UConn was unstoppable so far. Average winning margin in four tournament games: 27.5 points. If that happens, UCLA's 1967 record of 23.5 would be broken. Never question if anyone can beat the Huskies and stop the first repeat champion in 17 years.
Newcomer Alabama. Please give the Tide a gift since they are the 100th program to reach the Final Four. What happens when Nick Saban retires? Alabama becomes basketball-focused.
And NC State II. New generations of survive-and-advance underdogs have emerged 41 years after the Wolfpack scraped their way through the ACC tournament to obtain a bid and then charged to the national title.
This diverse group is traveling to Arizona. The defending champion and three competitors who haven't advanced in 40 years. One Big East, one Big Ten, one SEC, one ACC team.
The Huskies trailed San Diego State by two points for 28 seconds in the 2024 NCAA tournament. Since last season, they have won 10 consecutive tournament games by double-digits and trailed only once in the second half—by two points for 17 seconds against Iona.
Our defense excels. Our offensive excels. Rebounding the ball. These guys treat every property like the end of the world. NBA players are willing to give and have established a great culture. We'll be tough to beat, said coach Dan Hurley.
Our wins. Our "we" guys. We discussed legacy. You can argue that Tristen Newton has had the best guard career at UConn. His two-year accomplishments. Clingan Donovan. These guys are leaving a legacy in a difficult place. History has been made in a difficult area this season. That motivates them. Very special.
Five years ago, the Cavaliers went from being the first No. 1 seed to be defeated by a No. 16 to winning the national title in 12 months. March saw Purdue lose its second No. 1 seed. The Boilermakers need two wins to equal Virginia's miraculous recovery.
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