LAS VEGAS — Jordan Hawkins scored 20 factors and UConn blew previous its fourth straight NCAA Match opponent, incomes its first journey to the Remaining 4 in 9 years with an 82-54 blowout of Gonzaga on Saturday night time.
The Huskies (29-8) have felt proper at dwelling of their first prolonged March Insanity run since profitable the 2014 nationwide championship, enjoying their finest basketball of what had been an up-and-down season.
UConn managed the often environment friendly Bulldogs at each ends within the West Area remaining, constructing a 23-point lead early within the second half to waltz proper into the ultimate part of the bracket.
The Huskies’ two NCAA Match first-round exits below coach Dan Hurley at the moment are nicely within the rearview mirror.
These elite Huskies did what the UConn girls couldn’t for as soon as and are headed to Houston, the place they’ll play both Texas or Miami.
The Bulldogs (31-6) didn’t have the identical second-half magic that they had in a last-second win over UCLA within the Elite Eight.
Gonzaga allowed UConn to go on a late run to steer by seven at halftime and fell fully aside after All-American Drew Timme went to the bench along with his fourth foul early within the second half.
The Zags shot 33% from the sphere — 7 of 29 within the second half — and went 2 for 20 from 3 to stumble of their bid for a 3rd Remaining 4 since 2017.
Timme had 12 factors and 10 rebounds, receiving a heat ovation after being taken out of his remaining collegiate sport with 1:50 left.