A top five matchup between two of the best teams in one of the most formidable conferences in college basketball was bound to draw the attention of many. In front of a sold-out crowd at the XL Center, the No. 1 UConn men’s basketball team put on one of their best performances in a rout of the Marquette Golden Eagles, 81-53.
But, by the way this game started, it certainly felt like things would go down to the final buzzer.
“That first media timeout felt like the first round of heavyweight fight,” quipped UConn coach Dan Hurley.
Both teams struggled to find the basket early, with both programs tied at eight points apiece going into that first timeout. However, the biggest issue for the Huskies was in the rebounding department and the Golden Eagles were certainly doing their part with four offensive boards to none from the home team. With how Connecticut has operated, they needed to gain the advantage in that part of their game to create more space on the scoreboard.
The first half remained close until near the 10 minute mark. After Cam Spencer knocked down two free throws at the stripe with 10:26 to go, UConn began to show why it has one of the top offensive units in the nation and went on a 9-0 run. Capped off by an electric Samson Johnson two-hand slam, the score suddenly jumped to a 27-18 lead in favor of the Huskies.
With the crowd’s momentum on their side, Connecticut began to look unstoppable, especially with how they stepped up on the defensive end. Marquette may have been getting production from both Kam Jones and Oso Isghadaro, but one of the biggest storylines surrounded Tyler Kolek. Not only did the former Big East Player of the Year secure just five points in the first half, but he also did it on an inefficient 2-7 from the field. The Huskies may not have looked like a lockdown defensive unit in the first half of their season, but Saturday’s win was a big indicator of how far this team has come.
While the Golden Eagles did all they could to narrow a ballooning Connecticut lead, their defense simply had no answer for their opponent’s aggressive inside attack. A 36.7 mark from beyond the arc might not be the best, but UConn’s ability to improve to 46% shooting from the field is a massive indicator of their success in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Walking into halftime with a 42-26 lead, it was now the time for Hurley and Co. to capitalize on the momentum they’d built for themselves.
Not only was the No. 1 team in the nation able to do just that, but the closest that Marquette coach Shaka Smart’s unit was able to get was 16.
There was plenty to love about the effort on the offensive end for the Huskies, but the real key to their second half success was their relentless defense that stifled any answer from the Golden Eagles. To put into perspective how impressive Connecticut looked in that department, Kolek responded to his first half woes with a whopping two points on 0-4 shooting and a mere two free throws. Ighodaro may have looked great again with another eight points, but Jones shot just 3-7 from the field and 2-6 from the three. That’s certainly nowhere close to getting the job done against a team that’s been electric on both ends of the floor.
There are plenty of players to credit for the Saturday afternoon blowout, and many will immediately point to Donovan Clingan for good reason. UConn’s man in the middle ended the game with 17 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and 7/8 shooting from the field. He not only helped out his squad with easy points in the paint but also assisted on the defensive end, which has taken this team to a whole new level.
“Donovan is one of the most impactful players in the country. We’re maybe the best offensive and defensive team in the country on both ends when he gets going,” said Hurley.
But the real storyline surrounded the impact of Hassan Diarra, who had 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Smart said that the UConn guard, “played like a starter.” Hurley continued to praise his player during the post-game press conference.
“This was the best game he’s played,” said the Huskies coach. “He’s had some games like this. Last year’s team, we had incredible bench play, and that really allowed us to go on runs and separate from people. This was the exact player that when we recruited Has out of the portal; we just thought that he would be the best Big East guard.”
But, of course, the depth of UConn’s roster was once again huge for the program. Sure, Alex Karaban may have struggled with seven points on 2/9 shooting, but Tristen Newton and Spencer flourished. Adding Clingan and Diarra to that list makes this team so hard to guard and gameplan against as a coach. It’s a primary reason they’ve gotten this far and arguably even more dangerous than last year’s National Championship-winning roster.
And yet, while many teams may be content with the level of effort that the Huskies have exhibited throughout the year, anyone who knows coach Dan Hurley knows that he’s always looking for more.
“I can promise you in the leadup to our next game that we’re gonna work like 25-2 is never enough,” said Hurley.
That means even more when you consider this team’s next matchup, a road battle with No. 17 Creighton.