UConn is heading back to the national title game for the second straight season after yet another dominant performance to beat Alabama in the Final Four. The Huskies defeated the Crimson Tide by a score of 86-72 on Saturday, using an all-around effort to get the job done.
Alabama did all it could to keep it close throughout and the scored was knotted at 56 as late as 12:04 left to play. However, UConn took over in the final moments to go on an 11-2 run from that point and pull away.
All five Huskies starters finished in double figures as Stephon Castle led the way with 21 points. Donovan Clingan also chipped in 18 points while Tristen Newton played the role of distributor with nine assists.
Things got off to a quick start for both teams as they traded leads back-and-forth throughout the first half. UConn entered halftime with a 44-40 lead as the Crimson Tide gave them arguably their first real challenge of the tournament.
Mark Sears did all he could in the loss to finish with a game-high 24 points in the loss. He made several key shots late, but unfortunately couldn’t keep up with the depth of the Huskies.
The national title appearance is the sixth for UConn, which has won all five of its previous appearances. They will take on Purdue, which was never won a national championship in its history, for the crown on Monday.
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