Liam McNeeley Drops Career-High 38 Points to Power UConn Over No. 24 Creighton

Liam McNeeley Drops Career-High 38 Points to Power UConn Over No. 24 Creighton

McNeeley’s Career Night Propels UConn to Historic Victory

Omaha, NE — On this day February 11, 2025, UConn Mens Basketball continues to dominate the high-seed conferences as freshman forward LEIM McNEELEY scored a career-high 38 points leading UConn over the No. 24 Creighton Bluejays in a 70-66 slugfest. UConn’s victory was their first-ever in Omaha and in the second round they avenged a loss to Creighton on Jan. 18.

McNeeley Talented in His Second Game Returning from Injury

McNeeley, who missed eight games with an ankle injury, returned with a strong showing, hitting 12 of 22 field goal attempts and 5 of 10 3-pointers. He had 10 rebounds as well, his fourth double-double of the season. This game marked just his second appearance since returning, underscoring the importance of his contributions to the team’s success.

Second Half Comeback Secures Victory for UConn

The Huskies were faced with a tough start, trailing by 14 late in the first half. But they channeled a stunning rally, putting up 41 points as compared to the Bluejays’ 29 in the second half.

McNeeley Sparks UConn’s Offense on a Hot Streak

None of this would have been possible without the scoring prowess of McNeeley, who contributed 23 points in the second half. His back-to-back 3-pointers, in the middle of the second half, gave UConn its first lead, at 48-46, and sent the team into a frenzy and gave the game a new vector.

Crucial Veterans Come Through for the Huskies

Chipping in behind McNeeley were Solo Ball with 11 points and Alex Karaban, who had 10. Karaban’s critical floater in the lane snapped a 65-all tie with 1:44 left to play, helping to secure the win. Defensively, UConn held Creighton to only 30 percent shooting in the second half, something that helped it recover from the early hole.

Creighton’s Struggles and Standout Performances

Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth each provided 13 points for Creighton, including Ashworth, who went 11 for 12 from the line despite misery from the field. Jamiya Neal contributed 12 points and seven rebounds. The defeat snapped Creighton’s nine-game winning streak and marked its first loss since Jan. 3.

What Lies Ahead for UConn and Creighton?

With this win, UConn improves to 17-7 (9-4 Big East). The Huskies will aim to use this momentum to their advantage when they visit Seton Hall on Saturday. Creighton, now 18-7 overall and 11-3 in conference play, will be looking to bounce back when it visits No. 9 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

McNeeley’s Impact on UConn’s Season

Given that, McNeeley’s performance has not only validated his talent and toughness, but even more so, his importance to UConn’s continued success this season. As the Huskies continue on the rest of their schedule, his production will be vital in their pursuit to close out the Big East Conference strong.