uconn basketball: Huskies Favored to Torch Creighton in Storrs — Pick and Preview

UConn basketball returns home on Feb. 18 for a 7: 00 p. m. ET tip at Gampel Pavilion, where the No. 5 Huskies will look to repeat the dominance they showed in Omaha against Creighton. The rematch shapes up as a one-sided affair on paper: UConn’s efficient offense against a Bluejays defense that has slipped since last season.

What to expect in Storrs

UConn’s offense has functioned at an elite clip in Big East play, with the Huskies ranking among the conference leaders in adjusted offense and effective field-goal percentage. That offense overwhelmed Creighton in the first meeting, an 85-58 win in Omaha, and there are few signs that the Bluejays have the personnel to stanch the tide this time.

Creighton’s defense has been porous of late. Over its last 10 games the Bluejays have surrendered north of 82 points per game and have struggled to keep opponents off the glass and from getting clean looks on the wing. The loss of interior presence has left Creighton without a reliable rim deterrent, and teams are routinely exploiting that weakness.

Those defensive shortcomings are particularly dangerous against UConn, which can attack off the bounce, find shooters on kick-outs and finish at a high clip around the rim. UConn also tends to start strong at home — the Huskies average roughly 41 points in the first half on their court — and Creighton has allowed 39 or more first-half points in seven of its last eight contests. Expect the Huskies to try to build a lead early and force Creighton to play from behind.

Key matchups and betting angle

The most compelling betting angle for this matchup is the UConn team total. A projection set near 79. 5 points looks attainable given the matchup dynamics. Creighton’s recent defensive metrics — including an inflated opponent effective field-goal percentage — point toward a high-scoring night for UConn’s rotation.

Shooting from deep will be a decisive factor. Creighton has allowed opponents to shoot well from long range recently, and UConn possesses multiple capable perimeter threats. One guard has been shooting above 37% from three-point range and has connected on multiple multi‑three games in recent outings. Another guard who struggled earlier in the season has found rhythm and drained 11 triples across the last two games, creating additional spacing and drive-and-kick opportunities.

On the interior, Creighton will lean on its most dependable defender and rebounder to try to slow UConn’s attack. That player has been one of the Bluejays’ steadiest performers on the glass, clearing the 5. 5-rebound mark in the majority of games since December. Still, without a premier shot‑blocker to erase mistakes at the rim, Creighton’s help defense will be tested repeatedly.

Team-level trends also favor the Over on UConn’s team total: the Huskies have seen the Over cash in each of their last seven games, while Creighton’s recent slate has pushed totals to the Over in a majority of contests. Those trends, combined with matchup-specific numbers, make the Huskies’ team total a logical lean for bettors.

Coaching adjustments and rotation management will factor into the final tally. If Creighton shortens its bench and tries to slow tempo, it could limit UConn’s opportunities; conversely, if the Huskies stay aggressive and feed the hot hands, they should clear the projected team total comfortably.

Bottom line: Expect UConn basketball to dictate pace, exploit Creighton’s defensive holes and pile up points early. The UConn team total Over near 79. 5 presents a strong play in this rematch.