Connecticut routs San Diego State to win its fifth NCAA men’s basketball title after dominating tournament | CNN

Connecticut Claims Fifth NCAA Men's Basketball Title with Thrilling Victory Over San Diego State

The University of Connecticut claimed its fifth NCAA men's basketball title, topping San Diego State 76-59 in the championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Huskies dominated the tournament, showcasing their impressive skills and unwavering determination.

Senior guard Tristen Newton led UConn with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while junior forward Adama Sanogo chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The duo's outstanding performance set the tone for the team's victory, as they worked together seamlessly to outmaneuver their opponents.

"We weren't ranked going into the year so we had the chip on our shoulder," said UConn head coach Dan Hurley, referencing the team's six losses in eight games during the regular season. "We knew the level that we could play at, even through those dark times." The team's confidence grew throughout the season, and their hard work paid off as they navigated the tournament with ease.

San Diego State, on the other hand, struggled to find its footing against UConn's potent offense. Despite a late comeback attempt, the Aztecs were ultimately unable to overcome the Huskies' dominant performance.

"We battled back to five in the second half, but gave them too much separation," said San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher. "We had to be at our best. We weren’t at our best. A lot had to do with UConn."

The Huskies' victory marked their fifth NCAA men's basketball title, solidifying their position as one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. With this win, they join an elite group of teams that have achieved greatness on the court.

UConn's winning culture is undeniable, and the team's dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of their game. From Newton and Sanogo's outstanding individual performances to the cohesive team effort that ultimately secured the title, it's clear that this team was destined for greatness.

The Huskies' victory also marked a special moment for Jordan Hawkins, who scored 16 points for UConn, including one shot that proved to be the game-winner. The win brought joy not only to Hawkins but also to his family, as his cousin Angel Reese of Louisiana State University won the women's title just one day earlier.

With this fifth NCAA men's basketball title, UConn enters rarefied air, joining an exclusive club of teams that have achieved this prestigious honor. The Huskies' legacy is cemented, and their future looks bright as they look to continue their winning tradition in years to come.
 
man uconn just solidified their spot as one of the best programs in hoops 🤯 19 points and 10 rebounds from tristen newton was a game-changer 📈 but gotta say, san diego state's season felt kinda rushed 🚀 they went from being nowhere to making it to the title game in like what 5 games? i'm not saying they weren't capable of it, but it seemed weirdly convenient 🤔 and uconn's coach dan hurley is just so extra 😂 with that whole "chip on our shoulder" thing, but honestly, the dude's got some great quotes
 
This win for UConn is #winning at its finest 🏆💪! They showed the entire nation what they're capable of with a dominating performance against San Diego State. The whole team came together, and it's clear that Coach Dan Hurley did an amazing job preparing them for this moment. I'm living for Tristen Newton's 19 points and 10 rebounds, he was on 🔥! The Huskies' winning culture is truly inspiring, and they're about to become part of a very exclusive club in college basketball history #UConnHuskies #NCAAchampions #CollegeBasketball
 
The Huskies are on fire 🔥! I mean, their dedication to the game is top-notch 🙌. It's not just about Tristen Newton and Adama Sanogo putting up big numbers, it's about how well they work together as a team. The fact that Coach Dan Hurley was able to rally them after a rough start to the year speaks volumes about his leadership 💪.

And let's be real, San Diego State just couldn't keep up 🤦‍♂️. I mean, I feel for 'em, but UConn was on fire 🔥 and they didn't know how to put out the flames 😅. The Huskies' winning culture is something special, and it's awesome to see them add another title to their resume 🏆.

It's also cool to see Jordan Hawkins get his moment in the spotlight 💫. That game-winner was clutch, and I'm sure it's a memory he'll always cherish 😊. And hey, with Angel Reese winning the women's title just yesterday, it's clear that UConn is bringing home the gold 🏅!
 
OMG 🤩🏀 55.6% FG from UConn is insane 🔥! They outrebounded SD State by 15 & had 42 total rebounds for the game 📈. Tristen Newton's 19pts & 10rebounds is straight fire 🔥! San Diego State shot just 34.5% FG in the second half, what a turnaround 😅. Coach Dan Hurley's 3-1 tournament record is impressive 👍. UConn is officially one of the greatest programs in college hoops history 📚💪
 
OMG, can't believe UConn won that 5th title 🤩🏆! Tristen Newton and Adama Sanogo are like the dynamic duo of the tournament - unstoppable together 💪👫. And coach Dan Hurley is right, that chip on their shoulder from not being ranked at the start of the year was all the motivation they needed 🔥💼. The way they outmaneuvered San Diego State was just beautiful to watch 🌳🏀. And Jordan Hawkins' game-winning shot was pure magic ✨! UConn's winning culture is seriously inspiring - can't wait to see what next season brings 😃💫
 
man i'm so hyped for uconn 🤩 their team work is insane, like seriously they had the whole season to prove themselves and then they just dominated san diego state, it's not even close. 5 ncaa titles is crazy, you gotta respect the huskies' winning culture. dan hurley must be a genius coach or something because his players are so confident and in sync with each other. and jordan hawkins' game-winner was everything 🙌
 
🏆 "The ultimate triumph is when you're able to overcome your greatest weaknesses." 🤔 UConn's dominance on the court and their ability to bounce back from tough losses is truly inspiring. 💪 Their team effort, individual performances, and coaching are all key factors that contributed to their championship win. It's amazing to see a team come together like this and achieve greatness! 👏
 
🤔 what a joke NCAA guys keep playing each other like it's all fun & games meanwhile the rest of us are over here trying to adult 🙄 don't get me wrong UConn was lit but 5 titles? that's just ridiculous 😒
 
Man I'm telling you the Huskies were due for a win like this 🤩 UConn's been through some tough times during the regular season but they never gave up on each other 💪 They proved everyone wrong and showed the world what they're capable of. San Diego State just got outcoached, no doubt about it 😎 Dan Hurley's coaching skills are insane, he really knows how to bring out the best in his players 👏 The team's energy was electric, I'm hyped for them! 🤯
 
🙌 Yaaas! Congrats to the UConn Huskies on their 5th NCAA men's basketball title 🏆💪! They totally dominated San Diego State and it was such a thrilling game to watch! I'm loving how confident Dan Hurley is about his team - they definitely showed that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality he spoke about 😎. And Tristen Newton & Adama Sanogo are straight up ballers 🤩, those 2 guys were unstoppable on the court! Can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented squad 👀
 
OMG 🤩🏆 the Huskies are on fire! I mean, five NCAA titles is no joke 💥. Tristen Newton and Adama Sanogo are straight fire 🔥, their chemistry on the court is unbeatable. The whole team came together like a well-oiled machine 🚀. And let's give a shoutout to Jordan Hawkins too, his game-winner was clutch 💪! UConn's winning culture is something to be admired, they're setting the bar high 🏆. This win solidifies their position as one of the best programs in college hoops history. Can't wait to see what the future holds for these Huskies 🤞🏻.
 
Ugh, San Diego State just got schooled by UConn 🤯🏀! Like, I know they thought they had a shot but the Huskies were on a whole other level 💪. Tristen Newton and Adama Sanogo are straight fire 🔥 - those guys are legends in the making. Dan Hurley must be so proud of his team... it's not every day you see a program come back from nowhere to claim that many wins 🙌. The Huskies' winning culture is definitely something special, and I'm loving the family vibe too 👪🏼 - Jordan Hawkins and his fam must be totally stoked right now 🎉!
 
omg uconn just dominated the ncaa men's basketball tournament like they're on another planet 🚀💥 i mean san diego state tried but it was like uconn had superpowers 💪🔮 didnt think anyone could stop them after all those losses at the start of the year but dan hurley and his squad proved me wrong 10/10 would watch these guys play again 😎
 
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