NCAAB · 1 year ago

March Madness: 5 Things We Learned About the UConn Huskies

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Tristen Newton Playing Like a Star
To go on a run in the NCAA Tournament, a team’s best players need to play like stars. UConn is getting that with Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton. Newton, averaging 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, is one of the best all-around players in the country. He was outstanding against Northwestern. In 35 minutes, Newton shot 7-13 with no misses on two-point shots. He added six free throws to reach 20 points and had two steals plus ten assists. The big guard makes the Huskies tick and controlled the second-round game, helping UConn cruise to another Sweet 16 berth.
1. Dan Hurley Has His Huskies Locked In
Recent tournament history has shown that No. 1 seeds are not immune to slow starts and eventual upsets against heavy underdogs. Dan Hurley has made sure that his UConn Huskies are having none of that. They began their bid for a second straight national title with a convincing romp over Stetson that was never competitive and then roared out to a big lead against the Northwestern Wildcats. UConn led the game 11-2 at the first media timeout, extended the lead 17-4 by the 12-minute mark, and led 40-18 at halftime. The Huskies left absolutely no doubt and cruised through the final 20 minutes.

UConn Huskies 2024 National Champion Odds: +210
2. Donovan Clingan Controls the Paint
The UConn Huskies needed progression from center Donovan Clingan and have gotten it. Clingan has gone from a depth piece as a freshman to a legitimately dominant big man in the middle, capable of controlling the paint on offense and defense. Clingan was outstanding against Northwestern in his 27 minutes of action. He was 5-7 from the field for 14 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, and eight blocks. Northwestern’s interior players totaled 14 points, 12 rebounds, and zero blocks in 60 minutes of game time.
3. Stephon Castle's Defense
Stephon Castle is not a star offensive player, but the freshman made a significant impact on the Northwestern game with his defense and intensity while guarding Northwestern’s leader Boo Buie. The five-star freshman from Georgia is likely a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and his length and attention on defense was apparent as he limited Buie to 2-15 shooting and just nine points in 39 minutes of action. UConn knew Northwestern had little chance beyond Buie having an incredible game, and Castle’s defense ensured the victory.
4. Is Perimeter Shooting a Concern?
The UConn Huskies comfortably handled the Northwestern Wildcats despite shooting only 3-22 from three (13.6%). That follows a 9-24 performance in the first round and a 7-24 showing against Marquette in the Big East Tournament Championship Game. That’s three straight subpar outings from three for the defending national champs. Given the body of work from players like Tristen Newton, Alex Karaban, and Cam Spencer, there is probably no need for significant concern. Still, the tournament is single-elimination, and in this small sample size, the perimeter shooting could be a cause for concern if they meet a team like Illinois that could get hot in the Elite Eight.

UConn East Region Champion: -230
5. Tristen Newton Playing Like a Star
To go on a run in the NCAA Tournament, a team’s best players need to play like stars. UConn is getting that with Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton. Newton, averaging 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, is one of the best all-around players in the country. He was outstanding against Northwestern. In 35 minutes, Newton shot 7-13 with no misses on two-point shots. He added six free throws to reach 20 points and had two steals plus ten assists. The big guard makes the Huskies tick and controlled the second-round game, helping UConn cruise to another Sweet 16 berth.
1. Dan Hurley Has His Huskies Locked In
Recent tournament history has shown that No. 1 seeds are not immune to slow starts and eventual upsets against heavy underdogs. Dan Hurley has made sure that his UConn Huskies are having none of that. They began their bid for a second straight national title with a convincing romp over Stetson that was never competitive and then roared out to a big lead against the Northwestern Wildcats. UConn led the game 11-2 at the first media timeout, extended the lead 17-4 by the 12-minute mark, and led 40-18 at halftime. The Huskies left absolutely no doubt and cruised through the final 20 minutes.

UConn Huskies 2024 National Champion Odds: +210

March Madness: 5 Things We Learned About the UConn Huskies

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