Bueckers scores 24 as UConn claims 23rd Big East title

uncasville, conn. >> Paige Bueckers scored 24 points and Azzi Fudd added 13 to help No. 3 UConn beat 22nd-ranked Creighton 70-50 to win the Big East championship. It’s the 23rd Big East title and fifth consecutive one for the Huskies since 2021.

This was Creighton’s first time in the championship game since 2016, when the Bluejays lost to St. John’s. Lauren Jensen scored 13 points to lead Creighton.

No. 19 Saint Mary’s 74, Pepperdine 59>> Augustas Marciulionis and Paulius Murauskas each scored 15 points and No. 19 and top-seeded Saint Mary’s defeated No. 9 seed Pepperdine 74-59 in the West Coast Conference Tournament semifinals Monday night. The Gaels play in the championship game.

Defending tournament champion Saint Mary’s has won seven consecutive games and 17 of 18. Luke Barrett added 13 points for the Gaels.

— The Associated Press