GLENDALE, AZ – As the buzzer signaled halftime at tonight’s Final Four matchup between UConn and Alabama, the score stood at 44-40 in favor of the Huskies. The game began with UConn winning the tipoff, though it was Alabama’s Grant Nelson who opened the scoring with a crisp triple. However, UConn’s Stephon Castle quickly responded, initiating a 7-0 run for the Huskies with his sharpshooting from beyond the arc.
The stakes are exceptionally high as both teams are battling for a coveted spot in the National Title game against Purdue. The game’s pace was established early with both teams showing a preference for long-range shots. Alabama’s Rylan Griffen and Aaron Estrada, along with Latrell Wrightsell, contributed significantly from the three-point line, helping Alabama shoot an impressive 73% from distance in the first half. Despite this, UConn maintained a slight edge throughout much of the period, thanks to solid play from Tristen Newton and dominant inside presence from Donovan Clingan, who not only scored but also changed the game’s momentum with his aggressive play in the paint.
The lead changed hands multiple times as both teams battled fiercely. The Tide’s Mark Sears led all scorers with 11 points, his timely shots keeping Alabama within striking distance as the half wound down. For UConn, Castle led the scoring with 13 points, his performance key in countering Alabama’s perimeter success.
Both teams showed strong offensive capabilities, with Alabama edging UConn in overall field goal percentage 50% to 47%. The rebounding battle was narrowly won by UConn, who gathered 18 rebounds to Alabama’s 15, a testament to their more balanced approach and interior strength.
As the teams head into the locker rooms, the stats and high-energy plays reflect a game that is far from decided. The second half promises to be just as thrilling, with the outcome likely hinging on
