The UConn Huskies brought in another National Championship vs San Diego State University on April 3rd, 2023, winning 76-59, adding another blowout win to their huge tournament run. A matchup that, I can say myself, most likely nobody at SMCC had picked. These past few weeks, the UConn men’s team has worked incredibly hard to earn the hardware this past year, beating the majority of the teams by 10 points or more.

UConn relied heavily on their defense throughout stretches of the game and used their ability to capitalize at the line, making 21 of their 23 free throw attempts. Huskies guard Tristen Newton led UConn respectfully, putting up 19 points and 10 rebounds, with Adama Sanago punching in 17 points and 10 rebounds to snag the championship over SDSU. 

Unfortunately for San Diego State, the team was not able to replicate the historic Kansas performance from last year’s championship game, coming back from down 15 points at half to win the national title. The Aztecs had played a phenomenal tournament, the first time ever advancing past the Sweet 16 in team history. While they played a great tournament, the Aztecs just didn’t have enough to push themselves over the Huskies, only shooting 32.2% from the field and knocking down only 19 out of 59 shots. 

Since 1999, UConn has won the National Championship 5 times, winning in 2004, 2011, 2014, and now 2023. As of right now, UConn has +1100 odds to repeat and take the hardware next year for the 2023-24 season, but we will ultimately find out next year, since you never know what will happen in March Madness.