UConn duo made history in Big East semis win over St. John's

UConn Huskies guards Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

UConn duo made incredible history in Big East semifinal win over St. John's

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/15/24

UConn advanced to the Big East Tournament championship following a 95-90 win over St. John's, paced by a historic outing from guards Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer.

The duo became the first in 25 years to each record 20 or more points and eight-plus assists while committing a turnover or less in a Division I game, per OptaStats.

Newton led the Huskies with 25 points, adding nine assists and only one turnover. Meanwhile, Spencer finished with 20 points, nine assists and zero turnovers.

Coast to Coast pic.twitter.com/xFMAVC7blQ
— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 15, 2024

Big three from Cam! He's got 18 pic.twitter.com/IiLZx5NL2T
— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 15, 2024

Along with Newton and Spencer, the Huskies as a whole shot lights-out, and it was easily the difference on Friday. UConn shot 57.4 (31-of-54) from the field and an astonishing 50 percent (11-of-22) from beyond the arc, compared to 45.1 and 45.5 for St. John's.

UConn jumped out to a slim five-point halftime lead before fending off the underdog Red Storm in what amounted to a home game for the Huskies. By all accounts, UConn fans outnumbered the "home" crowd by over half at Madison Square Garden.

"They're the Kentucky of the East. They've got the greatest fan base in basketball," St. John's head coach Rick Pitino said, via Matt Norlander of CBS Sports.

Huskies rolling. UConn chant. MSG is on fire. pic.twitter.com/ZQtRTeKDg6
— Paul Fritschner (@PaulFritschner) March 15, 2024

The Huskies' victory clinches back-to-back 30-win seasons for only the second time in program history. Meanwhile, they also advance to the Big East championship for the first time in 13 years.

Now, UConn awaits the winner of the other Big East semifinal, between Marquette and Providence, who they'll play for the tournament crown on Saturday.

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