In a highly anticipated rematch of last year's national title game, the UConn Huskies emerged victorious over the San Diego State Huskies, clinching a spot in the Elite 8. Led by guard Cam Spencer's stellar performance, UConn's win not only propels them further in the NCAA tournament but also marks their 13th Elite 8 appearance, surpassing the Arkansas Razorbacks. Spencer's all-around play on the court, coupled with outstanding contributions from Tristen Newton and Alex Karaban, fueled UConn's dominant display.
Huskies' Dominance in the Paint
Throughout the game, UConn showcased their prowess in the paint, dominating the rebounding battle 47 to 27 and tallying an impressive 20 offensive rebounds. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, shooting 10-of-26, UConn capitalized on their inside presence, accumulating 32 points in the paint. The collective effort of the starting five, including projected top-10 pick Stephon Castle's double-double performance of 16 points and 12 rebounds, underscored UConn's commitment to a "win by committee" approach.
UConn also got good performances from lead guard Tristen Newton and forward Alex Karaban. Newton finished the game putting together an all-around performance with 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Karaban added eight points and seven rebounds, both being his highest totals of this tourney run.
Cam Spencer's Impact
Cam Spencer continued his remarkable play in his first NCAA tournament, leading UConn with 18 points. Garnering praise from analyst Jay Wright as one of the most impactful transfer players this season, Spencer's scoring prowess along with his activity on both sides of the ball with five rebounds, three assists and three steals were instrumental in guiding UConn to victory.
Now the Huskies become the first defending national champions to advance to the Elite 8 since the 2007 Florida Gators.
San Diego State's Struggles
Despite a strong start led by Jaedon LeDee, who opened the game with 15 points, the San Diego State Aztecs faltered in the face of UConn's defensive pressure. UConn's second-half defensive adjustments limited LeDee to just three points on 1-of-8 shooting from the field, highlighting their defensive prowess. San Diego State's supporting cast struggled to find their rhythm, with Lamont Butler emerging as the second-highest scorer with seven points.
Up Next:
With their Elite 8 berth secured, the UConn Huskies eagerly await the outcome of the Illinois vs. Iowa State matchup, poised to continue their tournament journey on Saturday, March 30th
Photo: @uconnmbb/Instagram
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