UConn Huskies Win Fifth National Title in NCAA Tournament
The UConn Huskies entered the NCAA Tournament as a 4-seed, with few expecting them to take home the national championship trophy. However, they proved their critics wrong, showcasing their dominance by winning all six of their tournament games by double digits.
In their final game, they secured a 76-59 victory over San Diego State on Monday night. Tristen Newton led the team with a game-high 19 points, while Adama Sanogo contributed 17 points and Jordan Hawkins added 16 points, leading the Huskies (31-8) to their fifth national title in school history. Notably, Sanogo earned the title of the tournament’s most outstanding player.
Although San Diego State (32-7) fell behind by 12 points at halftime, they mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, narrowing the Huskies’ lead to five points. Nevertheless, UConn quickly regained control, proving their mettle as they pulled away for the championship victory. This match marked the Aztecs’ first appearance in the national championship game.
UConn’s Andrew Hurley helps cut down the nets after the game. Hurley is also the son of UConn head coach Dan Hurley.UConn players lift the championship trophy. Godofredo A. Vasquez/APSan Diego State’s Micah Parrish and Tyler Broughton sit in the locker room after the game. Brynn Anderson/APUConn celebrates after the final whistle. Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos/Getty ImagesUConn guard Jordan Hawkins celebrates during the second half. Brynn Anderson/APUConn’s Donovan Clingan watches the game during the second half. David J. Phillip/APSan Diego State’s Lamont Butler shoots a floater in the second half. Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos/Getty ImagesFrom left, San Diego State’s Aguek Arop, UConn’s Andre Jackson Jr. and Butler box out during a second-half free throw.
Overall, UConn’s journey through the NCAA Tournament demonstrated their exceptional teamwork, resilience, and skill on the court. This victory serves as a significant milestone in their storied basketball history, underscoring their place among the elite teams in college basketball.
UConn’s Adama Sanogo shoots the ball over Nathan Mensah. Sanogo finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and he was later named the tournament’s most outstanding player.Newton blocks a shot by Darrion Trammell during the second half. David J. Phillip/APSan Diego State fans watch the second half. Logan Riely/Getty ImagesSan Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher argues a call during the second half. Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesHawkins attempts a dunk at the start of the second half. It clanged off the back of the rim. David J. Phillip/APSan Diego State’s Keshad Johnson celebrates after scoring. David J. Phillip/APButler, right, takes a charge on Clingan during the first half. At halftime, UConn led 36-24. Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesJackson competes for the ball with San Diego State’s Adam Seiko. Brynn Anderson/APUConn’s Joey Calcaterra shoots a layup during the first half. Bob Donnan/USA Today Sports/ReutersUConn fans celebrate during the first half. Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos/Getty ImagesSan Diego State’s Matt Bradley is defended by Jackson. In the first half, San Diego State went more than 11 minutes without scoring a field goal.UConn head coach Dan Hurley yells during the first half. Brynn Anderson/APNRG Stadium, the site of this year’s Final Four, is also the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans.Newton pulls down a rebound in the first half. Brynn Anderson/APUConn fans cheer before the game. Brynn Anderson/APThe flag is unfurled for the National Anthem before the game. Bob Donnan/USA Today Sports/ReutersAstronauts for the upcoming Artemis II mission pose for a photo at the game. The crew members, from left, are Jeremy Hansen, Christina Hammock Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman.
