Second half blitz propels UConn by Illinois and back to the Final Four

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Mar. 30—BOSTON — Amid a stunning, game-changing run, the Huskies never took a second to appreciate what was transpiring Saturday night.

Top-seeded UConn was too busy vaporizing No. 3 Illinois.

Only after clinching a Final Four berth for the first time in program history with a stunning 77-52 victory in the NCAA tournament East regional final at TD Garden did the Huskies reflect on their second-half blitz.

From late in the first half into the second half, UConn put together a dazzling 30-0 run to turn a tight game into another blowout victory.

All Illinois could do was helplessly watch.

“It was a special level of basketball that we were playing,” coach Dan Hurley said.

Reigning national champion UConn (35-3) is heading to the program’s seventh Final Four, second straight for the first time in program history. The Huskies also set an NCAA tournament record with their 10th straight postseason win by double digits and established a school mark for most victories in a season.

“We know it’s not normal to go back to back,” redshirt sophomore Alex Karaban said. “But, there’s not a single normal person here in this locker room, so it really fits us perfectly. Just all the work we do, those long practices and at times say, ‘Damn, is it even worth it?’

“It’s worth it. To go back to back, it really feels like a dream. I can’t really describe it right now.”

There was no stopping the UConn juggernaut on Saturday.

The Huskies received another monster game from sophomore center Donovan Clingan, the East regional’s most valuable player. He had 22 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks as well as altering numerous other attempts.

Veteran Cam Spencer chipped in 11 points and a career-best 12 rebounds and Karaban had 10 points. Reserve Hassan Diarra (10 points) and Samson Johnson (10) made valuable contributions.

Spencer and freshman Stephon Castle joined Clingan on the All-East regional team.

The Huskies will head to Phoenix, the site of the Final Four, and play No. 4 Alabama in the national semifinal….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/second-half-blitz-propels-uconn-035900368.html

Author : The Day, New London, Conn.

Publish date : 2024-03-31 03:59:00

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