UConn coach Dan Hurley led his team to victory in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, a venue he affectionately refers to as 'Storrs South.' The defending national champions secured a significant win by defeating No. 10 Marquette 73-57, claiming their first tournament title since rejoining the conference four years ago.
Donovan Clingan's dominant performance with 22 points and 16 rebounds, coupled with unexpected contributions from Jaylin Stewart's three second-half 3-pointers, propelled UConn to victory. Tournament MVP Tristen Newton added 13 points and 10 assists as the Huskies clinched their eighth Big East title, matching Georgetown for the most in conference history.
Despite facing a resilient Marquette team missing star player Tyler Kolek, UConn's prowess, particularly Clingan's inside presence, proved decisive. The victory marked a significant milestone for the Huskies, who have been on a resurgence since rejoining the Big East in 2020-21.
Stewart's pivotal role in the game-changing surge, along with UConn's strong defensive performance, highlighted their championship pedigree. The team's success at MSG, where they remain undefeated this season, underscores their dominance in the conference.
Looking ahead, UConn aims to build on their Big East triumph as they set their sights on the NCAA Tournament. With a potential No. 1 seed looming, the Huskies are poised to make a deep run in March Madness, eyeing a historic back-to-back national championship.
On the other hand, Marquette, despite falling short in the conference final, is expected to secure a favorable seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Golden Eagles, led by a resilient performance, remain optimistic about their postseason prospects.
As the college basketball landscape gears up for the NCAA Tournament, UConn's recent success and Marquette's resilience serve as compelling storylines to watch. With both teams poised for postseason action, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive March Madness.
