Top-seeded UConn showcased their dominance in the NCAA Tournament by defeating 16th-seeded Stetson with a commanding 91-52 victory in the first round. Led by Donovan Clingan's 19 points and Cam Spencer's 15, the top-ranked Huskies improved their record to 32-3 and advanced to the second round of the East Region.
Stetson, the ASun champions making their debut in the NCAA Tournament, struggled to keep up with UConn's relentless offense. The Huskies took an early lead, scoring the first eight points of the game and never looking back. The game quickly turned into a one-sided affair, with UConn delivering their most lopsided NCAA Tournament win since 2009.
UConn's fans turned out in full force at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a home game for the Huskies. The team's stellar performance on the court, shooting 68.8% in the first half and maintaining control throughout the game, left little doubt about the outcome.
Tristen Newton's alley-oop to Clingan, Stephon Castle's three-pointer, and Newton's impressive playmaking added to UConn's commanding lead. By halftime, the Huskies held a 52-19 advantage, showcasing their offensive efficiency and defensive prowess.
Although Stetson showed some resilience in the second half, UConn's offensive firepower proved too much to handle. The Huskies reached the 90-point mark for the ninth time this season, highlighting their consistency and scoring ability.
With the victory, UConn extended their NCAA Tournament winning streak to seven games by double-digit margins, building on their championship run from the previous year. The team's 32 wins this season mark a significant milestone, trailing only the 2013-14 national championship team in program history.
Looking ahead, UConn will face ninth-seeded Northwestern in the next round, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup between the two teams. The Huskies have a chance to continue their impressive tournament run and advance further in pursuit of another title.
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