Before UConn's Sweet 16 game, coach Dan Hurley expressed that the team could be defeated and have their season end early. He emphasized their vulnerability in the NCAA Tournament.
It's not possible at the moment. And after another impressive performance on Thursday night, it won't be possible anytime soon.
UConn came into this tournament with high expectations as the top threat for a back-to-back championship since Florida in 2007. After a dominating 82-52 win over San Diego State, it's evident that these Huskies are on an unstoppable mission.
It was never really going to be a close game. UConn comfortably secured a spot in the Elite Eight after a strong 82-52 victory over San Diego State. The next match for the Huskies will be against Illinois or Iowa State for a place in the Final Four.
UConn is on a dominant streak in their pursuit of making history. They are the first defending champion since 2007 to reach the Elite Eight, and they are doing so convincingly. Their average margin of victory over the last nine tournament games is 22.8 points, all won by double digits.
Hurley joked about the team's lack of ability to win close games and their killer instincts. The group plays each possession with great urgency.
The team is very comfortable in tournament play and is challenging to prepare for.
Even with preparation time, the Aztecs were unable to keep up with UConn's depth and talent. Despite Jaedon LeDee being their potential hope, he was limited to 18 points, with only three after halftime.
UConn has no weaknesses and overwhelms opponents with their numerous weapons. They dominated San Diego State, pulling down 21 offensive rebounds and displaying relentless performance on both ends of the court. SDSU struggled, making only 5 out of 22 3-point attempts.
“We had an exceptional performance, and they didn't have one of their best nights,” Hurley commented. “Didn't anticipate a game like this against those guys.”
UConn, as the No. 1 seed, playing in a hometown environment in Boston, could have felt some pressure, but early 3-pointers from local player Alex Karaban helped ease the tension, according to Hurley.
UConn faced a tough period late in the first half, but they responded well and ultimately overpowered the Aztecs.
Castle scored 11 points in the second half, Newton had eight and Hassan Diarra scored 10 off the bench to provide another boost. Donovan Clingan, UConn’s 7-foot-2 center, didn’t have a significant impact with just eight points and eight boards, but it didn’t make a difference. The Huskies have many weapons.
That includes the defensive side, where they restricted the Aztecs to only 21 points in the second half and never allowed them to make a comeback. LeDee couldn’t get into a rhythm. UConn just kept increasing the pressure on both ends.
“We’re also a top-10 defensive team,” Hurley said. “That’s the best way to protect yourself from being vulnerable in this tournament is by playing defense at a high level.”
This is not the same UConn team as last season. Several players – Newton, Clingan and Karaban – are back – but the Huskies also lost Andre Jackson and Jordan Hawkins to the NBA and had to reload with guys like Spencer and Castle. The pieces have not only fit perfectly, but UConn is still dominating opponents. The Huskies are eager to make history, wanting their new teammates to experience the same success they had.
UConn was not necessarily expected to get to this stage, let alone make it look this easy. The road for defending champions is made more difficult with a target on their back, but these Huskies have taken those shots and just brushed them off.
“The way the defending champs have fared in recent history, it’s kind of been against the odds in terms of the season we’re having following up the national championship with an even better season, winning the Big East regular season by multiple games and setting a program record now for wins on the season and winning the Big East Tournament and now getting to an Elite Eight,” Hurley said. “This team has defied what past champions have done and taken this program to a completely different level.”
