Connecticut Continues Dominance, Beats Illinois to Capture Final Four Berth
Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
The Elite Eight matchup between Connecticut and Illinois was sure to be an offensive bout for the ages.
It did not turn out that way.
In a demonstration of Connecticut’s unwillingness to be slowed down in their quest for a second straight National Championships, the Huskies(35-3) took down the Illinois Fighting Illini(29-9) by a score of 77-52, according to ESPN. The final score is an inaccurate depiction of the Huskies’ manhandling of Illinois, as Dan Hurley’s squad had a lead of as much as 31 at a point in the game.
Photo Credit: Michael Dwyer, Associated Press Photo
The win was a showing of the Huskies’ defensive prowess, as opposed to their usual offensive masterpieces. While the Huskies only shot 51.7% from the field and 17.6% from beyond the arc(according to ESPN), the team held Illinois, the fourth-ranked team in adjusted offensive efficiency(according to Kenpom) to an appalling 25.4% from the field and 26.1% from three. Additionally, the Huskies had a plus-15 rebounding margin, pouring in ten blocks and five steals to put a bow on the defensive performance.
Photo Credit: Stuart Cahill, Boston Herald
Though Connecticut’s defense is not as widely discussed as their offense, the team is still ranked number four in adjusted defensive efficiency on Kenpom, and their number one ranking in the adjusted offensive efficiency field on Kenpom is indicative of their team’s immaculate construction.
Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
To advance in the tournament, Connecticut must now face the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team averaging 41.4% from three in the tournament. The Huskies however, if able to hold the Tide to a lower three-point percentage, have a terrific matchup in the frontcourt with their dominating seven-foot-two center Donovan Clingan. With Alabama’s tallest player being six-foot-11, Connecticut’s exploitation of this fact could be an interesting storyline to watch.
