RALEIGH, N.C. — As Dan Hurley leads the University of Connecticut into their NCAA Tournament second-round matchup, the Huskies face a different narrative, coming in as underdogs against top seed Florida.
The Huskies are a marked 9 1/2-point underdog.
Their impressive 13-game NCAA Tournament winning streak is challenged by a relentless Florida team. The Gators are on a roll with a seven-game winning streak, securing their first Southeastern Conference title since 2014 with a dominant 95-69 victory over 16th-seeded Norfolk State.
The Huskies (24-10) have the odds against them. However, being UConn, they’re known for their resilience.
“UConn at this time of year, they believe they’re going to win,” remarked Florida coach Todd Golden. “They go into games with the mentality that victory is theirs. Whether as a 1 seed or an 8 seed, as they are now, that belief doesn’t change. Alex Karaban, Coach Hurley, they’re both expecting to win.”
UConn’s history includes recent titles won in 2023 in Houston and back home in 2022 in Glendale, Arizona, putting them in elite company with Duke and Florida as only teams achieving consecutive titles post-John Wooden’s UCLA.
The team’s composition has undergone significant changes.
Just three members from the championship-winning rosters remain. Four key players — Tristen Newton, Cam Spencer, Donovan Clingan, and Stephon Castle — have moved on to the NBA.
Early hurdles emerged this season, with UConn struggling against Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton at the Maui Invitational, leading coach Hurley to question even a .500 season standing.
Rebounding, the Huskies secured a spot as a No. 8 seed, displaying championship vim in their close 67-59 victory over ninth-seed Oklahoma.
“We still have that DNA,” Hurley stated.
However, facing Florida (31-4) and standout guard Walter Clayton Jr. presents a formidable task. Clayton, a first-team All-American, averages 17.7 points, 4.3 assists, and a 38% success rate from the three-point line, leading the nation’s third-best scoring offense.
A victory would be monumental for Florida, not having reached the Sweet 16 since 2017.
“Our ambition at Florida is to compete deep into March, aiming for championships,” Golden commented. “Having won 31 games so far, it’s been an incredible season. Yet, satisfaction demands victory tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Colorado State, a No. 12 seed, carries its own momentum after triumphing over No. 5 Memphis 78-70, though they were narrow 1 1/2-point favorites, diminishing the seed gap’s significance.
Sunday presents a bigger challenge. The Rams (26-9) face-off against No. 4 seed Maryland (26-8) in the West Region’s second round, eyeing a Sweet 16 placement against either Sunday’s Florida or UConn victor.
Past experience aids the Rams, having bested Virginia in last year’s First Four, although they fell to Texas in the early rounds.
“Winning still feels exhilarating,” said Rams guard Jalen Lake. “It’s March Madness. It’s survive and advance. Keeping defensive and offensive strides—and confidence—are crucial.”
This second-round progression is a first for the Rams since 2013, having achieved the Sweet 16 just once, back in 1969.
Maryland enters after an 81-49 first-round win against Grand Canyon in Seattle, with a past NCAA Championship from 2002 and Sweet 16 appearances.
However, Maryland’s journey has its share of drama, with athletic director Damon Evans recently departing for SMU, and Coach Kevin Willard’s unsigned extension amid speculation surrounding openings, such as Villanova.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this,” shared Willard. “Focus is on the current team, nothing else.”