UConn stormed back into the men's basketball tournament finale with the help of a sensational 21-point performance by freshman guard Stephon Castle. Their victory over Alabama was a team effort, with the reigning national champions showcasing their mettle in a thrilling game in Glendale, Ariz.
Coach Dan Hurley praised Castle's performance, highlighting how Alabama's decision to play him softly backfired as he capitalized on every opportunity. The Huskies dominated the game, boasting 20 assists and just four turnovers, compared to Alabama's nine assists and eight turnovers. They also outrebounded the Tide 37-29 and outshot them with a 50% field goal percentage.
The Huskies' victory sets up a showdown with Purdue in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament finale on Monday. Despite the win, sophomore center Donovan Clingan emphasized that their job is not done yet, showing the team's determination to claim another championship.
The Final Four clash was intense, with both teams fighting for control in a closely contested first half that saw seven lead changes. However, the Huskies pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Tide 42-32, including a dominant 31-18 stretch over the final 13 minutes.
UConn's inside-out game proved effective, leading to high-percentage shots, while Alabama stayed in the game with a remarkable 72.7% shooting from 3-point range in the first half. Despite the Tide's efforts, the Huskies maintained a 44-40 halftime lead and extended it to eight early in the second half.
Both teams exchanged runs, with the Tide tying the score several times. However, the Huskies responded with a crucial 8-0 run and relied on their stifling defense and strong rebounding to maintain their lead. Although Alabama narrowed the gap to six on multiple occasions, they couldn't catch up in the final stretch.
UConn had six players scoring in double figures, showcasing their depth and balanced scoring attack. Senior guard Cam Spencer and sophomore forward Alex Karaban each contributed 14 points, while senior guard Tristen Newton added 12 points and nine assists.
For Alabama, senior guard Mark Sears led the scoring with 24 points, while senior forward Grant Nelson recorded a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The highly anticipated finale between UConn and Purdue is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EDT on Monday in Glendale, airing on TBS. Both teams will be looking to secure the championship title in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
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