Brooklyn, NY—-Once again, UConn demonstrated their dominance on the court with a commanding victory over an undermanned Northwestern team, securing their ticket to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Led by standout performances from center Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton, the top-seeded Huskies cruised to a 75-58 win on Sunday night. Newton showcased his skills with 20 points and 10 assists, while Clingan contributed 14 points, 14 rebounds, and an impressive eight blocks. UConn maintained control throughout the game, marking the first time a defending national champion has reached the regional semifinals since Duke in 2016.
Head coach Dan Hurley commended his team’s performance, particularly their dominance in the paint, stating, “Just obviously impressed with the performance. Just really attacked them in the paint.”
With this victory, UConn (33-3) tied a program record for wins and set their sights on facing the fifth-seeded San Diego State in the East Region semifinals in Boston. The Huskies are determined to continue their journey towards potentially repeating as NCAA champions.
Despite facing injuries and lineup adjustments, Northwestern (22-12) struggled to contain UConn’s relentless offense. Despite a late push, they were unable to narrow the margin below 16 points.
UConn’s victory adds to the success of the Big East teams in the tournament, with all three representatives advancing to the regional semifinals.
Despite a challenging shooting night from beyond the arc, UConn’s defensive prowess and dominance in the paint propelled them to victory. Clingan’s imposing presence and defensive contributions stifled Northwestern’s offense, highlighting UConn’s depth and versatility.
Looking ahead, UConn aims to secure their sixth national title, building on their impressive tournament run. Their next matchup against San Diego State promises to be a thrilling encounter, as UConn strives to continue their pursuit of championship glory.
The victory marked UConn’s 19th appearance in the Sweet 16, showcasing their storied history and championship pedigree. As they prepare to face San Diego State, UConn remains focused on the task at hand, determined to make their mark in this year’s tournament.
