The Defending National Champion UConn Huskies will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday night in Phoenix. UConn added another blowout win to their resume last Saturday by whooping Illinois 77-52. Meanwhile, Alabama knocked off Clemson in a back and forth affair to reach the program’s first Final Four. Now both teams will meet and look to make history for their respective teams.
What is there to be said about UConn that hasn’t already been said? They seem to be an unstoppable force that is taking out everyone in their path. The Huskies were only up five at the half against the Illini before going on a 30-0 run in the second half. The most impressive aspect of this team is they can beat you in a variety of ways. They are capable of lighting up the scoreboard at a moments notice, but they prefer to play at a much slower pace. They are 315th in the country in pace of play. They will probably look to keep this Final Four matchup on the slower side against an Alabama team that loves to get out and run.
Alabama put on a three point shooting display for the ages against Clemson. They shot 44% from deep, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Mark Sears and Ryan Griffen both shot 50% from behind the arc. Jarin Stevenson also chipped in with a 5-8 three point night. Sears seemed like he could not miss in the second half, and he will need to have another great night if the Tide are going to dethrone UConn. The Huskies haven’t really faced a team with this team’s shooting prowess this season. It is worth noting that Creighton knocked off UConn behind a 50% showing from deep. Alabama will have to have to rely on their shooting against a Huskies team that is more talented in almost every position.
