Brooklyn, NY—–Stetson certainly grabbed UConn’s attention, but it didn’t alter the inevitable outcome.
The top-seeded UConn Huskies started their defense of the national championship with a resounding 91-52 victory over 16th-seeded Stetson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and it wasn’t even close.
Donovan Clingan led the charge for the Huskies with 19 points, closely followed by Cam Spencer with 15. UConn, the top-ranked team, improved to 32-3 with the win and will now face ninth-seeded Northwestern in the second round of the East Region on Sunday.
Stephan Swenson provided a bright spot for Stetson with 20 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough against the powerhouse UConn squad.
Right from the tip-off, UConn asserted its dominance, racing to an 8-0 lead within minutes. Clingan’s emphatic alley-oop dunk from Tristen Newton set the tone early on, leaving Stetson struggling to keep pace.
The Huskies continued to build on their lead throughout the first half, with Clingan’s inside presence proving too much for the Hatters to handle. By halftime, UConn had surged to a commanding 52-19 lead, shooting an impressive 68.8% from the hardwood.
Despite a spirited effort from Stetson in the second half, UConn remained firmly in control, showcasing their offensive efficiency and depth. Newton, a first-team All-American, contributed 13 points and eight assists to the Huskies’ cause.
Coach Dan Hurley praised Stetson’s resilience but acknowledged his team’s respect for their opponent. He admitted, “This week we were nervous about the matchup because of the shooting. I thought they were the hardest 16, and as the overall No. 1 seed, I was surprised that in my opinion we got the best 16.”
With their sights set on a repeat championship, UConn displayed the form that has made them a force to be reckoned with. They aim to become the first team to achieve back-to-back titles since 2007, underlining their ambition and potential.
Stetson coach Donnie Jones, drawing parallels with his time at Florida, highlighted UConn’s depth, size, and balance, emphasizing their formidable prospects in the tournament.
As UConn gears up to face Northwestern in the next round, they remain focused on their quest for collegiate basketball glory, buoyed by their stellar performance in the opening game of the tournament.
