Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies will defend their national title Monday night in Arizona after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Final 4 Saturday evening.
The defending champs did not play their best basketball. They let Alabama remain around until about the five-minute mark in the second half by allowing a few extended runs.
Even then, the Huskies were able to come out on top by the score of 86-72.
Likely first-round picks Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle did a lot of the damage. Castle led UConn with 21 points. Meanwhile, Clingan made his name known in this one as UConn pulled away late.
After defeating San Diego State in the National Championship Game last season, these Huskies can become the first team to repeat as champs since the Florida Gators back in 2007. In fact, we’ve only seen one repeat champ over the past 32 years.
Related: Schedule for UConn-Purdue National Championship Game
UConn Huskies looking to join elite company as repeat NCAA Tournament champions
Dan Hurley’s squad entered the NCAA Tournament as overwhelming favorites to come away with the hardware. So, it’s not necessarily too much of a surprise that they are headed to the natty. Here is a look at repeat champions in the NCAA Tournament.
- Florida Gators (2006-2007)
- Duke Blue Devils (1991-1992)
- UCLA Bruins (1967-1973)
- UCLA Bruins (1964-1965)
- Cincinnati Bearcats (1961-1962)
- San Francisco Dons (1955-1956)
- Kentucky Wildcats (1948-1949)
- Oklahoma A&M Aggies (1945-1946)
Indeed, that’s some rare company. What makes this even more impressive the fact that we’re seeing NBA-ready players leave the college ranks after just one season. The Huskies lost three key contributors from last season’s title team to the pros.
Related: UConn head coach Dan Hurley blasts NCAA transfer portal