March Madness: UConn’s championship reign comes to an end
The Florida Gators pulled off a stunning upset in the second round of the men’s basketball tournament, knocking off the two-time defending champion UConn Huskies in a thrilling 77-75 victory on Sunday. The Gators showed incredible clutch shooting late in the game to secure the win.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Florida trailing for most of the game. It wasn’t until 2:44 left on the clock that guard Walter Clayton Jr. hit a crucial 3-pointer to give the Gators the lead. A turnover by the Huskies led to a breakaway dunk from Will Richard, sparking a 6-0 run that put Florida in control for good. Alijah Martin sealed the victory with a powerful dunk off an offensive rebound.
Despite a strong performance from UConn’s Hassan Diarra, who hit a key 3-pointer to tie the game at 31 at halftime, the Huskies were unable to maintain their momentum. Liam McNeely led UConn with 22 points, including a buzzer-beater at the end of the game.
Clayton finished with 23 points for the Gators, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Martin added 18 points and Richard contributed 15 in the victory.
The win propels Florida into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 under coach Michael White. After a disappointing early exit last season, the Gators have made a strong comeback this year, winning the SEC Championship and earning the No. 1 seed in the West Region.
Looking ahead, Florida will face the winner of the matchup between No. 12 Colorado State and No. 4 Maryland in the next round of the tournament. The Gators will be looking to continue their impressive run and advance further in the competition.
The loss marks the end of UConn’s bid for a third consecutive college basketball title, as the Huskies were unable to overcome the determined play of the Florida Gators. The defeat will surely be a tough pill to swallow for the defending champions, but they can hold their heads high for their impressive run in the tournament.
In conclusion, the Florida Gators’ thrilling victory over the UConn Huskies was a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The team’s clutch shooting and tenacious defense were key factors in their success, and they will look to carry that momentum forward as they continue their journey in the tournament.
