The landscape of Big East women’s basketball is shifting significantly as UConn and Creighton prepare to clash this Sunday in Omaha, Nebraska. Traditionally, UConn has dominated the conference, but this season presents a unique challenge for the Bluejays, who are undergoing a substantial transition following the graduation of four starters. These players had been key contributors throughout their careers, leaving Creighton with a vastly inexperienced roster, where eight out of ten active players possess less than two years of collegiate experience.
Despite a strong pedigree that includes a recent trip to the NCAA Elite Eight and a championship game appearance last year, Creighton has struggled early in conference play, suffering four losses. This stands in stark contrast to their performance over the past seasons, where they combined to lose only five regular-season conference games. The team has secured only three wins so far, with two against lower-tier opponents Butler and DePaul.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma commented on Creighton’s challenges, noting that while the team’s fundamental play style remains familiar, the lack of chemistry due to their youth has hindered their performance. Leading the team are two freshmen, and the recent injury to senior guard Kiani Lockett has compounded their difficulties. Auriemma expressed understanding for Creighton’s rebuilding phase, recognizing the hurdles of molding a new lineup into a cohesive unit, especially after losing seasoned players.
The challenges faced by Creighton reflect broader issues within the Big East. As UConn maintains its stature, the conference’s overall relevance appears to be waning, partly influenced by the complexities introduced by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal. Auriemma pointed out that financial disparities play a crucial role in player retention, suggesting that many schools struggle to maintain their talent in an evolving landscape heavily focused on monetary incentives and prestige associated with Power 4 programs.
UConn’s historic dominance—like their all-time 12-0 record against Creighton—enables them to navigate these challenges differently. However, Auriemma acknowledges that the lack of competitive challenges within the conference can impact his team’s growth. He remains confident in their progress and the experiences from a demanding non-conference schedule, which he believes will serve them well in March.
Looking ahead, the upcoming matchup between UConn and Creighton is expected to showcase UConn’s strength, especially following Creighton’s recent loss to Marquette. The game will be held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha at 2 p.m. on Sunday, providing fans with an opportunity to witness two teams at crucial points in their respective seasons. UConn, with an undefeated record, will aim to extend their dominance, while Creighton searches for signs of resilience and improvement amidst a challenging season.