, and the defense starts it,”…
