UConn advanced to the Elite Eight with a 30-point win in a rematch versus SDSU

BOSTON — There's been a cynical slogan for UConn over the past two seasons: The Huskies can't win close games.

In fact, that doesn't mean they can't win one or two possession games – it rarely comes down to the final minutes for Dan Hurley's side. Earlier this season, the Huskies set the record for most consecutive non-conference wins by double digits. They lead the nation in scoring margin.

And on Thursday, UConn set another mark. The top-seeded Huskies dominated No. 5 San Diego State 82-52 in a national championship rematch, advancing to the Elite Eight with the largest margin of victory in a Sweet 16 match since 2017.

“We're bad at winning close games, so you have to go for the alternative,” Hurley joked after the win.

After three games in the NCAA Tournament, UConn trailed for a total of 28 seconds. The Huskies led by double digits for 58:27 of a possible 60 minutes in the second half. They won their three games by an average of 28.7 points.

For a program whose run to the national championship last year was marked by one of the most dominant performances ever — six wins by an average of 20 points — the Huskies have gone to a different level.

“We just have people desperate to make more,” Hurley said. “We have winners. We have 'us' guys. We also talked about legacy. … These guys are now leaving a legacy in a place that's hard to leave a legacy. It's been a historic season in a hard place to leave.” They make history. It motivated them. “It's special.”

San Diego State has done a better job of keeping the game competitive than UConn's top two NCAA Tournament opponents, at least early in the contest. The Aztecs took an early lead and went shot-for-shot with the Huskies for most of the first half, with star big man Jaydon Leddy controlling the interior against Donovan Clingan en route to 15 points in the first 20 minutes.

UConn led by 11 points nine minutes into the game, but the Huskies went 4 for 22 the rest of the half and San Diego State cut the lead to four in the final minutes of the first half. But two Cam Spencer free throws and a late 3-pointer cut the lead to nine.

An 11-4 UConn run coming out of the break essentially put the game out of reach, with UConn restricting LeDee inside and getting clean looks around the rim at the other end.

“He hit three shots from the outside against Donovan in space and then he hit two breakaways. Obviously, he had 15 shots in the first half,” Hurley said. “To get three points for an American player like Jaydon in the second half, I think we — Donovan made it difficult for him.” Sampson [Johnson] Make it difficult for him. Guys who were helping the right people on the perimeter, showed them more body counts and played much better one-on-one defense. We're a top-10 defensive team as well. So again, that's the best way to keep yourself from getting exposed in this tournament is by goalkeeping at a high level.”

Clingan and Alex Karaban didn't have their best games, but Spencer (18 points) and Tristen Newton (17 points) provided their usual production and the Huskies got a big boost from freshman Stephon Castle, who scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. And goalkeeper Hassan Diarra, who came off the bench to score 10 points and provide four assists.

“I just saw that I missed some opportunities to grab some offensive rebounds and kind of make an extra play for my teammates,” Castle said. “In the second half I just tried to make up for it and try to do everything I can to win the game and help my teammates.”

“The balance, basically, is having four guys with double figures, and two other guys with eight, we have a lot of answers,” Hurley added.

UConn will play the winner of No. 2 Iowa versus No. 3 Illinois in the regional final on Saturday, looking to go to its second straight Final Four.

The Huskies have already come further than any national champion since Florida in 2007.

“This is where our program is right now,” Hurley said. “This is where our program will be.”