UConn’s Improbable Bid for a Third Straight National Title Continues
RALEIGH, N,C. — UConn’s improbable bid for a third straight national title continued when Alex Karaban came through with a critical 3-pointer and a floater in the lane during a late run that helped the Huskies hold off Oklahoma 67-59 on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Karaban had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Huskies (24-10), the No. 8 in seed in the West Region who extended their March Madness winning streak to 13 games, tied with Duke from 1991-93 for the second-longest without missing a tournament.
Karaban’s 3 on the catch from the right wing at the 3:40 mark gave UConn a four-point lead, and he followed with the floater at the 2:18 mark that pushed UConn ahead 64-58.
Solo Ball scored 14 points to help coach Dan Hurley’s Huskies advance to face top region seed Florida, a popular pick both to end UConn’s run and win the national title.
The game was a thrilling matchup between two teams with different styles of play. UConn’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they were able to overcome a tough defensive performance by Oklahoma. The Sooners’ freshman guard, Jeremiah Fears, had a standout performance with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win for his team.
The Teams’ Performance
Freshman Jeremiah Fears had 20 points to lead the ninth-seeded Sooners (20-14), who shot 32.1% and made 3 of 17 3-pointers. Oklahoma managed just one field goal over the last 6 minutes.
UConn, on the other hand, had a more balanced offense, with Karaban and Ball leading the charge. The Huskies’ ability to score from both inside and outside the paint was a key factor in their victory. Despite struggling with their shooting at times, they were able to find ways to score and maintain their lead.
Takeaways
Oklahoma: The Sooners were part of the Southeastern Conference’s record haul of 14 NCAA bids, though they were one of six SEC teams with a losing league record to get in. They went 7-14 after December.
UConn: The Huskies stand alongside Duke (1991-92) and Florida (2006-07) as the only teams to win back-to-back titles since UCLA’s run of seven straight from 1967-73. While they haven’t looked like a national title contender since they lost three straight games in Maui in November, they’re still alive for a three-peat after a tough offensive night that included freshman Liam McNeeley missing 11 of 13 shots.
Up next
The Huskies face the Gators on Sunday. This matchup promises to be an exciting one, as both teams have shown their ability to perform under pressure. UConn will need to bring their A-game if they hope to take down the top-seeded Gators and continue their march towards a third straight national title.
The game against Florida will be a challenging one for UConn, but they have the talent and determination to come out on top. With their winning streak on the line, the Huskies will need to be focused and prepared to take on the Gators. A victory would be a huge upset, but it’s not impossible. UConn has shown time and time again that they have what it takes to win big games, and they’ll need to draw on that experience if they hope to succeed on Sunday.
The Road to the Championship
The NCAA Tournament is a long and grueling process, with teams facing off in a single-elimination format. UConn’s journey to the championship will be a difficult one, but they have the talent and experience to make it happen. With their strong team dynamic and ability to perform under pressure, the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, UConn will face tougher and tougher opponents. They’ll need to be able to adapt to different playing styles and strategies if they hope to succeed. But with their strong coaching and talented roster, the Huskies are well-equipped to handle whatever challenges come their way.
Conclusion
UConn’s victory over Oklahoma was a thrilling one, and it sets the stage for an exciting matchup against Florida on Sunday. The Huskies have shown that they have what it takes to win big games, and they’ll need to draw on that experience if they hope to succeed in the tournament. With their strong team dynamic and ability to perform under pressure, UConn is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament.
FAQs
Q: What is UConn’s current winning streak in the NCAA Tournament?
A: UConn’s current winning streak in the NCAA Tournament is 13 games, tied with Duke from 1991-93 for the second-longest without missing a tournament.
Q: Who led the Sooners in scoring against UConn?
A: Freshman Jeremiah Fears led the Sooners with 20 points against UConn.
Q: What is UConn’s next game in the NCAA Tournament?
A: UConn’s next game in the NCAA Tournament is against the top-seeded Florida Gators on Sunday.
Q: What is the significance of UConn’s potential third straight national title?
A: A third straight national title would be a historic achievement for UConn, making them one of the few teams to accomplish this feat in the NCAA Tournament. It would also cement their status as a basketball powerhouse and demonstrate their ability to sustain success over time.
