Creighton-UConn Big East semifinal game ends in scuffle over windmill dunk in final seconds

A Night of High Emotions at Madison Square Garden

The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric on Friday night as Creighton eked out a thrilling victory over UConn, propelling them to the Big East final. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with intense moments that kept the packed arena on the edge of their seats.

The Game Itself: Creighton’s Victory

Creighton, seeded second, led the game 69-62 as the clock wound down. With under 10 seconds remaining, they secured a defensive rebound, and UConn coach Dan Hurley opted to let the clock run out. However, Jamiya Neal of Creighton had other plans. Neal took off down the left sideline, delivering a thunderous dunk with just 1.5 seconds left. His showmanship, including hanging on the rim and riling up the Creighton fans, set the stage for the drama that followed.

The Aftermath of the Final Buzzer

Neal’s dunk was followed by a tense exchange with UConn’s Hassan Diarra, who shoved him in the chest. Ryan Kalkbrenner of Creighton swiftly intervened, separating the two as players from both teams rushed onto the court. Despite the interruption, order was quickly restored, yet the emotions remained raw. Diarra later expressed that he found Neal’s dunk disrespectful, given Creighton’s lead with only seconds left. Neal admitted to getting caught up in the moment and apologized, while Creighton coach Greg McDermott extended an apology to Hurley.

Players and Coaches React

The incident highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit prevalent in college basketball. Diarra’s frustration was palpable as he defended his team’s honor, while Neal acknowledged his lapse in judgment. The coaches, despite the tension, displayed sportsmanship, with McDermott making amends with Hurley both during and after the game.

Historical Context: The Rivalry Between Creighton and UConn

This game was not the first clash between Creighton and UConn. Earlier in the season, Hurley had taunted Creighton fans, waving goodbye after a Huskies victory. Last year, he even jokingly threatened a Creighton fan, underscoring the heated history between the teams. This context adds depth to the friday night altercation, illustrating a deeper-seated rivalry.

Looking Ahead to the Big East Final

As the dust settles, Creighton prepares to face St. John’s in the Big East final on Saturday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. The game promises to be highly charged, especially with a strong Red Storm crowd anticipated. Thematch is expected to be a thrilling conclusion to a tournament filled with drama and intensity. For updates, follow Fox News Digital on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. The Associated Press contributed to this report, capturing the essence of an unforgettable game.