Defending national champion UConn showcased their dominance once again as they secured a spot in the Final Four with a resounding 77-52 victory over Illinois. Led by Donovan Clingan's impressive performance of 22 points and 10 rebounds, the Huskies unleashed a remarkable 30-0 run that propelled them to victory.
This victory marked a March Madness record 10th consecutive double-digit win for UConn, who are on a path to potentially clinch their sixth national title. Their journey in this year's NCAA Tournament has been nothing short of spectacular, with wins by margins of 39, 17, 30, and 25 points.
The top-seeded Huskies, boasting a stellar 35-3 record, will now set their sights on the Final Four in Glendale, Arizona. There, they will face the winner of the West Region, either Alabama or Clemson, in a bid to continue their quest for another championship.
UConn's remarkable feat of returning to the national semifinals as defending champions has not been achieved since Florida's back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, highlighting the Huskies' exceptional performance this season.
Despite a valiant effort from Illinois, with Marcus Domask scoring 17 points and Terrence Shannon Jr. contributing 8 points, the Fighting Illini fell short against the powerhouse that is UConn. Clingan's imposing presence at 7-foot-2 proved to be a significant challenge for Illinois, limiting their offensive capabilities.
The turning point in the game came during a staggering 30-0 run by UConn, where they held Illinois scoreless for an extended period. Clingan's stellar performance in the first half set the tone for UConn's dominance, ultimately leading them to a commanding victory.
With a school-record 35 wins this season, UConn's remarkable journey continues as they prepare to face either Alabama or Clemson in the upcoming Final Four matchup. Both opposing teams are vying for their first-ever Final Four appearance, setting the stage for an exciting showdown against the reigning champions.
For more updates on the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, you can visit the AP March Madness bracket at here and follow the latest coverage at here.