No. 5 UConn clinch Large East steady season identify after 72-53 win over Creighton

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Sarah Sturdy had 22 issues and 9 rebounds and Paige Bueckers added 15 issues, seven rebounds and 7 assists as No. 5 UConn defeated No. 22 Creighton 72-53 on Thursday night time and claimed its 5th directly Large East regular-season identify.Kaitlyn Chen had 11 issues and 3 assists and Azzi Fudd scored 9 issues for UConn (27-3, 17-0 Large East), which notched its thirty seventh consecutive regular-season convention victory.Morgan Maly scored 11 issues for Creighton (23-5, 15-2).Creighton scored the primary 8 issues of the sport. A jumper by means of Azzi Fudd with 47 seconds left within the first quarter gave UConn its first lead and the Huskies opened the second one length with a 9-1 run to increase their result in 9 issues.UConn gained its twenty second outright Large East steady season identify and has shared the crown two times.Redshirt junior Caroline Ducharme made her first look at house for UConn since Nov. 16, 2023. Her play has been restricted the ultimate two seasons because of a concussion and different accidents.TakeawaysCreighton: The Bluejays are 0-11 in opposition to UConn. Creighton is the No. 2 seed within the Large East match and wouldn’t meet the Huskies once more till the identify recreation — if each groups get that a ways.UConn: The Huskies can pass undefeated in convention play for the 18th time in program historical past with a win over Marquette on Sunday.Key momentUConn freshman Sarah Sturdy was once known as for her 2nd foul with 7:44 left in the second one quarter. Sooner than being taken out of the sport, Sturdy had back-to-back baskets to provide UConn a nine-point lead.Key statAfter lacking 14 of its 19 pictures within the first quarter, UConn was once 21 for 31 from the sector in the second one and 3rd classes.Up nextCreighton hosts Villanova on Sunday. UConn host Marquette on Sunday.