The return of 7-foot-2 Donovan Clingan to UConn's lineup has had a significant impact on their game. The sophomore star, who had been sidelined with a foot injury since December, showcased his skills and helped the team secure an impressive victory against Xavier. With Clingan back on the court, UConn not only dominated near the basket but also saw improvements in their outside game.
In their latest game against Xavier, UConn extended their winning streak to eight with a resounding 99-56 victory. Clingan had a notable performance, scoring 18 points while also contributing eight rebounds and two blocks. His presence in the paint created opportunities for his teammates, leading to a total of 10 Huskies making successful three-pointers. Coach Dan Hurley acknowledged that Clingan's return played a significant role in improving the team's shooting, stating, 'It's not coincidental that we made more 3s with him back because we got better 3s because of the paint and the rim pressure.'
Tristen Newton also had a standout performance, scoring 22 points to support UConn's dominant display. Additionally, Stephon Castle and Solomon Ball each added 12 points to contribute to the team's victory. UConn's collective effort proved too much for Xavier to handle, as the Musketeers struggled to find their footing throughout the game. Dayvion McKnight and Quincy Olivari were the notable performers for Xavier, with 18 and 14 points respectively, but their efforts didn't make a significant dent in UConn's commanding lead.
From the start, UConn asserted their dominance, scoring the first ten points and keeping Xavier off the scoreboard for the first four minutes. The Huskies embarked on a remarkable 20-0 run, highlighted by Ball's three-pointer and a lob dunk from Newton to Castle, which pushed their lead to a staggering 38-7. By halftime, UConn held a commanding 48-22 advantage, setting the stage for their convincing victory.
One of the standout aspects of UConn's performance was their three-point shooting. The Huskies made an impressive 17 of their 29 attempts from behind the arc, shooting at a remarkable 59% accuracy. This tied a program record set last season against Oregon on November 24, 2022. The team's ability to consistently knock down threes displayed their depth and versatility on offense.
Defensively, UConn showcased their strength by holding Xavier to just 34.4% shooting. They also outrebounded the Musketeers 41-31 and outscored them in the paint by a margin of 38-24. The Huskies' commitment to both ends of the court highlights their well-roundedness as a team.
The victory over Xavier marked a significant milestone for UConn, as it extended their undefeated home record for over a calendar year. The Huskies have not lost on their home court since January of the previous year, displaying their strength on their home turf. Additionally, the team took the opportunity to honor their 2004 national championship team at halftime, inviting former NBA players and notable alumni such as Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, and Charlie Villanueva. Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun, the architect behind UConn's basketball success, was also present to celebrate the program's accomplishments.
Looking ahead, Xavier aims to bounce back from the overwhelming defeat and refocus for their upcoming home game against St. John's. On the other hand, UConn will continue their impressive season as they prepare to host their rival, Providence. It will be another chance for UConn to showcase their dominance and maintain their position as one of the nation's top-ranked teams.
Overall, UConn's victory over Xavier showcased the team's depth, offensive prowess, and defensive resilience. Donovan Clingan's return added a new dimension to their gameplay, elevating the team's performance near the basket while also improving their outside shooting. As the Huskies continue their winning streak, they solidify their status as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
