The UConn Huskies defeated the Michigan State Spartans today in the East Regional Final, 60-54. They become the first #7 seed to reach the Final Four since the NCAA expanded the tournament to 64 in 1985.
Madison Square Garden was rocking as it felt like a Connecticut home game all afternoon.
UConn guard Shabazzz Napier finished with 25 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds. He also went perfect from the charity stripe (9 for 9). That free throw line was a huge factor as the Huskies went an incredible 21 of 22 on the day, CBS Sports. Michigan State was 7 for 8 at the line, but the shear difference in attempts was the story.
UConn’s attacking style of play earned those free chances. How many times do we see free throws decide a game between two teams on this level? Often. The more aggressive team won today.
The Huskies found themselves down nine-points in the second half. But the kid from the inner-city in Boston willed his way to 17 of his 25 points.
Napier has carried this team in such a “Kemba Walker Like Way” that’s it’s scary to think about. In 2011, UConn Guard Kemba Walker went on a run that very few in history can compare to. He willed his team through the Big East and to the school’s third National Championship. Jim Calhoun’s last title as head coach. They went 11-0 in postseason play (Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament), Sports Illustrated.
The two shockers this time around is Calhoun is gone and they were a #7 seed (#3 seed in 2011). Very few picked them, but they didn’t care. Kevin Ollie has assumed the role that Calhoun built, and Walker has passed the torch to Napier.
They now head to Arlington, Texas for the Final Four, to take on the Tournament’s #1 overall seeded team in the Florida Gators.
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