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    No. 1 UConn Routs San Diego State in NCAA Title Game Rematch, Overwhelms CBB Fans

    zach bacharContributor IMarch 29, 2024

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 28: Hassan Diarra #10 of the Connecticut Huskies drives to the basket against Miles Byrd #21 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at TD Garden on March 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
    Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

    In a rematch of the 2023 national title game, UConn cruised past San Diego State 82-52 in the men's NCAA tournament on Thursday.

    Despite some first-half struggles, the Huskies pulled away during the final 20 minutes to advance to the Elite Eight. The Aztecs cut the deficit to 35-31 just before halftime, although they weren't able to get any closer throughout the duration of the game.

    Senior guard Cam Spencer led the Huskies with 18 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field while adding five rebounds and three assists. He also connected on two of his four attempts from behind the arc.

    Stephon Castle recorded his first career double-double, as the freshman guard scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 28 minutes on the floor.

    College basketball fans were impressed with the dominance shown by head coach Dan Hurley's team.

    Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

    UCONN ALLEY OOP FROM MID-COURT 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/kG6H8P1O7v">pic.twitter.com/kG6H8P1O7v</a>

    No. 1 UConn Routs San Diego State in NCAA Title Game Rematch, Overwhelms CBB Fans
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    Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

    UCONN has been DOMINANT in these last 2 tournaments so far 😤 <a href="https://t.co/Qh9HcGFzji">pic.twitter.com/Qh9HcGFzji</a>

    Seth Davis @SethDavisHoops

    UConn won six games in the NCAA tournament last year by an average of 20.0 points per game.<br><br>Lost three starters and five of their top eight scorers.<br><br>And they're better.<br><br>That should not be possible.

    Matt Norlander @MattNorlander

    There might be a team that will beat UConn, but I have no idea who is beating UConn in this tournament.

    Legion Hoops @LegionHoops

    UConn in round 1: won by 39<br><br>UConn in round 2: won by 17<br><br>UConn tonight: won by 30<br><br>DOMINANT 😤 <a href="https://t.co/vl2NakDRIU">pic.twitter.com/vl2NakDRIU</a>

    Aaron Torres @Aaron_Torres

    FINAL: UConn 82, San Diego State 52<br><br>A nine-point game flips when UConn outscores San Diego State - a great program, with incredible players - 42-19 in the second half<br><br>IS THIS REAL LIFE?!<br><br>UConn becomes the first defending champ sine 2007 to advance to the Elite Eight.<br><br>INSANE. <a href="https://t.co/1MihpKKdBY">pic.twitter.com/1MihpKKdBY</a>

    Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein

    UConn has won its last nine NCAA Tournament games by an average of 22.9 PPG. <a href="https://t.co/hzbxK56Ox4">https://t.co/hzbxK56Ox4</a>

    John Fanta @John_Fanta

    FINAL ----- UCONN 82, SAN DIEGO STATE 52 <br><br>The Huskies show again that this is their tournament, outscoring the Aztecs 42-21 to pull away and advance to the Elite Eight in blowout fashion. Cam Spencer led the way with 18, Tristen Newton had 17 and Stephon Castle posted 16 and 11.

    After finishing with a record of 33-3, UConn has shown no signs of slowing down in the tournament. The Huskies have won each of their three March Madness games easily, outscoring opponents 248-162.

    The defending champions are now set to face off against the winner of Thursday's matchup between Illinois and Iowa State.