March Madness: UConn becomes the first reigning national champions to reach the Elite Eight since 2007 after beating San Diego State… as Clemson spoils Arizona’s homecoming hopes

The Connecticut Huskies extended their streak of double-digit wins in March Madness to nine in a row with a victory over San Diego State in a rematch of the 2023 national championship game.

It was the tournament’s first national title game rematch since 2007, when Florida defeated UCLA in that season’s Final Four. Now UConn shares something else with that Florida team: the 2024 Huskies are the first defending national champions since the ’07 Gators to reach the Elite Eight after a brutal second-half loss and turn it into an 82-52 victory .

In 2007, Florida went back-to-back and no team has done so since. That’s UConn’s goal now — and their next task is eliminating the winner of Thursday night’s game between three-seed Illinois and two-seed Iowa State.

Elsewhere, the Clemson Tigers prevented what could have been a homecoming for the Arizona Wildcats. With the Final Four in Phoenix, the ‘Cats’ hopes of playing in their home state were dashed as six-seed Clemson advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1980 in a 77–72 victory.

(1) UConn 82, (5) San Diego State 52

In a tight first half, the Huskies went to the locker room with a nine-point lead over the Aztecs.

While Jaedon LeDee led the way for SDSU with 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting, none of his teammates could get much closer to him in the first half.

Meanwhile, UConn could rely on several players to score — led by guard Cam Spencer’s 6-for-9 shooting performance with 16 points and with key contributions from Tristen Newton (9 points) and Alex Karaban (8 points).

Connecticut went on a 6-0 run after the under-16 media timeout and continued to build their lead – up to 15 points midway through the second half.

That only increased as the Huskies completely dominated San Diego State in the second half.

Connecticut defeated San Diego State 42-21 in the second intermission. Spencer finished the night leading the team with 18 points, while Newton had 17 points and freshman phenom Stephon Castle had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Aztecs’ season ends with LeDee scoring 18 points and bench player Micah Parrish putting up 10 of his own. No one else reached double figures for SDSU.

Cam Spencer dropped in 18 points to lead the Huskies to a dominant win over the Aztecs

UConn’s freshman phenom Stephon Castle (5) posted a double-double against SDSU

Meanwhile, SDSU was led by Jaedon LeDee (13), who was their only elite performer

(6) Clemson 77, (2) Arizona 72

Arizona transfer Caleb Love got a practical taste of the rematch from his hands against his former team – North Carolina. The Tar Heels could face Love’s Wildcats in the second round if they can get past Clemson.

They actually didn’t get any further than Clemson. The Tigers shot the ball much better than the Wildcats and held on in the final minutes to shock Arizona and spoil a homecoming.

This year’s Final Four will be held in Phoenix and Arizona was hoping to play at least one more game in front of their home fans.

Instead, Clemson continues to dance, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 1980.

Chase Hunter scored 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Clemson. He was joined at the top of the leaderboard by PJ Hall (17 points, eight rebounds) and Ian Schieffelin (17/7/3).

Arizona’s loss could come down to their paltry 5-of-28 (17.9 percent) shooting from beyond the arc. Jaden Bradley, who led the team with 18 points, was the only player to hit more than one 3-pointer.

Oumar Ballo scored a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Love managed just 13 points.

Clemson will face the winner of the matchup between one-seed North Carolina and four-seed Alabama.

Arizona’s hopes of playing in front of their home fans in Phoenix ended Thursday

Chase Hunter (1) led the Clemson Tigers to a victory over the Wildcats

Star guard Caleb Love won’t get his dream rematch with former school North Carolina