NCAAB · 1 year ago

5 Things We Learned About the UConn Huskies in the Elite 8

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. UConn Looks Like an Unstoppable Force
The UConn Huskies have established themselves as the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Championship and repeat as champs. If they accomplish that, Dan Hurley’s squad becomes the first to repeat since Florida in 2006 and 2007. UConn became the first school to win ten straight NCAA Tournaments by double-digits. Illinois pushed them in the first half, and they were tied at 23 late in the first 20 minutes, but UConn steamrolled them with a 30-0 run that is seldom seen in basketball, let alone this tournament. Hurley has built a buzzsaw in Storrs, and they are now -210 to win the NCAA Tournament.

UConn (11.5) vs. Alabama on Saturday at 6:00 PM ET
1. Donovan Clingan's Rim Protection Is Elite
The Illinois Fighting Illini made it very clear, both on the court and in interviews, that their game plan would be to attack the rim as much as possible. UConn center Donovan Clingan made that a real problem for the Illini. Illinois took 19 shots that were challenged by the 7’2” big man, and they didn't make a single one. Clingan finished with five blocks and altered more than that. In addition to his stellar defensive play, Clingan had 22 points, ten rebounds, and three steals. He did it all in 22 minutes and only picked up one foul.

UConn 2024 NCAA Tournament Odds: -210
2. Perimeter Shooting Still An Issue
The one weakness in UConn’s game right now is the lack of perimeter shooting. The Huskies were only 3-17 from behind the arc, with one from center Donovan Clingan. This follows a 10-26 performance against San Diego State and a 3-22 from Northwestern. The Huskies have an excellent shooter in Cam Spencer and good three-point shooters like Tristen Newton and Hassan Diarra. Still, they are not hitting right now, and multiple games with less than 20% from the perimeter is a concern if they get pushed by a team like Alabama that can get hot from deep.
3. Bench Production Was Key
Starting guards Stephon Castle and Tristen Newton combined to shoot 1-12 and had seven points in 54 minutes of action. When the Huskies needed it, the bench made a huge difference. Hassan Diarra played 25 minutes and shot five for six from the field for 11 points, with three rebounds and two assists. Samson Johnson gave UConn ten points on five for six shooting and was a difference as a significant energy boost off the bench. UConn needed a bit of a boost with two starters struggling, and they found it with their depth.

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4. UConn Locked Up Terrence Shannon Jr.
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is the first player on every Illinois opponent’s scouting report. The potential All-American has been on a tear with 34 in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game against Wisconsin, 26 against Morehead State, 30 points against Duquesne, and 29 against Iowa State. Marcus Domask was a great addition to Illinois, but Shannon makes the Illini tick, and UConn completely removed him. In 36 minutes, Shannon shot 2-12, made zero three-pointers, and only scored eight points with two rebounds. He was completely removed from the game, and Illinois was left with no chance.
5. UConn Looks Like an Unstoppable Force
The UConn Huskies have established themselves as the favorites to win the 2024 NCAA Championship and repeat as champs. If they accomplish that, Dan Hurley’s squad becomes the first to repeat since Florida in 2006 and 2007. UConn became the first school to win ten straight NCAA Tournaments by double-digits. Illinois pushed them in the first half, and they were tied at 23 late in the first 20 minutes, but UConn steamrolled them with a 30-0 run that is seldom seen in basketball, let alone this tournament. Hurley has built a buzzsaw in Storrs, and they are now -210 to win the NCAA Tournament.

UConn (11.5) vs. Alabama on Saturday at 6:00 PM ET
1. Donovan Clingan's Rim Protection Is Elite
The Illinois Fighting Illini made it very clear, both on the court and in interviews, that their game plan would be to attack the rim as much as possible. UConn center Donovan Clingan made that a real problem for the Illini. Illinois took 19 shots that were challenged by the 7’2” big man, and they didn't make a single one. Clingan finished with five blocks and altered more than that. In addition to his stellar defensive play, Clingan had 22 points, ten rebounds, and three steals. He did it all in 22 minutes and only picked up one foul.

UConn 2024 NCAA Tournament Odds: -210