UConn's historic dominance continues in win over Miami

Connecticut Huskies forward Adama Sanogo (21) reacts after a play against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes during the second half in the semifinals of the Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

UConn's historic dominance continues in Final Four victory over Miami

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/2/23

The UConn Huskies' domination of this year's NCAA Tournament continued in Saturday's Final Four, knocking off No. 5 Miami, 72-59, to advance to the National Championship Game.

The Huskies led early and never looked back, tallying their fifth double-digit victory of the tournament. According to ESPN Stats and Info, UConn is only the sixth team to accomplish the feat since the tournament expanded in 1985, joining Michigan State (2000), Duke (2001), North Carolina (2009, 2016) and Villanova (2018).

Since the NCAA Tournament expanded in 1985, there have been five teams to enter an appearance in the National Championship having won each tournament game by double digits:

2018 Villanova
2016 UNC
2009 UNC
2001 Duke
2000 Michigan State

And now 2023 UConn. pic.twitter.com/DhqvnZ4ejT
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 2, 2023

UConn's monstrous run is also a good sign for their title hopes. Of the five teams to win all their games by double-digits, all but one ended up cutting the nets down at the tournament's end.

The Huskies head to the national championship game for the fifth time in school history and for the first time since 2014. They are 4-0 in title game appearance heading into this year's championship game.

After taking a 13-point advantage after one quarter, UConn kept the pressure on, increasing its advantage by one, to lead 73-59 at the halftime break.

Miami would make a valiant effort to get back in the game during the second half, cutting the deficit to only 10 with under five minutes to go. However, UConn turned up the intensity again, pulling away to grab their spot in Monday's title game.

Andre Jackson catches the lob #MarchMadness @UConnMBB pic.twitter.com/KE4hq4aVcB
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 2, 2023

Junior Adama Sanogo led the Huskies' charge, finishing with game-highs in points (21) and rebounds (10). Meanwhile, guard Jordan Hawkins was the only other Huskie to finish in double-figures, ending the night with 13 points.

The Huskies will take on No. 5 San Diego State, who stunned No. 9 Florida Atlantic in the first Final Four matchup of the night. Lamont Butler nailed a game-winning buzzer-beater, propelling the Aztecs to the Final Four win.

UConn and SDSU will battle at NRG Stadium with the National Title on the line Monday at 9:20 p.m. EST.

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