(CNN) The Final Four saw drama as UConn and San Diego State defeated Miami and Florida Atlantic, respectively, to advance to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game.
Fourth seed UConn beat No. 5 Miami 72-59, but early Saturday No. 5 San Diego State surprised No. 9 Florida Atlantic in the last second to win 72-71. and advanced to their first NCAA title game.
Trailing 71-70 with less than two seconds remaining in the game, Aztec guard Lamont Butler hit a pull-up jumper at the buzzer to propel the school into a national championship game.
Until this season, San Diego had never even reached the Elite Eight, but it will be the UConn Huskies’ first NCAA National Championship game since 2014.
The Huskies got off to a quick start on Saturday, going 9-0 within the first five minutes of the game. Miami He Hurricanes tried to come back into the game, but ultimately no shot fell on the team. UConn forward Alex Caravan scored his 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Huskies led the first half with his 37-24.
UConn’s strong start continued into the second half, extending their lead to 20 points before the Hurricanes’ shots began to drop. Miami cut their lead to 10 points again before the Huskies regained momentum.
Huskies star center Adam Sanogo, who observes Ramadan and has previously said he eats oranges and coconut water before giving information, has been his dominant self. He had a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Jordan Hawkins, who had doubts about playing with a non-Covid illness, added 13 points.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley credits his coaching staff and players for the team’s success.
Hurley said on the CBS broadcast, “I’m very happy to have attracted the right type of people to put me in this position.” Thank you..they gave a chance to a guy who was a high school coach not long ago..what a blessing and incredibly grateful….we’ve been trying..for a while between 5.”
The Huskies are now looking to win the program’s fifth national championship when they face San Diego State University on Monday night at NRG Stadium in Houston.
