UConn vs. Purdue: The Final Countdown to the Highly-Anticipated National Championship

GLENDALE, Arizona After waiting for the ball screen above, Tristen Netwon hammered big man Donovan Clingan down the lane for a decisive slam. The bench in Connecticut blew apart.

At State Farm Stadium on Saturday night, the Huskies defeated Alabama 86-72, despite the fact that it took longer than normal.

The Huskies had not faced any opposition in this competition as of Saturday. They had an average margin of victory of 27.8 points over Illinois, Northwestern, San Diego State, and Stetson. The squad’s sole setback occurred during the journey to the Final Four, as weather-related delays and mechanical problems caused the team to arrive around 3 a.m. on Thursday.

That shifted in Alabama’s favor. The Crimson Tide put the Huskies to the test for over thirty minutes (36-3). Grant Nelson tied the game at 56-56 on a smooth jump hook with 12:44 remaining in the second half. Then the match changed.

Stephon Castle, a guard for UConn, scored through penetration and made two foul shots. Rolling to the basket, Samson Johnson dunked. Alex Karaban parried a shot. Eight without a break. At 64-56, Connecticut had the biggest advantage. Nate Oats, the coach of Alabama, cited time. It made no difference.

In the closing minutes, the Huskies controlled the 3-point shooting spree that had plagued them in the first half. Castle led UConn with 21 points, being steady from the first tip. Clingan contributed four blocks, five rebounds, and eighteen points. Nine assists and twelve points went to Newton. Cam Spencer and Karaban both scored 14 points.

UConn shot 53 percent in the second half.